How do automatic soap dispensers work?

An automatic soap dispenser can be a battery-operated or mains-powered system; the motion sensor underneath the unit activates the circuit and internal mechanical cogs to compress the pump, releasing the soap onto the user’s hands.

Can automatic soap dispensers be used for hand sanitiser?

Most automatic soap dispensers have a polypropylene (PP) internal reservoir which is highly resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Unfortunately, we heard that a lot of the dispensers flooding the market during the pandemic, were using plastics not capable of withstanding alcohol products and as such were quickly cracking. All our product pages should state whether the sensor soap system is suitable for alcohol hand sanitiser. If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to call 0114 3540047, and one of our washroom experts will be happy to assist.

How to refill a sensor soap dispenser?

The automatic soap dispensers we offer will either be wall-mounted and require opening via a quick-release system or key from the top or side of the unit, or surface mounted where you need to go behind a panel or under the sink to refill the soap container. Each product page will have a downloadable installation and maintenance guide available. If you can’t forward what you are looking for, please email sales@ihdryers.co.uk

How much are sensor soap dispensers?

We have sensor soap dispensers in plastic starting from £19.99, considerably less if purchased in bulk through to marine grade steel dispensers for almost £500! The price of the dispenser largely depends on the material used and the specialised nature of the application. We have a price point to cover every budget and all products are backed up by excellent guarantees and aftercare service.

Best automatic soap dispensers

‘Best’ always depends on the application and the design you wish the product to fit in with. A standard automatic stainless-steel dispenser may not stand up to the requirements of a marine environment, whereas a £500 dispenser is a completely unnecessary expense for a school. You can find a basic guide below that should help answer what makes the ‘best automatic soap dispenser’ for your needs.

Our best-priced sensor soap dispenser is the Cleanflow 1.1tlr
Our largest capacity automatic soap dispenser is the 1.6ltr Mediclinics Countertop dispenser
Best-priced stainless steel soap dispenser - 650ML Automatic Stainless Steel Liquid Soap Dispenser
The best anti-ligature sensor soap dispenser for mental health units and prisons is the Cleannflow 900ml sensor soap dispenser

Are automatic soap dispensers worth the money?

Automatic soap dispensers are more expensive than manual soap dispensers but is it worth paying the extra? The answer is yes if you want optimum hygiene. Although touching a surface touched by many others shouldn’t be too much of an issue when you are immediately washing your hands afterward, this does depend on hands being thoroughly cleaned and dried, automatic soap dispensers remove cross-contamination points. Medical and food processing facilities are locations where the extra investment makes complete sense.

Automatic soap dispensers may save money in the long run as the system carefully dispenses a pre-set amount before resetting a few seconds. This stops the user, from repeatedly pushing the dispenser and getting excessive amounts of soap.

In locations where sensor soap dispensers may get misused, automatic soap dispensers may not be the answer. Locations like schools or public buildings where children may enjoy setting them off without any intention to use the soap or sanitiser is an example of a wrong location, where the investment may not be worth it.

Advantages of automatic soap dispensers

Improved hygiene
Easier to keep clean looking
reduces over-consumption
Creates a positive image of your facilities
Less wear and tear from being no-touch

Disadvantages of automatic soap dispensers

More expensive than manual
Requires batteries - cost
Batteries may run out
May get misused in some environments

What finishes of automatic soap dispensers are available?

We offer white metal and plastic, brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, black metal and plastic, yellow, and silver and can also customise or provide special orders in almost any colour. Please get in touch with our team if you have a particular requirement.

We work with the world’s leading brands

As a specialist in commercial bathroom fittings, we work with the world’s leading manufacturers including Delebie, Dolphin, Mediclinics, Marplast and Cleanflow. You will find automatic soap dispensers from brands you can trust.

For articles on the future of touchless washrooms please see our expert piece in Future constructor and Architect

If you need commercial washroom design inspiration, why not check out our ranges and collection section

Not sure an automatic soap dispenser is a right product for you, please browse our main soap dispenser section and filter to your ideal product

Dolphin Soap Dispensers