A foaming soap dispenser pumps air into liquid hand soap to produce a soapy foam. Regular soap dispensers do not pump air into soap and they have a thicker consistency than foaming hand soap. Foaming soap can help individuals wash their hands more quickly and effectively, with less water than traditional solid or liquid soap. This can reduce the amount of water wasted by households and help save money on utility bills.
Easy To Use
Unlike regular soap dispensers, which require you to pump down for the soap to come out, foaming soap dispensers automatically dispense the amount of liquid soap or lotion that’s required by hand-washing guidelines. These dispensers are easy to clean and keep stocked. They’re also easy to mount and replace. Stainless steel and glass versions are durable, so they’ll withstand repeated use. They look sleek and clean in bathrooms and kitchens, and they can be matched with other sink accessories for a cohesive aesthetic.
The pump in a Foaming soap dispenser can sometimes get clogged with old or solidified soap. If you notice this happening, it’s important to disassemble the pump section and soak it in hot water until the soap dissolves. Changing the type of soap you buy may help prevent clogging as well. It’s important to order soap made specifically for foaming soap dispensers because other types may clog the equipment.
Less Soap
Foaming soap is the same as liquid hand soap but it comes out of the dispenser as a foam. This is because a foaming soap dispenser has a special pump that mixes air with the soap. This explains why you can’t use regular hand soap in a foaming dispenser – it won’t lather properly. Using foam soap is more environmentally friendly than liquid hand soap because it requires less water to rinse off your hands. This results in fewer litres of water used which saves money on your water bill. It also means that you can get more hand washes out of a soap refill and reduces packaging waste.
Adding sugar to your homemade foaming soap can help it to thicken up, as can a few drops of rubbing alcohol. You’ll need to experiment with the ratios of each ingredient to see what consistency you like. Just don’t add too much soap or it will clog the pump.
Less Water
Foaming soap dispensers use much less water than regular liquid or bar soap. This helps to conserve water and is more environmentally friendly than traditional soap dispensers. It also allows you to get more hand washes per pack of soap and reduces the amount of packaging that needs to be used which lowers the levels of pollution. The reason foaming soap dispensers use so little water is because they inject air into the soap as it pumps. Most regular soap dispensers can’t do this because the soap is too thick to allow air in but foaming dispensers can.
You can make your own foaming soap dispenser from a Mason jar by cutting a hole in the snap lid with a hammer and nail. Then you can add soap and essential oil. This is a great GIY (Green-it-Yourself) project to help save on costs and resources. Also it is a fun way to recycle an old container that you might have lying around the house.
Environmentally Friendly
Foam soap is dispensed from the top, reducing gravity leaks that can cause a mess on the wall or counter. This reduces the need for cleaning staff to deal with drips, stains and clogs, saving time and money. Foamy hand soap is also thinner than liquid or spray soap, making it less prone to clog drains. As such, it saves up to 16 % of water used in the hand washing process.
Another advantage of zero waste foaming soap dispensers is that they’re made from glass, a material that doesn’t require toxic chemicals to manufacture. It’s recyclable, too. And if you’d rather not invest in an entirely new soap dispenser, simply use one of the lids from your mason jars and add your favorite natural hand soap refills. We recommend these reusable, organic, vegan and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free refills from Cleancult (a B Corporation Certified company, 1% for the Planet member and MADE SAFE product). These refills are available in bulk for a more economical option.
Final Word
Many foaming soap dispensers come with a disclaimer saying not to refill them with regular liquid hand soap because it will clog the pump. Yet, many people do just that. Foaming soap dispensers save 45% of water used during traditional handwashing. They are also more eco-friendly and kinder to the skin.
