Soap dispensers make it easy for people to wash their hands and prevent the spread of germs. The dispensers are easily refilled, helping staff reduce the amount of soap waste.

Permanent nozzles clog and can be difficult to clean, leading to complaints of "soap's out". It also takes time to remove the heavy ADA access panel under the sink to refill these systems.

1. Remove the Soap Dispenser

Over time, your soap dispenser can suffer from wear and tear as well as a build-up of mildew and bacteria. In order to prevent this, it is important to clean your dispenser on a regular basis.

This can be done by easing the dispenser drawer forward until it stops, releasing a button lock (1) and then sliding the drawer fully out (2). The drawer can then be thoroughly cleaned using warm water.

A brush may help with this process, particularly around the area where the shower holes are located on the underside of the dispenser drawer opening. If fabric conditioner is used regularly, a wax-like residue may build up in this area and can be difficult to remove without scraping.

If your sink doesn’t have a predrilled hole for a soap dispenser, you can drill one yourself. However, it is important to ensure that you use the correct size drill and to take care not to damage your sink.

2. Unscrew the Soap Dispenser

The soap dispenser is a convenient and useful accessory to have in any home. However, there are times when it becomes stuck and cannot be moved from the lowered position. There are several reasons why this can happen, but the most common reason is that there is a blockage inside the pump.

To fix the problem, you will need to unscrew the soap dispenser. This is a relatively simple process, but you will need the correct tools to get the job done. First, you will need to remove the nozzle of the soap dispenser. This may be difficult because it is usually locked by the manufacturer.

Check the top of the dispenser to see if it is a twist off or pull off type. If it has a twist-off lid, turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. If it has a pull-off lid, just pull the lid straight upward. You may need to wiggle the dispenser while pulling it to ensure that the pump is disconnected.

3. Remove the Soap

Soap dispensers cut down on soap spills and bottle clutter, but they also require a bit more work to clean than wiping down a regular soap dish. The pump and nozzle of the dispenser are designed to move soap from the inside container through the tubing to your hands, but these parts can get clogged with hardened soap and dirt that needs to be cleaned away.

Soak the entire dispenser and drawer in warm soapy water to thoroughly wash them (refrain from using harsh detergents that may damage plastics). A brush with stiff bristles may help to loosen any stubborn deposits around the top underside of the drawer opening, where the "shower holes" are located.

If all else fails, try a small pipe cleaner, along with the distilled vinegar and hot water, to help break up any blockages and restore the soap dispenser to full working condition. Once clean, reassemble the inside working parts of the soap dispenser, refill with liquid soap and re-mount to the wall.

4. Replace the Soap

Soap dispensers are available in both liquid and foam, but the best choice for your sink is a foam soap dispenser. It offers nearly double the amount of hand soap per pouch, so you need to refill less often. Plus, it doesn’t drip, so it reduces waste and residue on your countertops and sink.

Before you put in your new dispenser, make sure that it will work with your current faucet. Some models require a special hole that’s predrilled into the sink. Others require that you use an escutcheon plate, which covers three holes at once.

Also, make sure the dispenser’s bi-metal switch is in alignment with the detergent dispenser door. If it isn’t, you can’t open the dispenser door and the dispenser won’t pump. To check this, close the dispenser door and press on the bi-metal switch. If it snaps in, the switch is in place. If it snaps back out, the switch isn’t aligned.

Final Touch

Now that you know how to change a soap dispenser, consider upgrading to a touchless model for better hygiene and convenience. Explore our collection of modern Kitchen Soap Dispensers.