Bulk-Filled Soap: Hidden Dangers

Is your soap making you sick? It just might be. That's because recent research reveals that ordinary bulk-filled soap dispensers can harbor a dangerously high concentration of microbial contamination. In fact, according to the study, there is typically more bacteria in a bulk-filled dispenser than in a toilet in the same bathroom.

"Bacterial contamination may be the greatest threat to public health and wellness in the public restroom environment," says Bruce Mullan, chief operating officer of Swisher International, the industry-leading provider of commercial sanitation services. "It's what all of our efforts are aimed at eliminating, and this study confirms what we've recently begun to suspect: that bulk-filled soap dispensers have significant shortcomings."

In fact, Swisher is so concerned about the threat that these dispensers pose that the company is in the process of converting its entire customer base from bulk-filled soap dispensers to cartridge-based units. Cartridge systems pose none of the contamination risk that bulk-filled systems do, because all of the soap in these units is sealed from exposure to the environment, and all parts that the soap comes in contact with, including the dispensing nozzle, are replaced each time the cartridge is switched out.

Bulk filled soap dispensers are popular because they are exceptionally convenient and inexpensive to fill. They have a reservoir into which pre-mixed soap is poured. When the reservoir runs low, additional product is simply poured in. However, this convenience is exactly why these units are susceptible to contamination. Because they are not well-sealed, the contents are exposed to the air inside the restroom, giving bacteria and other microorganisms including mold and fungi the opportunity to breed. Moreover, they require routine maintenance to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, and the failure to provide proper sanitation of the units can also encourage microbial growth.

"We've relied for many years on bulk soap dispensers because they offer our customers a very affordable way to maintain their facilities," explained Mullan. "However, when new scholarship comes to light that indicates there's a better way to serve the public, we're going to do everything we can to heed those lessons. Our first obligation is to serve the best interests of our customers and their customers - it's part of the reason why we hold a position of trust with so many companies."

Mullan also noted that the company's client base has been quick to embrace cartridge soap technology. Cartridges do have a modest premium attached to them, but businesses are finding that it's typically well within their budgets. What's more, they almost uniformly agree that it's literally a small price to pay for the reassurance they need that they are providing their customers the safest, most hygienic environment possible.

The company's clients have also responded very favorably to the fact that cartridge soap is available in foaming formulations. The new foaming soap provides a richer, more luxurious hand washing experience than typical liquid soap, and that not only increases customer satisfaction but also boosts washing frequency. Companies that are concerned about absenteeism and productivity issues that arise from cross-contamination are typically very welcoming of any technology that gets their employees to wash their hands more often.