Refillable Soap Dispensers: A Hidden Health Risk

Handwashing is one of the most essential practices for maintaining personal hygiene and public health. Can you imagine that, in certain situations, despite washing your hands thoroughly, you may end up with more germs on your hands than before you started? This risk can arise from using refillable soap dispensers, often referred to as “bulk-fill dispensers,” which are commonly found in public spaces.

Refillable soap dispensers, though considered convenient and cost-effective, pose significant risks of bacterial contamination. Studies have shown that hands can have up to 25 times more germs after washing with refillable bulk soap than before washing[1]. Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Canada, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have acknowledged the risks associated with “topping off” refillable dispensers and have issued guidelines against the practice[2][3][4]. Despite these warnings, bulk-fill systems remain widespread in many businesses.

Contamination

Soap can become contaminated when poured into a bulk-fill dispenser, even when it is antibacterial soap. Every time the lid is opened for refilling, germs can enter the tank (where the soap is stored), potentially promoting bacterial growth in the dispenser. Contaminants can be introduced through

• The dirty hands of the cleaning staff, particularly after cleaning tasks such as toilets.

• Airborne germs, such as fecal bacteria or bacteria from coughing and sneezing.
• Foreign objects, including flies, dust, or even plastic parts.
• Dilution of the soap with water.

Additionally, leaving soap in the same dispenser for extended periods without regular and thorough cleaning significantly increases the risk of biofilm formation, which is a severe issue discussed later.

Soap mixing

Refilling dispensers with various brands or types of soap may lead to unintended chemical reactions. These mixtures can affect the soap’s performance and may even neutralize preservatives, rendering the soap less effective and possibly unsafe for use.

• The practice of mixing soap with different brands can influence soap performance and cause reactions between preservatives in the soap, sometimes resulting in their neutralization.
• Soap often dispenses through a durable nozzle that is rarely cleaned, creating another potential contamination point.
• Easily accessible dispensers can also be subjected to vandalism, with individuals deliberately contaminating the soap, as has been observed in schools, for example.

As soap is continually exposed to contaminants and mixing, it increases the risk of biofilm formation.

Biofilms formation

Research indicates that one in four bulk-fill dispensers is contaminated with harmful levels of bacteria, leaving hands with up to 25 times more germs after washing than before.

Biofilm forms when groups of bacteria adhere to surfaces in moist environments. They are extraordinarily difficult to remove or destroy, and have been a subject of study for decades. Once biofilm forms inside the dispenser, it contaminates any new soap added to the dispenser. Studies on biofilms in soap dispensers have shown that:

• Once dispensers are contaminated with biofilm, even cleaning with bleach has proven ineffective, as biofilms are highly resistant to standard cleaning procedures.
• A small number of bacteria from the biofilm can quickly re-contaminate the soap and dispenser, with recontamination occurring within two weeks.
• Contaminants may be present even if not visible to the naked eye. These microorganisms can only be seen through a microscope.
• Biofilms can form in dispensers made of various materials, including plastic and stainless steel.

Once biofilm has developed within a dispenser, the only definitive way to remove contamination is to replace the entire dispenser.

To eliminate the risks associated with refillable dispensers, sealed refill systems are a much safer alternative. These systems ensure that the soap is never exposed to external contaminants. The soap is stored in a sealed cartridge that is only opened when inserted into the dispenser, effectively eliminating the risk of bacterial growth, chemical mixing, and biofilm formation.

Sealed refills for Svema dispensers offer several additional benefits:

• Easier maintenance: These systems require less frequent cleaning and maintenance.
• Safety: Sealed refills often include tamper-resistant features, ensuring the soap is safe from theft or intentional contamination.
• Hygiene: The soap is stored in a sealed cartridge, minimizing exposure to external contaminants, reducing bacterial growth, and preventing biofilm formation.
• Consistency: The soap remains pure and effective, without the risk of mixing with other soaps or additives.

While refillable soap dispensers may appear to be a cost-effective solution, their potential to spread contamination poses significant health risks. Studies have shown that these dispensers can harbor harmful bacteria, disrupt the chemical balance of the soap, and promote biofilm formation. Sealed refill systems offer a safer, more hygienic alternative by ensuring that soap remains uncontaminated.

For businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities, switching to sealed refills is a crucial step in maintaining high hygiene standards and safeguarding public health. These systems not only reduce the risk of contamination but also enhance maintenance efficiency, providing a safer and more sanitary environment for everyone.