Simple Steps to Maintaining Your Automatic Soap Dispenser for Optimal Performance

How to Clean Your Automatic Soap Dispenser for Optimal Performance

Wash bulk soap dispensers upon every refill: According to the CDC, bulk soap dispensers should be removed from the wall and washed upon every refill. This is because they can become contaminated during the refilling process. Microbiologist Dr. Gerba has found that 20-25% of bulk dispensers will have large quantities of bacteria at some point.

Clean valves periodically with hot water: To maintain optimal performance, it is recommended that the valves be cleaned periodically with hot water. This will help prevent clogs and ensure smooth dispensing.

Keep the exterior of the dispenser clean: The exterior of the dispenser should be kept free of soap for prolonged periods by rinsing with water and a soft sponge. This will prevent soap buildup and prolong the lifespan of the dispenser.

Run hot water through the dispenser if performance slows down: If the performance of the dispenser begins to slow down, it may be time for a cleaning. Fill the dispenser with hot water and run it through to clean out any buildup.

Dilute soap with water for BLANCO dispensers: For BLANCO soap dispensers, it is recommended to dilute soap with water using a 70/30 proportion. This will help maintain the longevity of the dispenser.

Type of Soap to Use in Your Automatic Soap Dispenser

To prevent clogging, it is best to avoid glycerin-based liquid soap. However, foaming soap, alcohol gel, detergents, and disinfectants can be used. Foaming soap saves more water and soap, but requires a specific type of dispenser.

Regularly cleaning the nozzle and flushing the pump with warm water or white vinegar can also help prevent clogging.

Preventing Automatic Soap Dispenser from Dispensing Too Much Soap at Once

Dilute or thin soap with water to prevent clogging

Use toothpick to clear buildup within exit points

Rub Vaseline or beeswax around exit point for further protection

Power off device before refilling, picking up or moving to prevent accidental dispenses

Prime device after refilling to prevent accidental dispenses

Clean sensor and nozzle with fine pick if dispenser is not working properly

Cover hole and push button all the way to troubleshoot dispenser that is not working

Adjust dispenser if nearby object is triggering sensor or button is jammed

How to Troubleshoot Your Automatic Soap Dispenser

Check for clogs: If the pump is clogged, flush it with warm water or add white vinegar for stubborn clogs. Periodically flushing the pump with warm water can also prevent clogs caused by infrequent use. Diluting the soap with water can also help break down the concentration of the soap.

Prime the dispenser: If the dispenser is not dispensing soap at the optimal amount, it may need to be primed before dispensing.

Check for leaks: If the dispenser is leaking, try to determine where the leak is coming from. You may only need to replace the faulty part instead of the entire dispenser.

Replace the pump: If the dispenser still does not work, there may be a crack in the tube and the pump will need to be replaced. The sensor may also be damaged, the batteries may have run out, or the wiring may be faulty.

Replacing batteries in automatic soap dispensers for optimal performance

It is necessary to replace the batteries in automatic soap dispensers, but the frequency of replacement depends on the facility and the dispenser model. In most facilities, batteries in soap dispensers last for one to two years, but high-volume buildings may have to replace them once or twice a year.

Some automatic soap dispensers have a low battery indicator that blinks red to remind the building owner to replace the batteries. It is suggested to replace the batteries of an automatic soap dispenser once the low battery indication starts to flash.

However, some automatic soap dispensers have a low consumption of battery, so new batteries do not need to be replaced frequently. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for battery replacement and to insert the batteries in the correct direction.

A low battery level can affect how much soap or sanitizer is being dispensed, so it is critical to keep the dispenser in working condition at all times.

Preventing Automatic Soap Dispenser Leaks and Drips

Check the design of the dispenser. If the soap reservoir is beneath the pump, soap has to be drawn up to the nozzle or spout. In this case, soap dripping can occur when a bit of soap is left close to the end of the nozzle and slowly falls away after use.

Remove the soap cartridge and check for soap residue where the reservoir meets the pump. Soap build-up can cause the dispenser to leak.

Soak the pump in warm water and clean it. There could be a blockage or a loose pump that needs to be tightened. Also, check the placement of the dispenser.

Install a drip tray to catch excess soap that drips when a user removes their hands too quickly, or to catch soap that leaks from the dispenser.

If all else fails, replace the soap. Sometimes, diluted soap can cause the dispenser to leak.

Turn off dispenser to conserve battery life

To conserve battery life and prevent accidental dispenses, it is recommended to turn off the automatic soap dispenser when not in use. Low battery levels can affect soap dispensing, so please keep the dispenser in working condition.

Here are some tips to maintain optimal soap dispensing:

Prime the pump by activating the dispensing cycle until a smooth stream of liquid comes out.

Repeat this step 6-12 times if necessary, especially for thicker liquid soaps.

Turn off the dispenser before handling to avoid unnecessary dispensing.

If the dispenser doesn’t turn on, try removing and re-inserting the batteries and double-checking their installation. Keep in mind that some warranties may not cover battery life, so conserving battery life is important.

Maintaining Your Automatic Soap Dispenser for Optimal Performance

Clean the valve periodically: Hot water should be pumped through the valves to clear out soap residue. Valves should also be soaked occasionally in hot water or a soap valve cleaning solution.

Use good quality soap: The soap dispenser must be filled with soap that has reasonable viscosity and pH levels. Ensure that the soap is properly diluted if it comes in concentrate form.

Clean the pump: If the dispenser is clogged or empty, the pump should be cleaned and rinsed with clean running water. A robust and long service life soap pump is recommended.

Keep the dispenser stocked: Ensure that the dispenser is adequately stocked with soap or sanitizer to avoid empty dispensers. Automated touchless dispensers often offer visible blinking or colored lights that indicate when the dispenser is empty.

Clean and sanitize the dispenser: Periodically clean and sanitize the bulk soap dispensers to avoid contamination. Use a soft and moist cloth to clean the dispenser, and clean the soap tank with water.

Using the Right Soap for Your Automatic Soap Dispenser

Different models of automatic soap dispensers have varying requirements when it comes to the type of soap they can use. Some can only use specific soap types, while others can accommodate most soap types as long as they are within acceptable viscosity.

It is crucial to know the difference between foam and liquid soap because they are not interchangeable in a dispenser.

Using the wrong type of soap can damage the dispenser or cause it to malfunction.

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct type of soap to use in their product.

Some soap dispensers can house both liquid soap and alcohol-based consumables, while others can only take liquid soap.

Some models of soap dispenser only take foaming soap.

Some soap dispensers have different inner tanks but the same outer casing, allowing you to interchange the tanks and valves to suit various soaps.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Automatic Soap Dispensers

Automatic soap dispensers can be very convenient, but they can also experience issues that can affect their performance. If you’re having trouble with slow or inconsistent dispensing rates, there are several things you can try to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the sensor: If the dispenser has an obstructed sensor, it may be necessary to clean the sensor area with water and remove any stuck soap. This can help to ensure that the sensor is able to detect your hand and dispense soap as needed.

Replace the battery: If the battery in your automatic soap dispenser is low or dead, it can cause issues with dispensing. Try replacing the battery to see if this resolves the problem.

Check for a clogged nozzle: If the nozzle of your dispenser is clogged, it may be necessary to clean it out to ensure that soap can flow freely. This can be done by removing the nozzle and rinsing it out with warm water.

Ensure the soap level is not too low: If the soap level in your dispenser is too low, it can cause issues with dispensing. Make sure to refill the dispenser when the soap level gets low to prevent this from happening.

If you have a manual soap dispenser, there are other issues that can cause problems with dispensing. Here are some things to try:

Check the pump: If the pump in your manual soap dispenser is broken, malfunctioning, or clogged, it can cause issues with dispensing. Try cleaning the pump more frequently, switching to a soap with less glycerin, or thinning the soap to see if this resolves the problem.

Clean the pump: Foaming soap dispensers can experience sticking due to soap and oil ingredient buildup, which can be remedied by cleaning the pump. Try cleaning the pump with warm water and soap to see if this helps.

Adjust the dispenser: To adjust the level of soap or sanitizer dispensed, it may be necessary to check the soap level, switch to a different soap, or adjust the dispenser’s timing knob. Experiment with these settings to find the optimal dispensing rate for your needs.

How to Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap

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