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Foam vs Liquid Soap: Which is better?

One key decision in setting up an effective hand hygiene system is choosing between foam and liquid soap. Both have their benefits, but understanding their differences in cost, effectiveness, user experience, and environmental impact can help you make the right choice for your workplace.

6 min read
OVERVIEW

Choosing between foam and liquid soap? This blog breaks down the pros and cons of each. Foam soap offers cost savings and quicker handwashing, while liquid soap may provide more thorough cleaning. Explore which option suits your business needs best.






The Importance of Choosing the Best Hand Hygiene System

The role of a good hand hygiene system in the workplace cannot be overstated. It’s not just about providing soap and water, but about ensuring that your employees and visitors have easy access to effective products that encourage proper handwashing. 

This is especially true in high-touch areas like kitchens, restrooms, and healthcare environments where the spread of bacteria and viruses can happen in an instant. Investing in cost-effective soap dispensers ensures consistent hygiene while keeping expenses manageable. Choosing the right hand hygiene system can:

  •  Prevent illness outbreaks: The proper handwashing system reduces the transmission of harmful bacteria and viruses.
  •  Improve employee health: Fewer sick days mean higher productivity and happier employees.
  •  Boost customer satisfaction: Clean and well-maintained facilities build trust and reputation with clients.


Your hygiene system impacts everything from staff performance to customer experience, so taking the time to select the right one is key to maintaining a clean and safe environment. 





Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hand Hygiene System for Your Workplace

Selecting the right hand hygiene system is crucial, as different systems serve different needs. Here are key factors to keep in mind: 

 1. Environment Type: Healthcare facilities need systems that kill germs and bacteria effectively, while industrial or high-traffic areas benefit from touchless dispensers to reduce cross-contamination. Offices or retail spaces might prefer simple, skin-friendly dispensers that are easy to maintain.

 2. Ease of Use: A complicated system won’t get used. Choose dispensers that are simple to operate, refill, and maintain. Touchless systems work well for high-traffic areas, but manual pumps are easier to manage in lower-traffic settings.

 3. Cost-Effectiveness: Consider both the upfront and ongoing costs. A higher-quality system may cost more initially but can save money in the long run by reducing waste and minimizing maintenance needs.

 4. Sustainability: If sustainability is a priority, look for eco-friendly dispensers that support refillable products or soap pods, which help reduce plastic waste.

 5. Capacity and Efficiency: For high-traffic areas, opt for dispensers with larger capacities to ensure constant availability of soap or sanitizer. Automatic dispensers that deliver the right amount with each use also help reduce waste.





What Research Shows About Foam Soap Systems

Foam soap dispensers are widely used for their convenience, but soap and sanitation research has raised concerns about their effectiveness. A 2017 study found that foam soap was less effective at killing harmful bacteria than liquid soap, especially in environments requiring stringent hygiene. 

However, the effectiveness depends on the soap’s formulation. Some foam soaps include antibacterial agents that enhance their bacteria-killing abilities, making foam soap a viable option for many workplaces. 

That being said, foam soap has its own set of advantages: 

  •  Cost-effective: Foam soap dispensers use less soap per use, which can save money in the long run.
  •  Gentler on skin: Many foam soaps are formulated with moisturizing ingredients, making them kinder to your hands.
  •  Environmentally friendly options: There are eco-friendly foam soap options available that use less plastic and are made with natural ingredients.


At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing the right soap formula. If you’re looking for an efficient, skin-friendly, and cost-effective hand hygiene solution, foam soap can still be a good choice, but make sure to invest in high-quality products. 





Cost Comparison:
Foam Soap Dispensers vs. Liquid Soap Dispensers

Let’s talk numbers! One of the biggest factors when choosing between foam and liquid soap dispensers is cost. At first glance, you might think the price difference is minimal. But, when you factor in soap usage over time, the savings can add up. 


How Much Soap Do You Use?

    •  Liquid Soap: Typically, a liquid soap dispenser uses about 3ml of soap per pump.
    •  Foam Soap: Foam soap dispensers use much less—around 0.4ml per pump.


By switching to foam soap, you could save $4,380 annually! That’s a big savings! Over the next 5 years, you could save $21,900. That’s money you can put back into your business!

By switching to foam soap, you could save $4,380 annually! That’s a big savings! Over the next 5 years, you could save $21,900. That’s money you can put back into your business!






Conclusion

In the end, choosing the best hand hygiene system for your facility is about more than just picking a dispenser. It’s about making a smart investment that saves you money and keeps your employees and customers healthy. Foam soap dispensers are a cost-effective, eco-friendly option that can save you a lot of money over time, especially when paired with a high-quality foam soap product.  

If you’re not sure if your current system is the most efficient, contact us and schedule a free washroom audit. These audits will help you spot hidden costs in your washroom setup and identify the best solutions for your facility. Click here to schedule your free audit and start saving today! 

By making the right choice, you’ll be investing in the health of your workplace and saving money in the process. 

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