Tips To Minimize Soap Waste

In this article, industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by building service contractors

How can janitors minimize soap waste?

Janitors can minimize soap waste by making sure they do not change out the soap or hand sanitizer cartridges until they are totally empty. It is tempting to change the cartridges early to save themselves a trip back to change only the soap during routine maintenance. They could be throwing away 50 to 100 milliliters of usable soap (equal to 25 to 50 hand washes).

— Ronald Lewis, associate brand manager, Henkel - Diversified Markets Division, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Using well-constructed, reliable soap dispensers, preferably using disposable refill bottles, will enable janitors to minimize soap waste. Foaming soaps are better value as you get up to 50 percent more hand washes from a bottle than you would from a lotion or liquid soap.

Foaming soaps also minimize water use because the soap is “pre-lathered” and doesn’t require the user to rub their hands together to create the lather, while the tap is running.

— Greg Hill, product manager, hand care, Zep Sales & Service, Atlanta

Can soaps or hand sanitizers damage counter surfaces or floors?

For facilities concerned with damaging surfaces there are options available to minimize the risk of someone pulling their hand away too fast and causing spills. Floor and wall protectors are typically accessories that can be added to an existing dispenser.  

— Joe Drenik, marketing communications and services senior director, GOJO Industries, Akron, Ohio

Both products contain ingredients that in small amounts are totally harmless. Over time, buildup of soap residue or hand sanitizer drips onto a counter or the floor, could damage the finish. That is why most soap companies provide "catch trays" or "drip trays" for their soap dispensers.

— Ronald Lewis, associate brand manager, Henkel - Diversified Markets Division, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Hand soaps and sanitizers for everyday use, typically won’t affect counter surfaces or floors. However, the alcohol from hand sanitizers may, over time, affect some floor finishes if allowed to drip onto the floor. This is why you often see “drip trays” attached to the floor stands that hold hand sanitizer dispensers. They will catch any drips and allow the alcohol to evaporate.

— Greg Hill, product manager, hand care, Zep Sales & Service, Atlanta