The Ultimate Guide to Your Soap Dispenser – 5 Smart Maintenance Tips
A soap dispenser is essential in any modern kitchen: hygienic, practical, and stylish. In this guide, you'll learn how to easily clean and maintain your kitchen soap dispenser – so it lasts longer and keeps looking great.
What you'll need:
- pH-neutral soap (recommended for stainless steel or PVD coating)
- A soft, lint-free cloth
- Warm water
- Optionally, a small (soft) brush for residue removal
Note: Avoid harsh cleaning products and scouring pads – these can damage the coating and cause unnecessary wear.
1. Always use pH-neutral soap
Not all soaps are suitable for use in a high-quality stainless steel or PVD-coated dispenser. Soaps with the wrong pH or aggressive additives may eventually cause discoloration or surface damage. Always opt for a mild, pH-neutral soap free of abrasive or heavily perfumed ingredients.
2. Dilute the soap with water
A soap dispenser performs best when the liquid isn’t too thick. Mix the soap with about one-third water before pouring it into the reservoir. This prevents the soap from drying out or hardening – a common issue in dispensers that haven't been flushed regularly. This small adjustment keeps the pump working smoothly.
3. Rinse the dispenser monthly with warm water
Even with diluted soap, small residues can build up over time. To prevent this, we recommend disassembling the dispenser once a month and rinsing it with warm (not boiling) water. Let it soak briefly to loosen any buildup. This avoids stiffness or clogging – and takes only a minute of your time.
4. Clean the exterior with a soft cloth
The outside of your soap dispenser gets daily contact, splashes, and grease. Wipe it down weekly with a soft cloth and lukewarm water to keep the surface clean and stain-free. This is especially important for coated finishes like Gun Metal, Copper, or Gold: the wrong cloth or abrasive cleaner can leave fine scratches. Gentle, regular cleaning is key.
5. Pull the soap dispenser straight up – do not twist
When refilling, always pull the dispenser straight up to access the top fill opening. Some users try to unscrew the bottle, which can damage the threading or even break the bottle. By pulling the dispenser straight up without twisting, you protect it from unnecessary damage and extend its lifespan. (see below)
Common Issues + Solutions
The soap dispenser is stiff or no longer working
This is often caused by dried or overly thick soap. Flush the dispenser thoroughly with warm water and dilute the soap a bit more. Still having issues? Try a gentler soap or replace the soap altogether.
Rust spots appear on your stainless steel dispenser
Chances are non-pH-neutral soap was used. Harsh soaps can degrade the protective layer. Stop using the soap immediately and contact our customer service team for advice on restoring the finish.
The bottle's threading is broken
This usually happens when the bottle is twisted instead of the dispenser being pulled up. Over time, this can damage the plastic threading. Always pull the dispenser straight up to refill – never twist or force it.
With these practical maintenance tips, your soap dispenser will not only stay beautiful but continue to function smoothly – day after day.
Looking for a new designer soap dispenser or replacement parts?
Explore our collection of soap dispensers in Stainless Steel, Black, Gun Metal, Copper, or Gold – and easily order the perfect match for your kitchen.