How do you clean a soap dispenser?

Some soap dispensers can be cleaned in the dishwasher, though it depends on the brand and material. If yours isn't dishwasher-safe, you can wash it by hand in the sink like you would a dish using warm soapy water, and then rinse it clean. To clean the pump component, run it under warm water in the sink to flush out the tube while pumping it, to get all the soap out. You can also use a little distilled white vinegar to loosen up any built-up residues. Between thorough cleanings, you can just wipe down the outside of the container with the same thing you use to clean your counters.

How often should you clean a soap dispenser?

Since people touch the pump multiple times a day, the outside of your soap dispenser can be wiped down and sanitized as often as every day. As mentioned above, you can use the same cleaning products you use for your counters, like disinfectant wipes or an all-purpose spray. You don't really need to clean the inside very often. Similar to a shampoo bottle, it's fine to use up the contents without washing out the inside along the way. Each time you refill it, you might want to do a thorough cleaning. If the pump is finicky, flushing it out may help.

Do you need a special dispenser for foaming soap?

While the container itself doesn't really matter, in most cases, you'll need a special pump to dispense foaming soap. You'll need to use a particular type of hand wash. Foaming soap is usually a bit thinner than regular hand soap, with a watery consistency, whereas regular soap is more like a gel.

The 8 Best Soap Dispensers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Soap dispensers group shot — The Spruce / Vicky Wasik

Whether you appreciate coordinated bathroom accessories or simply need a reliable dispenser that delivers soap without creating a mess, there's no denying that reusable pumps are currently a hot commodity.

To help you find the perfect option, we tested 11 pump bottles at varying price points. After evaluating each one for quality, durability, design, and overall value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Blomus Sono Soap Dispenser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Umbra Step Soap Dispenser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Eddi Hand Soap Starter Set at Meeteddi.com

Jump to Review

Best for Kitchens:

simplehuman Sensor Pump at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Bathrooms:

The Container Store 10 oz. Nomo Soap Pump at The Container Store

Jump to Review

Best Ceramic:

Crate & Barrel Marah Soap Dispenser at Crate & Barrel

Jump to Review

Best Glass:

Oggi Glass Soap Dispenser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Farmhouse:

Jarmazing Products Mason Jar Soap Dispenser at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.9

Wayfair

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Allmodern.com

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Durability

4.5/5
Design

5/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

4.8/5

What We Like

Modern matte finish
Seven neutral colors
Sturdy
Push-down rubber seal

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Not dishwasher-safe

After testing 11 products, the Blomus Sono was a clear winner, earning perfect 5's for quality, design, and effectiveness. We gave it a 4.5 for durability, noting that it's very sturdy and heavier than it looks online but not dishwasher-safe.

Made of ceramic and composite, the Sono has a chic matte finish in your choice of seven neutral hues ranging from black to taupe to white. Instead of a twist-on design, the pump just pushes down and attaches with a rubber seal.

Unless you're opposed to the rounded, minimalist-modern style, we think most people will love the look, feel, and overall design. While this German soap dispenser is on the pricier side, it's not as exorbitantly expensive as some other high-end options.

Price at time of publish: $39

_{Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.7 x 3.4 inches | Material: Ceramic, composite | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 8.5 ounces}

The Spruce / Theresa Holland
The Spruce / Vicky Wasik
The Spruce / Theresa Holland

4.3

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Macy's

Our Ratings

Quality

3.5/5
Durability

5/5
Design

4/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

4.2/5

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Dishwasher-safe
Looks like glazed ceramic

What We Don't Like

Feels like plastic

For folks on a budget, we highly recommend the Umbra Step. It's extremely effective and still stylish for an affordable price.

While the shiny melamine material looks like glazed porcelain, it feels like plastic, which explains the lower price point. We like that this dishwasher-safe soap dispenser has a versatile design—not blatantly modern nor too rustic for contemporary spaces.

Price at time of publish: $12

_{Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.4 inches | Material: Melamine | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 13 ounces}

4.9

Eddi

View On Meeteddi.com

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Durability

5/5
Design

5/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

What We Like

Aesthetically pleasing
Forward-thinking design
Recyclable bottles

What We Don't Like

Expensive

If you can swing the steep price, go with Eddi. This forward-thinking soap dispenser clocked perfect scores for quality, durability, effectiveness, and design, thanks to its durable stainless steel and zinc alloy construction and sleek, minimalist-modern appeal.

The brand also offers a Hand Soap Starter Set that comes with three recyclable aluminum bottles of soap that go directly into the container, so you never really need to clean the inside, since it doesn't get soapy. After you receive and love your dispenser, you can buy soap refills on the site for a sustainable switch.

Price at time of publish: $48

_{Dimensions: 8.2 x 2.6 inches | Material: Stainless steel, zinc alloy | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 9.5 ounces}

Eddi Hand Soap Starter Set — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Durability

4.5/5
Design

4.5/5
Effectiveness

4.5/5
Overall Value

4.2/5

What We Like

Sanitary design
Three-month battery life
Soap packet included

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Can't manually pump when battery dies

The simplehuman Touch-Free Soap Dispenser is an amazing smart option that's perfect for busy moms or avid chefs who need to keep their hands clean in the kitchen. While it's not dishwasher-safe (due to the lithium-ion battery), it is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean.

This rechargeable soap dispenser has a three-month battery life and a sleek metal body. While it's undoubtedly expensive, this is a great option for kitchens, as stainless steel complements most appliances.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 2.8 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Pump: Automatic | Capacity: 9 ounces}

The Spruce / Theresa Holland
The Spruce / Theresa Holland
The Spruce / Vicky Wasik

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4.3

The Container Store

View On The Container Store

Our Ratings

Quality

4/5
Durability

4/5
Design

4/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Modern yet versatile

What We Don't Like

Only one color

With a white ceramic body and a contrasting matte black plastic pump, the Container Store's Nomo Soap Pump is notably light and probably not dishwasher-safe (though it's not specified in the product description). The modern, yet versatile, appearance will complement most bathroom décor schemes. The simple black and white body looks great on a bathroom sink, while the ceramic is easy to clean and durable.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.8 inches | Material: Ceramic | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 10 ounces}

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4.6

Crate & Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Durability

4/5
Design

4.5/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Large capacity
Handmade

What We Don't Like

Only one color
Not dishwasher-safe

We noted that Crate & Barrel's Marah Dispenser is well-made but not dishwasher-safe, which takes away some of the value. Still, it's surprisingly affordable for Crate & Barrel, and since it's handmade, it has that beautifully imperfect appeal. We love the unique design that has a bit more added interest than a plain dispenser. The plastic pump has a stainless steel-like appearance that adds to the expensive look.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Dimensions: 7.7 x 3 inches | Material: Ceramic | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 14 ounces}

Crate & Barrel Marah White Ceramic Soap Dispenser — The Spruce / Vicky Wasik

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4.4

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Quality

4.5/5
Durability

4/5
Design

4/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

4.3/5

What We Like

Three colors available
Thick and sturdy glass
Hand-blown appearance

What We Don't Like

Not dishwasher-safe

We're big fans of the Oggi Glass Soap Dispenser, which is sturdier and heavier than it looks online. Though the glass is thick, this soap dispenser isn't dishwasher-safe. We like that there are a few tiny bubbles in the glass, which adds character and creates a perfectly imperfect hand-blown appearance. Glass options look super-sleek in a bathroom or kitchen, but they aren't the most durable, so they may not be the best option for households with kids.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 7 x 3 inches | Material: Glass | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 10 ounces}

Oggi Round Glass Soap Dispenser — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

4.3

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Quality

4/5
Durability

4/5
Design

4.5/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

4.2/5

What We Like

Large capacity
Name-brand Mason jar
Water-tight silicone gasket

What We Don't Like

Black paint may chip

If your décor taste leans rustic or industrial, check out this soap dispenser from Jarmazing. On account of the large capacity, affordable price tag, water-tight silicone gasket, and dishwasher-safe container, we love this option for a rustic aesthetic. It's actually a name-brand Mason jar, and the matte black pump balances it out for a modern-farmhouse appeal.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Dimensions: 9 x 3.5 inches | Material: Glass | Pump: Manual | Capacity: 16 ounces}

The 11 Best Hand Soaps of 2023

		Overall Rating	Quality	Durability	Design	Effectiveness	Overall Value
Best Overall: Blomus Sono Soap Dispenser	Amazon	4.9	5	4.5	5	5	4.8
Best Budget: Umbra Step Soap Dispenser	Amazon	4.3	3.5	5	4	5	4.2
Best Splurge: Eddi Hand Soap Starter Set	Meeteddi.com	4.9	5	5	5	5	4.5
Best for Kitchens: simplehuman Sensor Pump	Amazon	4.5	5	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.2
Best for Bathrooms: The Container Store 10 oz. Nomo Soap Pump	The Container Store	4.3	4	4	4	5	4.5
Best Ceramic: Crate & Barrel Marah Soap Dispenser	Crate & Barrel	4.6	5	4	4.5	5	4.5
Best Glass: Oggi Glass Soap Dispenser	Amazon	4.4	4.5	4	4	5	4.3
Best Farmhouse: Jarmazing Products Mason Jar Soap Dispenser	Amazon	4.3	4	4	4.5	5	4.2

Final Verdict

The best option is the Blomus Sono, a uniquely modern soap dispenser that looks stylish, performs well, and is easy to clean. If you're looking for something more affordable (or not so blatantly modern), we recommend the melamine Umbra Step Liquid Soap Pump Dispenser, which still looks beautiful and has multiple color options, but for a budget-friendly price tag.

We tested 11 soap dispensers and used each option in our kitchen and bathroom over the course of one to two weeks. We then assessed them on the basis of quality, durability, design, effectiveness, and overall value. We combined these insights with our editors' independent research to bring you this list.

Size

Most options will fit on your countertop with no problem. But if you're placing yours on a shelf, a windowsill, or another narrow ledge, be sure to check the dimensions.

Bottles range in terms of capacity. Many hold 16 ounces of soap, while others hold substantially less. If you don't mind refilling the bottle more often, a smaller one is fine. However, if it's a nuisance, you might want to opt for something with a larger capacity.

Material

Soap dispensers can be made of glass, plastic, melamine, resin, ceramic, stainless steel, or recycled substances. The choice is partly about aesthetics, though resin, melamine, metal, and plastic are less likely to break. Depending on where you live, some materials are more recyclable than others.

Pump

Most dispensers have a manual design, meaning you use your free hand to pump the soap into your other hand. Manual designs are great for a majority of spaces, but if you're placing a soap dispenser in a high-traffic area, you might consider getting an automatic model, as it'll be more sanitary.

FAQ

How do you clean a soap dispenser?

Some soap dispensers can be cleaned in the dishwasher, though it depends on the brand and material. If yours isn't dishwasher-safe, you can wash it by hand in the sink like you would a dish using warm soapy water, and then rinse it clean.
To clean the pump component, run it under warm water in the sink to flush out the tube while pumping it, to get all the soap out. You can also use a little distilled white vinegar to loosen up any built-up residues. Between thorough cleanings, you can just wipe down the outside of the container with the same thing you use to clean your counters.
How often should you clean a soap dispenser?

Since people touch the pump multiple times a day, the outside of your soap dispenser can be wiped down and sanitized as often as every day. As mentioned above, you can use the same cleaning products you use for your counters, like disinfectant wipes or an all-purpose spray.
You don't really need to clean the inside very often. Similar to a shampoo bottle, it's fine to use up the contents without washing out the inside along the way. Each time you refill it, you might want to do a thorough cleaning. If the pump is finicky, flushing it out may help.
Do you need a special dispenser for foaming soap?

While the container itself doesn't really matter, in most cases, you'll need a special pump to dispense foaming soap. You'll need to use a particular type of hand wash. Foaming soap is usually a bit thinner than regular hand soap, with a watery consistency, whereas regular soap is more like a gel.

Theresa Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019 and covers cleaning products, home décor, and furniture. As a seasoned commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, interior design, and home improvement, she knows how to find the best decorative accents and functional accessories at every price point.

Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who has covered all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.

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