No matter the season, washing your hands is beneficial to your health and prevents the spread of bacteria and germs. One way to make hand-washing even more effective is by using an automatic soap dispenser. “We know that bathroom and kitchen surfaces can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, so the fewer surfaces you touch, the better,” says pediatric nurse practitioner Brittany Ryan, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC. “The purpose of washing your hands is to eliminate germs from the skin, not introduce more—which can happen with traditional bar soap or pump dispensers.”
When shopping for an automatic soap dispenser, look for one that is truly no touch. “Make sure your hand can easily fit under the sensor and spout without touching a surface,” says Ryan. It’s also important to make sure the dispenser spits out enough soap, too. “While more soap doesn’t necessarily mean more effective cleansing, you want to create a lather that will thoroughly clean all areas of your hands,” says Ryan.
If you are interested in purchasing an automatic dispenser for your home, the following options will help ensure your hands are adequately cleaned.
Hand-washing is one of those habits I’ve always taken seriously, especially after learning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that it can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by up to 16%. Automatic soap dispensers take it up a notch by minimizing contact with potentially germy surfaces. In my own kitchen, I’ve noticed how much cleaner it feels when I don’t have to touch a pump after handling raw chicken. When picking one out, I’d also suggest checking the sensor’s sensitivity—some cheaper models can be finicky and leave you waving your hands like you’re casting a spell. And don’t skimp on soap quality either; a good lather is key to getting rid of dirt and grime, as Ryan points out.
Simplehuman Touch-Free Rechargeable Sensor Liquid Soap Pump Dispenser
Simplehuman is known for its high-tech designs that meld seamlessly with the rest of a room’s appliances and décor. This touch-free dispenser has a flexible silicone valve that snaps shut to create a seal, preventing messy drips. Its coolest feature? Position your hands up close for more soap or further away if you need less. $70 at Amazon
I love how sleek this Simplehuman dispenser looks on my countertop—it’s like a little piece of modern art that also keeps things hygienic. The adjustable soap output is a game-changer; I can get just a dab for a quick rinse or a generous squirt for scrubbing up after a messy cooking session. Plus, the rechargeable battery means I’m not constantly buying batteries, which is a win for both my wallet and the environment. If you’re wondering about longevity, I’ve had mine for over a year, and it’s still going strong with no clogs or leaks. Just make sure to use a thinner liquid soap to avoid gumming up the valve.
Simplehuman Touch-Free Sensor Liquid Soap Pump
Also from Simplehuman, this automatic soap dispenser is easy to use and intuitively designed, so it’s a great choice for kids. The clear chamber and pop-off lid make refilling the device a breeze. It comes with a no-drip spout and a filter to prevent clogs. $50 at Amazon
This one’s a favorite in my house because my kids can actually use it without making a mess. The clear chamber lets me see when it’s running low, which is handy because kids tend to go wild with soap. I’ve found that teaching them to hold their hands steady under the sensor helps avoid accidental drips. From a practical standpoint, the filter is a lifesaver—nobody wants to deal with a clogged dispenser. If you’re on a budget but still want quality, this model strikes a nice balance, and it’s durable enough to handle daily use in a busy household.
Anself 300mL Automatic Soap Dispenser
This high-tech, no-touch pump has an infrared smart sensor that dispenses exactly 1 milliliter of soap within a half-second of detection. The sealed rubber material at the bottom prevents leakage and keeps the bottle firmly positioned on your countertop. $24 at Walmart
For the price, the Anself dispenser is a steal. That infrared sensor is super responsive, which I appreciate when I’m in a rush. The 300mL capacity is perfect for smaller households, and the rubber base keeps it from sliding around, even on a wet countertop. I’ve noticed it works best with standard liquid soaps—thicker gels can slow it down a bit. If you’re looking to keep costs low without sacrificing function, this one’s worth a try. Just keep an eye on the battery life; I swap mine out every few months to keep it running smoothly.
Umbra Automatic Soap Dispenser
This dispenser comes in white, black, and nickel finishes, so you can take your pick. The sensor pump automatically dispenses a fixed amount of soap, and the fluid level indicator window lets you see when it’s time for a refill. Best of all, it’s multipurpose: The canister can be filled with dish soap, liquid hand soap, or sanitizer. $36 at Amazon
The Umbra dispenser’s versatility is what sold me—I use it for dish soap by the sink and hand sanitizer in the bathroom. The finish options are a nice touch, especially the nickel, which adds a bit of polish to my space. I’ve found the fixed soap amount to be just right for most uses, though it might feel a tad stingy for heavy-duty cleaning. A tip: keep the sensor clean to avoid misfires, as I learned the hard way after some soap residue built up. It’s a solid pick if you want something stylish and flexible for multiple uses.
Secura Premium Touchless Automatic Soap Dispenser
This automatic soap dispenser has a large, clear container, so you can easily see when it’s time for a refill. It has an on-off switch, so you can preserve the battery life when it’s not in use. Stand it up on the countertop or save space by hanging it with the included wall bracket. $30 at Amazon
The Secura dispenser’s wall-mount option is a game-changer for my small bathroom—it frees up counter space and looks tidy. The on-off switch is a thoughtful feature; I turn it off when I’m away for a few days to save battery life. According to some studies, touchless dispensers can reduce surface contamination by up to 50%, which makes this a smart choice for high-traffic areas. My only gripe is that the sensor can be a bit slow to respond if your hands are too far away, so you might need to experiment with hand placement at first.
Crehora Automatic Soap Dispenser
Formulated with infrared technology, this soap dispenser has an adjustable soap volume control switch that allows you to control the amount of soap it delivers. The top cover is removable, so you can easily refill it when you run low. $27 at Walmart
The adjustable volume on the Crehora dispenser is a standout for me—I can dial it down for quick washes or crank it up for tougher grime. The infrared tech feels fancy for the price, and refilling is a breeze with the removable top. I’ve used it with both hand soap and dish soap, and it handles both well as long as the soap isn’t too thick. One thing to watch: place it away from water splashes to protect the sensor. It’s a great middle-ground option if you want some customization without breaking the bank.
PZOTRUF Automatic Soap Dispenser
With 5 different liquid soap dispenser settings, this automatic dispenser allows you to set your desired volume easily by pressing the plus or minus buttons. Designed with high-quality brushed aluminum, you can keep this dispenser on your countertops without worrying about it rusting. $26 at Amazon
The brushed aluminum on the PZOTRUF dispenser gives it a premium look without the premium price tag. I like that I can tweak the soap volume with those buttons—it’s perfect for tailoring to different family members’ needs. The rust-resistant material is a big plus for my humid bathroom, where other dispensers have shown wear. I’d recommend sticking to a medium setting for daily use to avoid wasting soap. It’s been reliable for months, and I haven’t had to deal with any annoying clogs yet, which is always a win.
SANGFOR Automatic Soap Dispenser
This soap dispenser is compatible with more than just soap—you can fill it with most liquids, such as hand sanitizer, dish soap, body wash, shampoo, gel hand sanitizer, body lotion, and more. It is rechargeable, so you don’t need to worry about replacing the batteries. It can last for up to two to three months per charge. $21 at Amazon
The SANGFOR dispenser is my go-to for versatility—I’ve got one filled with body wash in the shower, and it’s held up great. The rechargeable battery is a huge plus; I was surprised to find it really does last a couple of months on a single charge. It’s also the cheapest option here, which makes it perfect for experimenting with different liquids without committing to a pricier model. My tip: dilute thicker liquids like lotion with a bit of water to keep the pump happy. It’s not the fanciest, but it gets the job done and keeps my hands clean without any hassle.
