Spending a substantial amount of money on home accessories can sometimes be a wavering move to make. However, if you’ve been thinking about installing a soap dispenser or replacing an old one, then you might want to do that now.
A soap dispenser is almost an absolute necessity nowadays. People are cleaning, washing, and sanitizing now and then, so having access to soap is a great way to keep everything sanitary.
Buying a soap dispenser may seem like a breeze but there are plenty of things to consider when making the purchase. Aside from finding the best model, you’ll want to check that your counters or kitchen can easily support the installation.
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Where Do You Install a Soap Dispenser? Should I Install Soap Dispenser In Quartz?
When deciding where to place a soap dispenser in your kitchen or bathroom, you basically have three options: on the countertop, attaché to the wall, or install directly into the countertop next to the faucet. Below we’ve discussed the various pros and cons of each type of dispenser.
Countertop Soap Dispenser
A countertop soap dispenser is a small, freestanding container made of plastic, metal, glass, or ceramic. It serves by dispensing soap through either a manual pump or an electronic sensor.
This type of dispenser is suitable for someone who prefers a low-cost option. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles to complement your kitchen décor or bathroom.
On the flip side, the countertop soap dispenser takes up valuable space on small countertops. Moreover, due to their small size, countertop dispensers need to be refilled often.
Not forgetting that pouring liquid soap from a larger container into the dispenser’s typically small opening can be a messy job.
Sink-Mounted Soap Dispenser
The majority of homeowners choose this option for their bathrooms or/and kitchen. Sink-mounted dispensers generally have a small pump that’s easy to see above the countertop. The rest of the apparatus hangs beneath the counter as it’s concealed in the base cabinetry.
Although these models are more costly to buy and install, they reduce clutter on the countertop, and in turn add a stylish touch to your sink’s overall look. Note that low-quality models tend to rust and clog, so we recommend you invest up-front in a higher-end dispenser.
Wall-Mounted Soap Dispenser
If you have limited space on your countertop, you may choose to mount the soap dispenser on the wall. While most bathrooms have a mirror over the sink, wall-mounted dispensers are mostly hung to one side of the basin. The same case applies to kitchen sinks topped by windows.
One major highlight about wall-mounted soap dispensers is that their larger size makes it rather easier to refill them. Most wall-mounted dispensers utilize bags/cartridges of soap, which are relatively easy to replace.
On the other hand, most wall-mounted soap dispensers feature an institutional look that can be out of place in a home setting.
How far should Soap Dispenser Be From Faucet?
While there are different measurements for soap dispensers’ placement, particularly sink-mounted options, there are no specified rules as to how far a soap dispenser should be from a faucet.
Countertop Dispenser
Although a countertop dispenser can simply be moved around where necessary, it’s best to place it within easy reach of the person operating the faucet. Usually, a countertop soap dispenser should be placed within 6” to 8” of the faucet.
Sink-Mounted Dispenser
Kitchen sink-mounted soap dispensers usually measure 8 inches on center from the faucet. This means the distance between the center of the hole of the faucet and the center of the hole of the dispenser is 8 inches. In the bathroom, the normal distance between the faucet and the sink-mounted dispenser is 4” on center.
Wall-Mounted Dispenser
The installation or placement of a wall-mounted soap dispenser largely depends on the size and configuration of the sink and its surrounding. If your bathroom does have a mirror above the sink, the soap dispenser should be placed beside the mirror.
If your kitchen has a window above the sink, you might want to position the dispenser to the side. That said, be sure not to bump into cabinets. Installing the soap dispenser where it’s convenient to use and refill, without skimping in the sink’s aesthetic balance can be challenging.
Bathroom
The majority of the right-handed people place their bathroom soap dispenser to the right of the sink. This makes it easy to use the dispenser with the dominant hand while operating the faucet with the non-dominant left hand.
Meanwhile, left-handed people mostly position countertop/movable soap dispensers to the left of the faucet. They, however, tend to install wall/sink-mounted dispensers on the right.
Kitchen
Deciding which side to install the soap dispenser on is a more complex task in the kitchen than in the bathroom. This is because there are more potential uses for the dispenser and more possible placement of faucets and accessories.
For instance, if you place three dispensers- probably one for dish soap, hand soap, and the other one lotion- you will most likely choose to place the dish soap dispenser away from the other two. Ask yourself these questions before you decide on the placement:
- What’s the current configuration of your sink, and how will it affect soap dispenser placement
- How many accessories (lotion/soap dispensers, sprayers, hot water shot dispenser, filtered water dispenser do you intend to install?
- When carrying dirty dishes to the sink, which hand will they be in?
- When washing/scrubbing pots and pans, which hand will hold and which will do the job?
Addressing these questions should allow you to see yourself doing various tasks at the kitchen sink. Plan the layout of your accessories and faucet based on this visualization.
The Bottom Line
Installing a soap dispenser can add both style and convenience to your kitchen or bathroom.
The configuration of the faucet, sink, and accessories, and even your own personal preferences will dictate the best placement for the dispenser.
While there are no specific codes or rules to follow, the most important factors are convenience, accessibility, and style.