What’s the safest soap for business restrooms? The first thing to understand is that not all hand soap is created equal.

For more than three decades, manufacturers promoted antibacterial products as more effective in killing germs and eliminating body odor. In response, consumers were willing to pay more for anti-bacterial soap.

And the manufacturers’ claims were valid. While plain soap and water work together to envelop bacteria and wash it down the drain, they don’t kill microbes as antibacterial products do.

Unfortunately, antibacterial soap relies on chemicals that prevent bacteria from multiplying. In 2017, safety concerns led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban triclocarban, triclosan, and 17 other substances for use in over the counter hand and body wash products.

“New data suggest that the systemic exposure to these active ingredients is higher than previously thought, and new information about the potential risks from systemic absorption and long-term exposure is now available,” the FDA document states. “New safety information also suggests that widespread antiseptic use could have an impact on the development of bacterial resistance.”

At first glance, the FDA rule seems to trade one risk for another. However, the Minnesota Department of Health asserts that there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap for preventing infection under most circumstances in homes or public places. Therefore, antibacterial soap is no longer recommended for use outside a healthcare setting unless prescribed by a doctor.

Can germs survive on a bar of soap?
Non-antiseptic soap harbors germs and bacteria. A 2006 study of 32 dental clinics found bacteria growing on the bar soap in all of them. Academic research studies cited by CleanLink found that germs stick to hands washed with contaminated soap, thereby transferring them to other surfaces and people.

Is Liquid Soap Safer Than Bar Soap?
Germs are often transferred from hands to liquid soap through the touch mechanism on standard refillable containers. Once contaminated, the dispenser also allows viruses and bacteria to fester. One study suggested that hands washed with soap from a refillable bottle can have as much as 25 times more germs than before washing.

Fortunately, the study also showed that participants who washed their hands with uncontaminated soap from automatic no-touch dispensers had significantly fewer bacteria after washing. 

What’s the best Soap for Business Restrooms?

After weighing the pros and cons of various forms of soap, the best solution appears to be automatic dispensers with factory-sealed liquid soap packages rather than bulk soap units. Sealed soap refills are also faster and easier to install with less mess.

For Vanguard Cleaning of Minnesota customers, select soap dispensers are expertly installed at your convenience. And once the dispensers are in place, we will supply you with high-quality soap at a great price, just one piece of The Vanguard Cleaning Difference.

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Does your current janitorial service manage your supply inventory? Maybe it’s time to hire a new commercial cleaning company?

Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Minnesota can help you consider all your needs and options before you make a move. Download our free guide, “8 Steps to Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Company”