Hand Soaps

Restaurant Soap: What You Need to Know

All foodservice establishments need a healthy supply of restaurant hand soap to keep employees and customers safe from potential illnesses. Our hands pick up bacteria in everyday life, and if these bacteria aren't regularly dealt with, they can spread to food and guests. The FDA regulates when and how often foodservice operators must wash their hands in order to keep the public safe, which means not only do you have to ensure your customers are safe, you have to appease the health inspector, too.

Hand soap dispenser refills are necessary to meet all these requirements. Whatever type of dispenser you have, our hand soap refills will keep your hands clean and your customers safe. Because the repetition of handwashing is required, you may want to consider moisturizing lotion soap to counteract the drying effect of soap. We also carry foaming soaps, which last longer than non-foaming soaps.

Common Questions About Commercial Hand Soap

What's the difference between foaming and non-foaming soap?

The primary benefit of foaming hand soap over non-foaming soap is that the foaming version will last longer. The foaming mechanism instills air into the soap, fluffing it up and using less actual soap in the process. This can result in significant cost savings over time but requires a foaming soap dispenser to be useful. Non-foaming soap will have a higher concentration of actual soap in the dispensed portion. Commercial hand soap refills will match either foaming or non-foaming dispensers, so ensure you've chosen the right type.

Do I need lotion or moisturizing restaurant hand soap?

Frequent handwashing can dry out the skin on an operator's hands, leaving them prone to cracking and flaking. This is not only significantly uncomfortable, but it also presents a food safety hazard because cracked skin could expose prepared food to blood and bloodborne contaminants. Choosing commercial hand soap with lotion can help counteract these effects, with the lotion moisturizing the skin after the soap dehydrates it. When you consider how often foodservice operators must wash their hands, soap that can help prevent some of the negative aspects of handwashing becomes quite valuable. Look for soap refills that include "lotion" or "moisturizing" in their description and see if you notice any difference in the performance.

What scent commercial hand soap should I choose?

We carry various scented hand soap refills, as well as some that are unscented. Depending on the style and atmosphere of your commercial foodservice establishment, certain scents may be more appropriate than others. Almost all scents used in our soaps are mild and intended to cover up the potentially unpleasant scent of soap with something more appealing. Consider your establishment's decor, other smells that are likely to be present, and your intended atmosphere when choosing a scent. Additionally, even though we sell restaurant soap in bulk, your purchase will run out at some point, so unlike with other pieces of equipment, you won't be stuck with your choice for years. You can always try a different scent and see which one fits your aesthetic best.

Shop KaTom's collection of the best hand soaps to find the right one for your operation.