Fontana Touchless Study: Bulk Soap Contamination in Public Restroom Dispensers at Airports

Hygiene and public safety in high-traffic restrooms, such as those in airports, convention centers, and shopping malls, are critical concerns. A recent study conducted by Fontana Touchless at airport facilities evaluated the risks associated with open refillable bulk-soap dispensers. The results were astonishing as up to 34% of these dispensers were known to be contaminated with an estimated 6 log(10) CFU/mL heterotrophic bacteria, which means almost 1 million bacteria per milliliter. Such levels of bacterial contamination constitute a potential public health hazard, especially at busy transport hubs where thousands of travelers would be using common restrooms every day.
Keeping restrooms hygienic for public safety is one thing; however, this becomes peculiarly important with alarming levels of contamination found in bulk-soap dispensers. Read about the safe and efficient dispensing solutions in The Ultimate Guide to Soap Dispensers, a major pillar for modern hygiene.

That study: bulk soap contamination in airport restrooms.

Fontana's study looked at several types of publicly accessed soap dispensers located throughout various airport facilities:

Those are counter-mounted dispensers made of plastic
On-the-wall mounted plastic dispensers
Wall-mounted stainless steel

Suspended and biofilm bacteria analyses for investigating the soap were done through total and viable plate count methods.

Key Findings:

🔹 In a study of open refillable bulk soap dispensers, 34% were found contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria.
🔹 Contamination levels reached as high as 6 log(10) CFU/mL, meaning approximately 1 million living bacteria for every milliliter of soap.
🔹 Biofilm formation was noted in all contaminated bulk soap dispensers, irrespective of the material or type of dispenser.
🔹 The cleaning and sanitizing measures proved to be short-lived, with contamination returning to pre-test levels within 7 to 14 days post-cleaning.

Pros & Cons Of Public Restroom Dispensers:

Tourists crowd public restrooms in airports likely to use it for hygiene needs. Soap and paper towel dispensers have been designed as a medium to encourage cleanliness among their users. But unfortunately, those dispensers can also become sources of contamination if not properly maintained. The following points outline what those hygiene concerns might be.
Read more at The Importance of Soap Dispensers in Commercial Restrooms.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

• Less direct contact through the use of automated dispensers ultimately prevents the transfer of germs from one individual to another, and they also enable better sanitary living conditions.
• Maintained and cleaned effectively, the dispensers help ensure that appropriate hygiene products are available to travelers, thereby contributing to public health and general safety.
• High-traffic use with poor maintenance alters the function of these dispensers into a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses—if surfaces are not regularly disinfected.
• Manual dispensers that are pushed or handled with the hands increase cross-contamination potentially, especially for those who have not washed their hands.

Why Is Bulk Soap Contamination a Public Health Risk?

Travelers presume that hand-washing in public restrooms minimizes the risk of infection, but this study puts into perspective one serious flaw in the conventional bulk-soap dispensers. Such contaminated soaps, rather than cleaning, could transfer harmful bacteria to users, increasing the risk for spreading infectious diseases. This justifies the need for the dispensing system to be ideally selected for the sake of cleanliness and safety concerns. Switching to sealed touch-free soap dispensers will minimize contamination risks to a considerable extent.
Get tips to select just the proper commercial soap dispenser for restrooms and protect public health with appropriate hand hygiene solutions.

How is contamination happening?

1. Topping up soap: Most refillable dispensers are not emptied and cleaned completely before refilling, where bacteria may flourish in the residual soap.
2. Biofilm Formation: Bacteria gradually form biofilms inside dispensers, rendering disinfection almost impossible.
3. Moist Environment: The soap dispenser gives the ideal environment for bacterial growth due to being moist and somewhat closed.

Temporary Cleaning Cannot Solve the Problem

One of the most disturbing results from the study was that cleaning and sanitization temporarily raised contamination levels, with bacteria returning to levels present in the pre-test within 7-14 days.

What reason would you give?

🔹 Biofilm is extremely resilient: Keeping bacteria alive in conventional cleaning methods.

🔹 Inadequate drying: After cleaning, dispensers may still be wet, leading to regrowth.

🔹 Human error: Staff might not disinfect dispensers because they lack the time or procedures to do so.

Fontana’s Solution: The Top-Fill Multi-Feed Soap Dispensing System by Fontana

Fontana also has a solution to these very critical hygiene concerns. The Top-Fill Multi-Feed Soap Dispensing System is an aboveground sealed-contamination-free system that is precise to bring to public restrooms in airports, convention centers, and shopping malls.

How It Works

✅ A sealed soap reservoir: Prevents any open refilling, which prohibits bacterial contamination.

✅ Top fill: Allows easy bulk refill without opening individual dispenser units.

✅ Multi-feed system: Supply one large-capacity tank for up to 10 dispensers so that a consistent supply of soap is available for all handwashing stations.

✅ Smart sense system: LED and audible indicators alert maintenance personnel whenever soap gets low so that shortages can be avoided.

✅ Uses foam and liquid soap: Flexible options for different restroom settings.

✅ Retrofit kit: Easy to install within any existing restroom.

Touchless Faucets & Soap Dispensers

Enjoy hands-free convenience and cleanliness in every wash.

Oil Rubbed Bronze Sensor Faucet

The ultimate solution for a germ-free kitchen or bathroom.

Dual Touchless Faucet and Soap Dispenser

Streamline your washing routine with our innovative touchless system.

Advantages of Fontana’s Multi-Feed System Over Bulk Refillable Dispensers

Why Do Airports Need Fontana's Multi-Feed Soap System?

Restrooms in airports see massive amounts of traffic, making hygiene and efficiency the main priorities. The Fontana Multi-Feed System has many advantages over conventional refillable dispensers.
✔ Less Transfer of Germs: Travelers cannot unknowingly wash their hands with contaminated soap.
✔ Saving Time and Money: The large-capacity tank will allow fewer refills and lessen costs for labor.
✔ Assured Soap Availability: There is no fear of dispensers running empty during the peak hours.
✔ Building Public Confidence: Travelers will feel safer using the hygienic touch-free soap dispensers.

Stay Clean with Touchless Technology

FontanaShowers' efficient washing made easy and sanitary.

Matte Black Automatic Touchless Faucets

The matte black touchless faucet adds a touch of sophistication to the overall.

Rose Gold Dual Touchless Faucet

FontanaShowers introduces the epitome of elegance with the Rose Gold.

The Final Reflection: Safeguarding Public Health through Fontana's Innovative Touch-free Technology

The Fontana Touchless study has conclusively demonstrated the potential hazards associated with refillable bulk-soap dispensers in airport facilities, proclaiming such dispensers as breeding grounds for bacteria. Normal cleaning practices are nothing but temporary solutions, for biofilms re-establish contamination in a matter of days. Using Fontana's Top Fill Multi-Feed Soap Dispensing System, however, airports, as well as other high-traffic buildings, will:
🚀 Eliminate bulk soap contamination risks
🚀 Enable hygienic handwashing for travelers
🚀 Reduce labor and maintenance costs
🚀 Enhance restroom efficiency and soap availability
From airports to convention centers, schools to shopping malls, and corporate facilities, every environment needs to be made hygienic and touch-free by replacing outdated refillable bulk dispensers with advanced touch-free solutions like Fontana's Multi-Feed system.

Act now!
Want to upgrade the bathrooms in your airports with Fontana's Top-Fill Multi-Feed Soap System?
Contact Fontana Touchless today to get inspired by terrific hygiene and efficiency improvements for busy locations.

Here are some key considerations and Best Factors
when Selecting Fontana Touchless Faucets:

Sensor Technology

Our touchless fixtures with reliable sensor technology. Infrared sensors are commonly used in touchless faucets and soap dispensers. EnsurIing that the sensors are sensitive enough to detect motion accurately without being overly sensitive.

Quality and Durability

FSF opt for fixtures made from durable and high-quality materials, as commercial restrooms experience heavy usage. Stainless steel and chrome finishes are common choices due to their durability and resistance to corrosion

Water Conservation

FSF touchless faucets with water-saving features; as many of our modern touchless faucets come with sensors that control water flow, reducing waste and promoting water conservation.

Power Source

Check the power source for touchless fixtures. Some operate on batteries, while others are hardwired. Consider the availability of power sources in your restroom and choose accordingly.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

Select fixtures that are easy to install and maintain. Look for touchless systems with user-friendly interfaces for adjustments and troubleshooting. Additionally, choose fixtures with easy-to-replace components to simplify maintenance.

Soap Dispenser Capacity

Evaluate the capacity of touchless soap dispensers, especially in high-traffic areas. Larger capacity dispensers may require less frequent refilling.

Hygiene Features

Look for additional hygiene features, such as antimicrobial coatings or materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria. This is particularly important in public spaces where maintaining a high level of cleanliness is crucial.

Integration with Other Systems

Consider fixtures that can integrate with other restroom systems, such as automated hand dryers or flushometers. This integration can provide a more seamless and efficient restroom

Compliance with Regulations

Ensure that the selected touchless fixtures comply with local regulations and accessibility standards. Compliance may involve factors such as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. By considering these factors, you can select touchless bathroom fixtures that meet the specific needs of commercial or public restrooms, promoting cleanliness, efficiency, and user satisfaction.