How to Unclog a Soap Dispenser

You are not alone in your frustration with a clogged soap dispenser. This is a common issue. Using it regularly for a few months may cause soap residues to agglomerate and clog the nozzle of the pump or the underlying tube. When this happens, you have two options. Either unclog the dispenser or install a new one. Unclogging is preferred because buying a new soap dispenser is costly. Learn how to unclog a soap dispenser below.

Unclogging a Soap Dispenser

The coagulated soap that clogs the dispenser is water soluble, so cleaning it is simple. This cleaning process requires no special equipment. You simply need to protect your hands with thick, waterproof gloves because you will be handling boiling water. The steps to unclogging a soap dispenser are as follows:

1. First, disassemble the dispenser and clean each component separately. Remove the base's top. To do so, simply detach the dispenser's cover. If the soap draw tube is removable, remove it as well. But retain the pump's head intact. Empty the containers of soap.
2. Run hot water through the pump to clean it.Rub the pump to remove hard soap residues. Rinse it many times to remove all surface particles.
3. Rinsing alone won't remove persistent soapy deposits. Then immerse the pump in boiling water. Fill the sink with hot water and fully submerge the pump and other components. This loosens the soap residues. Leave it for 30 minutes. If there are stubborn soap residues, soak them overnight in hot water. After soaking, use a tiny scrub brush or toothbrush to clean the pump head opening and other connecting points. Rinse with normal water.
4. A paperclip can clear any solid particles caught in the dispenser pump head's hole. Straighten the paperclip and insert it into the pump head. Similarly, clean any other narrow cracks in the pump. Rinse with water to remove any soapy particles.
5. Next, clean the pump's tube. If it's removable, you can run it under hot water to flush out any obstructing debris. If it can't be separated, flip the pump upside down and flush it with hot water to remove some of the residue. Then put a pipe cleaner inside the tube and move it back and forth. Then move it in circular strokes to clean out any remaining particles.
6. Clean the dispenser's interior. Mold or mildew growth inside the dispenser might jam its line and cause it to pump repeatedly. Use a 5% bleach solution to get rid of mold and mildew. Fill the dispenser with this solution and leave it for 30 minutes. Drain it and properly rinse the dispenser. Finally, take a moist sponge and rub a little liquid dishwashing soap on the outside of the dispenser.
7. Reassemble the dispenser after cleaning all parts. After reassembling, test it. Fill the dispenser half way with water and pump it. If water readily flows from it, fill it with soap and use it.

Cleaning the soap dispenser every few months will help avoid future clogs. If you clean it periodically, you can clean it in an hour or so without soaking it for hours.