How Often Should I Replace My Shower Dispensers?

A question we get asked a lot and for good reason.

In the accommodation industry, keeping things clean, functional, and guest-ready is everything. One area that can get overlooked? Refillable dispensers in the shower.

So how often should they be replaced?

We recommend swapping them out every 4 months.

Here’s why that timeframe works so well and how it helps keep standards high.

Reduce Bacteria Risk:

Every time a bottle is refilled, there’s a small chance of bacteria entering the container, especially in a warm, damp shower environment.

Fun (or not so fun) fact – bacteria loves soap, so this is why there is always that risk in your bathroom dispensers.

We recommend regular replacement to minimise that risk and help keep your liquid soap, shampoo or conditioner as hygienic as possible.

Avoid Product Build-Up:

With each top-up, a bit of old product tends to linger at the bottom of the bottle and over time, that can add up.

Even if the pump draws from near the base, it doesn’t completely empty the old contents. By replacing dispensers every 4 months, you’re limiting how long any residual product sits in the bottle.

Maintain an exceptional Guest Experience:

Dispenser bottles take a lot of wear, exposure to water, steam, and constant use. Over time, they can become scratched, cloudy, or discoloured.

We recommend regular replacement to keep things looking sharp and new. A fresh, clean bottle makes a big difference to the overall feel of the bathroom and your brand.

Build Peace of Mind Into Your Routine:

Having a clear schedule for replacing dispensers removes the guesswork.
We often suggest doing it quarterly but it doesn’t need to happen all at once.
A gradual rollout can work just as well. For example:

• Floors 1–2 in January
• Floors 3–4 in February
• Floors 5–6 in March

Then start again in April with Floors 1–2.

This kind of rotation helps spread the workload across your team and ensures every room gets attention regularly — without needing a full building-wide swap in one go.

Bonus Tip: Use the Moment to Double Check Everything

While you’re replacing the bottles, it’s a great time to:
Check the bracket or wall plate for any build-up or damage
Make sure pump mechanisms are working smoothly
Review the product branding, is the label still aligned with your look and feel?

Overview:

We recommend replacing the bottles every 4 months to help minimise bacteria build-up, avoid product residue, and maintain a clean, high-quality appearance.

A gradual rotation (e.g. by floor each month) can make this more manageable for housekeeping teams while still keeping everything on track.

It’s a simple routine that can go a long way in protecting your brand and guest experience.