Hands free soap and water faucets have been around for decades and they may become even more ubiquitous now that hygiene has become top priority. Hands free soap and water faucets and similar sensor fixtures may not completely protect people against the new coronavirus, but they can be an important line of defense in the fight against infection.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) say that frequent handwashing with soap and water is the single most effective way to protect yourself against disease. Handwashing for at least 20 seconds before eating, after going to the bathroom and before preparing food removes not just visible dirt and invisible germs but also chemicals.

In the absence of soap and water, the CDC recommends the use of alcohol-based (at least 60 percent) hand sanitizer to clean your hands. In bathrooms without hands free fixtures, use a paper towel to turn off faucets, open and close doors, and flush toilets to prevent the re-introduction of germs to clean hands.

Hands Free Operation for Water and Soap

By design, hands-free fixtures avoid contact with surfaces to reduce cross contamination. Combination units like hands free soap, water and hand dryer lavatories are even better because users can wash and dry their hands in one place without touching anything. This also keeps messes from splashing on the counter and the floor.

Electronic soap and water faucets are controlled by sensors. This is usually an infrared light or ultrasonic field that detects skin and sends a signal to the faucet valve. When sensors detect the presence of an object, like a hand, they turn on the soap dispenser or the flow of water. Sensors automatically turn off the tap when the object leaves the detection area. Sensors are usually located at the base of or near the spout.

How Hands Free Soap and Water Faucets Reduce Infection Risk

COVID-19 has introduced new challenges for business owners and facility managers, who are legally responsible for the health and safety of staff and employees. Many are rethinking building and restroom design for the first time. Touch-free bathroom fixtures as well as automatic temperature monitors are becoming standard in many places.

Why use sensor faucets with soap dispensers?

Better hand hygiene. Electronic soap and water faucets allow users to keep their hands clean and prevent cross-contamination. No need to touch germ-ridden buttons or handles before or after handwashing. And because they are so easy to use, sensor faucets and soap dispensers encourage frequent handwashing.

Cleaner bathrooms. Standing water on counters and bathroom floors are breeding grounds for harmful germs. Hands free soap and water faucets prevent drips and splashes, keeping the mess in the sink and not on the floor. For public settings, this means cleaner bathrooms and less maintenance required.

Save soap and water. Electronic soap and water faucets dispense a preset amount of liquid soap per shot. This can be adjusted to suit your needs. The water also turns off automatically when hands leave the sensor area so the tap is not always running. With the faucet off, users can focus on washing their hands properly.

Improve accessibility. Most hands-free soap and water units are compliant with accessibility requirements like the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). This makes it a snap for children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities to clean their hands.

Save money. Sensor faucets and fixtures tend to be more expensive than manual units. However, the initial investment is recouped over time because of water and energy saving features.

Better design. Electronic faucet design has vastly improved over the years. There are more options available, whether for industrial, residential, public or commercial use. Modern materials and sleek designs are perfect for offices, restaurants and shops, while robust, heavy-duty styles with antimicrobial properties are suited for healthcare and industrial settings.

AquaDesign Hands Free Faucets and Fixtures

AquaDesign manufactures electronic bathroom fixtures like the Omnia hands free soap and water faucet for an automated and germ-free experience. The deck-mounted design ensures that soap does not drip on the floor so users spend less time in the bathroom. The unit comes with a 0.4 gallon soap dispenser container that is easily removed for refilling.

AquaDesign faucets feature a modern and streamlined design that is ideal for any setting. Made with high-quality solid surface materials, the fixtures are antimicrobial, easy to maintain and last a long time. Some of our fixtures have anti-vandal features that stand up to heavy abuse—ideal for healthcare and behavioral healthcare settings.

To learn more, visit our hands free soap and water faucets page or contact us today!