Studies have shown that soap dispensers that are reused and opened for as-needed refills can be contaminated with bacteria — meaning that when occupants dispense soap meant to cleanse hands, they are actually contaminating those hands with illness-causing fecal bacteria. Dispensers that are sealed and refilled with cartridges that are discarded when empty help to eliminate bacterial growth on dispensers. But even sealed soap dispensers, whether they’re wall- or counter-mounted, and whether they’re touch-free or manual, need to be kept clean and free of debris, dried soap and fingerprints to ensure they look clean, continue to work properly and to prevent a cross-contamination risk.