How to choose the best soap holder

A soap holder helps to keep your shower ledges and countertops free from unsightly soap residue. This tenacious residue forms when the soap is left in a puddle of water, which softens and dissolves it. A good soap holder will keep your bar soap dry, solid, and clean no matter where you place it. It will also help your bar soap last longer.

These small items are extremely practical, and you can choose from a wide range of options to suit your shower shape or bathroom walls. You can even use a soap holder to add a decorative touch to your bathroom. This guide will take you through choosing the perfect soap dish for your bathroom.

Discover the different soap holder types

The first step to finding the right soap holder is familiarising yourself with the most common styles available on the market. These include ledge, self-draining, and mounted.

Ledge soap dishes

The ledge is the most common type of soap design. Its trademark characteristic is the ability to sit on virtually any surface in the bathroom, be it on the sink, tub, or shower. Ledger soap dishes can also be small, large, ornate, or simple. Like other soap dishes, they may come with additional features like a suction cup or texture interior bottom to allow for proper circulation of air.

Wall-mounted soap dishes

A wall mounted soap dish is great for small bathrooms as it helps to maximise space usage. You can fix it on the bathroom or shower wall or near the sink using adhesive or suction cups. This soap dish design uses limited space and keeps the soap at an easy-to-reach height.

Self-draining soap dishes

A self-draining soap dish holder can have the design of a ledge or mounted soap dish. The only difference between this soap dish and the other models is that it evacuates water and soap residue that tends to accumulate on it. This is usually achieved through spaced-out slats or a straining upper layer with holes. Water is either left to drip onto the surface below or collected in a lower chamber and later cleaned.

Durability

Any item that has to sit in the bathroom all day has to withstand some form of abuse. This could be from accidents, children, pets, etc. A good soap dish should endure being dropped, knocked, and rough handling. Materials like stainless steel, silicone, wood, and plastic are sturdy and strong enough to handle the tough conditions in the bathroom. Metal options should be resistant to rust, while woods must be non-porous to prevent water absorption and mould growth.

If you want fancy options, glass and ceramic would be great choices. However, they are very fragile. Only use them in adults-only bathrooms or guest rooms.

Ease of cleaning

When soap residue is left to dry on the soap dish, it becomes difficult to remove. Mould can also grow on the surface of the dishes, especially when exposed to regular light. Compared to other types of soap dishes, self-draining models require little maintenance. However, designs that include a lower chamber still need cleaning. A good soap dish holder should be easy to clean and care for, regardless of the materials it is made out of.

Choosing a soap dish that can withstand soaking in detergents or heavy scrubbing is also important. This is particularly important in getting rid of stubborn marks. Lastly, avoid designs with hard-to-reach crannies and nooks, as the residue can accumulate in these areas.

Ventilation

A wet bar soap will not only get soggy and disintegrate but can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. However, you can quickly solve this problem by getting a soap dish with proper ventilation. Soap dishes with large perforations, slats, or ridges will ensure sufficient airflow around the bar soap. So, regardless of the type of soap dishes & holders you choose, ensure it’s well-ventilated.

Placement or mounting

The bathroom can have many items, such as toilet paper holders and toothbrush holders, which can make it look crowded. A soap holder shouldn’t take up much space. While models that hold several bars of soap may not be compact enough to occupy small spaces, you still need a dish that can be placed on a countertop or ledge. You also want to ensure it cannot be easily pulled to the floor when trying to get the soap.

If you're short on space, go for mounted models. When mounting a soap holder, ensure it's near your shower area or close to the sinks so you can easily access the soap when taking your shower. Some models allow for semi-permanent installation, making it easier to change location when the previous work doesn't work for you.

Looking for the best soap holder for your bathroom? Browse through our extensive collection to access a wide range of soap dishes.