The wrong dispenser won’t break your building, but it might break your patience and maybe your budget.

From hospitals to industrial sites, every building has unique needs when it comes to hygiene hardware. And yet, far too often, facilities are stocked with mismatched or one-size-fits-none systems. The result? Wasted inventory, frustrated janitorial teams, and dispensers that break or run empty at the worst possible time…not to mention dirty hands!

The good news is, with a little planning and the right product match, you can improve efficiency, reduce complaints, and keep your maintenance team sane. Here’s a quick guide to help you match dispensers to your building type- based on real-world usage, not just catalog descriptions. 

K-12 Schools & Universities: Prioritize durability and tamper-resistance in these high-traffic, high-touch spaces. 

• Paper Towels: Metered hardwound towels for fewer refills
• Toilet Tissue: Twin-roll or high capacity jumbo roll to reduce disruptions
• Chemical Dispensers: Lockable wall-mounted units to prevent tampering
• Soap & Sanitizer Dispensers: Manual, high-capacity units; avoid complex touch-free models

Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities: Think rugged and refill-friendly. Gloves, grease, and grime mean automatic touch-free isn’t always practical. 

• Paper Towels: Glove-friendly mechanical touch-free dispensers.
• Toilet Tissue: Jumbo rolls with sturdy housings. 
• Chemical Dispensers: Large capacity wall or floor units for fast refills during shifts.
• Soap & Sanitizer Dispensers: Manual or elbow-activated; compatible with heavy-duty soaps

Healthcare Facilities: Compliance and cleanliness are critical. Go touch-free and sealed wherever possible. 

• Paper Towels: Touch-free roll towel systems for better hygiene.
• Toilet Tissue: Covered, sealed dual-roll dispensers. 
• Chemical Dispensers: Closed-loop or sealed cartridges for infection control. 
• Soap & Sanitizer Dispensers: Sensor-operated appliances with sealed refills. 

Food Processing Plants: Sanitation and compliance are non-negotiable. Look for easy-to-clean designs. 

• Paper Towels: Hands-free to eliminate spread of bacteria. 
• Toilet Tissue: Covered jumbo rolls (1 or 2 ply). 
• Chemical Dispensers: Organized, closed systems to reduce waste and ensure containment.  
• Soap & Sanitizer Dispensers: Touch-free with food-safe soap for lowered risk of contamination. 

Choosing the right dispenser helps reduce waste, saves time for staff, and makes your building feel better cared for. Not sure what’s best for your space? Let Spruce help you match your dispenser systems to your facility’s needs, and skip the trial and error.