When you set out to buy a new bathroom sink soap dispenser, you will be presented with a number of options. Not only are there thousands of styles of soap dispensers, but there are also multiple metal options. Two of the biggest options you’ll see in metal are stainless steel and brass.

One thing that should always be considered when comparing stainless steel and brass soap dispensers is the degree of relative humidity present in most bathrooms. Hot showers quickly fill a bathroom with high humidity. The problem with this is that under certain conditions brass can begin to deteriorate under a consistently high level of relative humidity, such as would be present in many bathrooms. As a result, corrosion can occur, particularly as the brass begins to age and the sealant begins to wear away. The effect is tarnished brass. When tarnishing occurs, brass typically develops a greenish hue. Although polishing will help, getting the brass back to its original tone can be difficult or impossible.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, seems relatively unaffected by high relative humidity. At a minimum, conditions much more extreme than those present in a typical bath would be needed to cause corrosion in the steel. Steel is in many ways easier to clean and maintain than brass. However, stainless steel must be polished frequently to keep it looking good. A soap dispenser, for example, is something that would likely collect a lot of fingerprints. Those prints would have to be removed frequently with polish.

The alloys these metals are made from cause them to react very differently to their environment. Brass is usually less expensive than stainless steel, so it’s something else to consider.

The look one hopes to achieve in their bathroom is something else that needs to be considered when selecting soap dispensers and other accessories. Brass generally has a reddish-brown color. It is unique, heavy and timeless. Many ancient implements and tools were made of brass. Due to its association with antiquity, brass is the preferred choice for those hoping to go with classic or rustic bathroom decor.

Stainless steel is often used in hospitals and other medical facilities due to its cleanliness. In recent years it has become fashionable to use this metal in household utensils, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. It has a very clean look and it has a very post-modern look to it. It is ideal for someone hoping to achieve a modern, modern look in their bathroom.

Although brass can wear and tarnish from constant contact with high relative humidity, most of today’s brass implements are sealed and will therefore last a reasonable time. Although steel is not as affected by moisture, it can sometimes be difficult to keep clean due to the way it picks up fingerprints so quickly. When it comes to choosing the perfect material for your soap dispenser, you need to consider your personal tastes to make your final decision.