Foam soap seems like a good idea, and certainly feels pleasant on the hands, but I agree that it doesn't tend to clean very well.

A previous poster made a good point, however, that it is less messy than liquid. I hadn't considered that.

While we're on the topic, there are few things I hate more (OK, that's an exaggeration) than those "automatic" soap dispensers that eject a shot of soap when you put your hands underneath. They never work well! I realize that part of the purpose is to ration the quantity of soap that is dispensed, but I am tired of having to move my hand around frantically several times just to get a shot.