Abstract: A dispenser for liquids includes a dispenser head having an upper section captively mounted upon a lower section over a container of liquid to be dispensed. Removal of a cap from the dispenser head causes the upper section to move upward upon the lower section, for moving a plug out of a fluid flow channel or orifice. When the container is inverted in this open condition, liquid flows out of the container, through the orifice, and wets a rigid porous applicator mounted on top of the dispenser head upper section, for dispensing the liquid. When the cap is replaced on the dispenser head, its upper section is moved downward upon the lower section, causing the plug to enter and seal off the orifice, thereby closing the dispenser.