Xiaomi's touchscreen soaps have become an integral part of modern bathrooms and kitchens. Not only do they add convenience β automatically dispensing a dosed portion of soap or handwashing fluid β but they also look stylish, fitting into the concept of a smart home. But many users have difficulty first filling up: how to open the case, how much liquid to pour, and why the device suddenly stops working after changing the contents.
In this article, we will look at all the steps in filling Xiaomiβs touchscreen soap, from choosing the right fluid to eliminating common errors. We will focus on the Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser and Mijia Smart Foaming Soap Dispenser, because their design has key differences. If you just purchased a device or have been using it for a long time, but want to optimize the process, here you will find the answers to all the questions.
Xiaomi touchscreens are powered by an infrared sensor that responds to the movement of the hand under the nozzle. Inside the case is a liquid tank, a feed pump, and an electronic board. The refueling principle seems simple, but the wrong choice of fluid or overflow can cause the device to fail. For example, too thick soap clogs the tubes, and aggressive chemical compounds damage the seals.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not produce universal soapboxes β each model is designed for a specific type of liquid (gel, foam, liquid soap).If you ignore the manufacturer's recommendations, the sensor can start to fire with a delay or even stop recognizing movement.
1.What liquid can be poured into the touch soap Xiaomi
The first and most important step is choosing the right liquid, and the manufacturer makes it clear in the instructions that you can only fill the soapbox with water-based liquids with a certain viscosity, and this is what is appropriate and strictly forbidden:
- β Suitable options:
- π§Ό Liquid soap with neutral pH (e.g. Dove, Fa)
- π§΄ Shower gel or antibacterial gel (without abrasive particles)
- π«§ Handwashing fluid marked "for dispensers"
- π« Prohibited liquids:
- π§΄ Thick creams or lotions (clog the pump)
- π§ͺ Acetone, alcohol products >70% or chlorine (corrodes plastic)
- π― Honey, syrups or food fluids (attract bacteria)
Special attention should be paid to foam soaps (for example, Mijia Smart Foaming Soap Dispenser), which require a special liquid with low viscosity, which when mixed with air forms a foam.
If you use homemade soap solutions (like diluted solid soap), make sure they don't have any undissolved particles, they settle at the bottom of the tank and clog the pump valve, and the optimal consistency is like water with a little shampoo.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to open and fill the soapbox
The refueling process is intuitive, but many users make mistakes as early as the opening phase of the case. Consider the correct sequence in the popular Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser model:
- If the soap is powered by batteries, remove them. USB β disconnect the cable, and this will prevent the pump from accidentally operating during refueling.
- Remove the top cover. Most models unscrew it counterclockwise. Don't put too much effort into it, it's plastic and it can break. What if the top lid doesn't unscrew? If the lid is boiled because of dried liquid, wrap it in a cloth soaked in warm water and wait 5 minutes. Then gently swipe left-right, don't pull it up.
- Remove the tank. Inside, you'll see a transparent tank with maximum and minimum level labels. Some models (like the Mijia Smart Foaming) have two separate compartments, for liquid and for air (to create foam).
- Fill the tank. Use a funnel or measuring glass to keep the liquid from spilling onto the electronic board. Fill it to the mark. MAX β overflow will lead to leaks.
- Put the tank back in. Make sure it sits tightly in place, without any skewing. Some models have a locking groove, so you can hear the click.
- Close the lid. Clockwise it to the point, but without fanaticism.
- Turn on the power. If the soap box doesn't work, check if the batteries are properly installed (polarity!).
Critical nuance: after refueling always do 2-3"idle pressing (put your hand up to the sensor and wait for the alarm to work) so that the liquid is evenly distributed through the tubes, otherwise the first portion may come out with air.
Check the type of fluid (is it suitable for your model)|
Turn off the power.|
Prepare a funnel or measuring glass|
Make sure the sealing ring on the tank is whole|
Don't fill in above the mark. MAX-->
Volume and frequency of filling: table for different models
The tank capacity and fluid flow rate depend on the soapbox model. Below is a comparison table for popular Xiaomi devices. Note that the actual flow rate may vary depending on the viscosity of the liquid and the frequency of use.
| Model | Volume of reservoir (ml) | Per-press consumption (ml) | Rate of refueling (at 10 uses/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser | 280 | 1.0β1.2 | 23-28 days |
| Mijia Smart Foaming Soap Dispenser | 300 (liquid) + 100 (air) | 0.8-1.0 (foam) | 30β37 days |
| Xiaomi Youpin Automatic Dispenser | 350 | 1.3β1.5 | 23-27 days |
| Deerma DEM-F600 (compatible) | 400 | 1.5β1.8 | 22-27 days |
If your soapbox is using liquid faster than indicated in the table, check:
- π Leaks: after refueling, wipe the body with a dry napkin and leave for 10 minutes.
- π― Sensor sensitivity: If it is triggered by the slightest movement (e.g., from a draft), the flow will increase. Adjust the position of the soapbox or reduce sensitivity in the settings (if the model supports the).
- π§ͺ Viscosity of liquid: too thick soap makes the pump work harder, giving more volume at a single press.
For models with adjustable dosage (for example, Mijia Smart Foaming), you can reduce the portion through the Mi Home mobile application.
- Open the app and select your soapbox.
- Go to Settings. β Dosage.
- Set the value of Low or Medium (instead of High).
π‘
Xiaomi foam soaps consume liquid more economically by mixing with air, but require special composition.
4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when refilling touchscreens, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
β οΈ Warning: If the soapbox has stopped responding to the sensor after refueling, check if the liquid has hit the infrared sensor (located under the nozzle). Wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and restart the device (remove the batteries for 30 seconds).
- π« Soaps don't give out liquid: Check if the tank is properly installed (should be clicked). Make sure the liquid is not thick and frozen (relevant for winter). Clean the nose with a toothpick - possibly clogged.
- π§ Leaks of liquid: Do not fill above the label MAX. Check the integrity of the sealing ring on the tank. Don't use oily liquids -- they corrode the gaskets.
- π Fast battery discharge: The sensor may be false (e.g., from sunlight); move the soapbox to a less lit place; use alkaline batteries (e.g., Duracell) - they last longer; turn off the soapbox overnight if it is rarely used.
One of the most frustrating problems is clogging the tubes, and if the soapbox starts spitting out or gives out fluids in jerks, it's likely that deposits have accumulated in the system.
- Pour the remaining fluid.
- Pour warm water with added vinegar (1:10) and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Press the dispenser several times to flush the tubes.
- Repeat the procedure with clean water.
If the soapbox is connected to the Mi Home app, pay attention to error notifications. E1 This is a problem with the sensor, and E2 β nose-cloth.
π‘
For models with USB-Use only the original Xiaomi adapters (5V/1A). Cheap charging can cause the board to overheat and the device to fail.
Care and extension of service life
To make the sensory soapbox last longer, it's not enough to just fill it properly, and regular care prevents breakdowns and maintains hygiene.
- π§Ό Weekly cleaning: Wash the body with a wet wipe with an antibacterial (not abrasive!) Clean the nozzle from plaque with a toothpick or soft brush.
- π Full wash (1 once a month): Pour the residue of the liquid. Pour warm water with citric acid (1 tsp per glass) and turn the soapbox on 5-10 taps. Rinse with clean water and dry with a fan (not under direct sunlight!).
- π Battery bay care: When replacing batteries, wipe the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not use batteries of different brands or with different levels of charge.
If the soapbox is used in a high-humidity bathroom, place it away from direct water (e.g., near the sink but not above it).Condensation can damage the electronic board, especially in open-body models (e.g., Xiaomi Youpin).
For models with touch-controlled via an app (like Mijia Smart Foaming), update the firmware regularly.This fixes sensor bugs and adds new features. β The device β Update of the PO.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use bleach or chlorine to clean the soapbox. They destroy the plastic and leave microcracks in which bacteria accumulate. Alcohol wipes or vinegar solution (no more than 5%).
6. Alternative ways of refueling: life hacks from users
Some Xiaomi touchscreen owners have adapted to refuel them in non-standard ways, saving time or money. Here are some proven life hacks:
- π Reuse of liquid: If you have soap left in an old dispenser bottle, you can gently pour it into the soapbox through the funnel.
- π§΄ Homemade foam liquid: Mix liquid soap with water in a ratio of 1: 3 and add 1 tsp of glycerol per 100 ml. This solution is suitable for Mijia Smart Foaming and is cheaper than branded formulations.
- π Powerbank: If the soapbox works from USB, But there's no socket, so use a small powerbank (2,000-5,000 mAh) that can be hidden behind a sink or in a locker.
For removable tank models (such as Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser), you can pre-cook multiple containers with different liquids (such as hand soap and shower gel) and change them quickly as needed, which is convenient if the soapbox is used by several family members.
If you travel frequently, make it a rule to bring a mini version of the liquid in a road packaging. Many Xiaomi soap boxes are compatible with standard bottles of 50-100 ml, which are sold in travel-size stores.
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7. Comparison with peers: why Xiaomi is better
There are many touchscreens from other brands (e.g. Hapilife, Secura, Simplehuman) on the market, but Xiaomi devices stand out for several key advantages:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi | Analogues (e.g. Secura) |
|---|---|---|
| Price. | 1 500β3 000 β½ | 3 500β7 000 β½ |
| Integration with a smart home | Yes (via Mi Home) | No. |
| Volume of the reservoir | 280-400 ml | 200-300 ml |
| Dosage adjustment | Yes (in some models) | No. |
| Autonomy (on batteries) | 3β6 months | 1-3 months |
The main advantage of Xiaomi soaps is compatibility with the smart home ecosystem, for example, through the Mi Home app you can:
- Monitor the level of fluid (in models with a sensor).
- Adjust the sensor sensitivity.
- Receive notifications about the need for refueling.
Xiaomi also offers more reliable pumps that are less likely to clog compared to budget ones, and thanks to the modular design, many parts (such as a tank or nozzle) can be replaced separately without buying a new soapbox.