Xiaomi Automatic Soap Dispenser (for example, Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser or Viomi) V3 Pros are designed to work with liquid soap of a certain viscosity and pH balance. But what if the original product is not available and it is expensive to buy branded cartridges? Can you pour shampoo, shower gel or even homemade solutions into the device?
In this article, we will analyze 10 proven alternatives to liquid soap for Xiaomi dispensers, evaluate their safety for the mechanism and skin, and warn against critical errors that lead to sensor failure or clogged tubes.
Why you can’t fill the first available remedy
Xiaomi dispensers are equipped with infrared sensors, a pump with silicone membranes and plastic tubes of small diameter. Any tool with aggressive components or inappropriate consistency can:
- 🔴 Eat seals – alcohol, acetone or high-concentrated acids destroy silicone and rubber in 2-3 weeks.
- 🔴 Clog a nozzle – thick gels (for example, for shaving) or means with abrasive particles (scrabs) block the mechanism.
- 🔴 Disable the sensor - foaming additives (SLS/SLES) Create a film that prevents the IR sensor from recognizing the movement of the hand.
The manufacturer officially allows the use of only products with a pH of 5.5-7.0 and a viscosity of 100-500 mPa·s. But in practice, this range is wider - the main thing is to avoid extremes. For example, ordinary toilet soap (pH 9-10) with a single use will not harm, but with a constant bay will accelerate the wear of seals.
⚠️ Warning: If the dispenser starts spitting or jerking out after replacing the product, wash the system immediately with distilled water (instructions in the section below).This is a sign that the new composition is too thick or contains insoluble particles.
Top.-5 Safe alternatives to branded soap
These funds were tested by users on dispensers Xiaomi Mijia, Viomi and Yeelight – without breakdowns for 6 months.+ All of them meet the key requirements:
- 🟢 Neutral pH (5.5-7.0) – does not irritate the skin or damage plastic.
- 🟢 Low viscosity – does not clog the tubes (consistency as in water or liquid honey).
- 🟢 Without abrasives and alcohol - does not scratch or corrode parts.
| Remedy. | pH | Viscosity | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Soap of the Child (Johnson's Baby, Bübchen) | 5.5–6.0 | 200-300 mPa·s | Hypoallergenic, does not dry the skin, is easily washed off | More expensive than regular soap, it is quickly consumed |
| Gelic for sensitive skin (La Roche-Posay Lipikar, Eucerin) pH5) | 5.5 | 250-350 mPa·s | Restores the skin barrier, without SLS | High price, can foam when heated |
| Solution of household soap (10%) | 6.5–7.0 | 150-200 mPa·s | Cheap, antibacterial effect | May leave a white coat on his hands |
| Fluid for washing dishes (Fairy, AOS) | 6.0–7.0 | 180-250 mPa·s | It's good foaming, it's good fat removal. | Contains surfactants - not for sensitive skin |
| Distilled water + glycerol (1:1) | 7.0 | 100-150 mPa·s | Absolutely safe for the machine | He does not wash his hands, only for washing. |
For the test, take a small amount of the product and check it for transparency (turbid solutions can contain insoluble particles) and fluidity - if the liquid is poured in a trickle rather than dripping, it is suitable.
What to do: Blacklisting: The Blacklist
Some of the remedies seem harmless, but they actually destroy the dispenser in a few days.
- 🚫 Alcohol-based antiseptics (such as Sterilium) - corrode silicone pads, evaporate and leave a sticky residue.
- 🚫 Shaving gels - contain fatty acids that freeze in the tubes.
- 🚫 Scrubs and peels - abrasive particles scratch the pump and sensor.
- 🚫 Concentrated acids/alkalis (vinegar, citric acid, Domestos) – corrodes metal parts.
- 🚫 Oils (olive, coconut) – polymerized and block the mechanism.
It's especially dangerous to mix incompatible ingredients, like chlorine. + vinegar releases toxic gas, and hydrogen peroxide + alcohol can explode when heated (relevant for dispensers with heating, like Viomi). V3 Pro).
⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally pour a prohibited product, do not turn on the dispenser - immediately disassemble it and rinse all the parts under running water. Alcohol solutions can damage the sensor even when turned off due to evaporation.
How to wash the dispenser after an inappropriate remedy
If the device has started to work with failures (does not dose, emits creaks or gives out liquid with bubbles), perform emergency washing:
1. disconnect the device from the network
2. Remove the residues of the funds with a syringe or pipette
3.Pour distilled water (not tap water!)
4. Turn on the dispenser and let the water pump 3-5 times
5. Repeat with a solution of water and vinegar (1:10) to remove plaque
6. Dry the device for 12 hours (not in direct sunlight)-->
To remove fatty deposits (for example, after a shower gel), use a water solution + baking soda (1 tbsp. per 200 ml). For lime plaque (from hard water) - citric acid (5 g per 100 ml). After washing, be sure to rinse the system with clean water.
If the dispenser does not work after washing:
- 🔧 Check the tube for blockages - clean it with a needle or compressed air.
- 🔧 Inspect the silicone pump membrane – if it has become rigid, replace it (parts sold on AliExpress).
- 🔧 Reset your device settings via the Mi Home app (Device section) → Reset).
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To avoid blockages, add 10% distilled water to the liquid soap – this will reduce the viscosity and prolong the life of the pump.
Homemade solutions: recipes and risks
Many users prepare soap solutions themselves to save money, but it's important to keep proportions, otherwise you'll get a broken dispenser or irritated skin instead of saving. Here are 3 proven recipes:
- Soap. + glycerol + water 50 ml of liquid soap (without water) SLS) 30 ml of glycerin 20 ml of distilled water 1 drop of essential oil (optional) ✅ Suitable for dry skin, does not foam.
- Household soap + calendula 20 g grated household soap 200 ml boiling water 10 drops of calendula tincture ✅ Antibacterial effect, but can dry the skin.
- aloe gel + coconut milk 100 ml of aloe vera gel 50 ml of coconut milk (not butter!) 1 hsp xanthan gum (thickener) ✅ Natural composition, but stored no more than a week.
⚠️ Critical errors in the manufacture:
- 🔥 Using hot water – destroys beneficial components (e.g. in aloe).
- 🔥 Adding sugar or honey - provokes fermentation and blockages.
- 🔥 Storage in metal containers - oxidizes the solution.
What happens if you use unfiltered water?
How to adapt the dispenser for different tasks
Xiaomi dispensers are versatile — they can be used not only for soaps, but also for other liquids, if you choose the right composition.
| The challenge | Recommended liquid | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hand sanitizer | chlorhexidine solution 0.05% | Don't dilute it! Change it every 3 days. |
| Face care | Micellar water (Bioderma, Garnier) | No oils! pH should be 5.5. |
| mouthwash | Literine Zero (Listerine Zero) | Wash the dispenser after each use. |
| Air humidification | Distilled water + 2 drops of essential oil | Only for models with aromadiffuser function. |
For hand disinfection, it is better to use specialized dispensers (for example, Xiaomi Mijia Alcohol Spray), but if there is no alternative, you can adapt a soap dispenser. The main thing is not to pour alcohol solutions with a concentration higher than 70%, otherwise vaporization will damage the plastic.
⚠️ Warning: If you use a dispenser for cosmetic purposes (such as a facial tonic), be sure to wash it weekly with a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide (1:10) to avoid bacterial reproduction.
Review of branded cartridges Xiaomi: is it worth overpaying?
Original Xiaomi dispensers cartridges (for example, Mijia Automatic Soap Refill) cost 2-3 times more than regular liquid soap. Should you buy them?
- ✅ Guaranteed compatibility – tested at the plant, do not spoil the mechanism.
- ✅ Optimal viscosity - do not clog the tubes even at low temperatures.
- ✅ Hypoallergenic composition - suitable for children and people with eczema.
- ❌ High price - 300-500 rubles. for 300 ml (ordinary soap costs 50-100 rubles.).
- ❌ Limited range – only 2-3 flavors.
Alternatively, buy cartridges from third-party brands certified for Xiaomi (for example, Baseus or Zerone). They are cheaper by 30-40%, but check reviews on AliExpress or Yandex.Market before buying - some fakes contain aggressive surfactants.
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If you use the dispenser daily, buying branded cartridges will cost 1500-2000 rubles. per year. Homemade solutions reduce costs to 300-500 rubles. per year, but require regular washing of the device.