Xiaomi’s automatic soap dispensers (including Viomi and Mijia models) have become a popular bathroom gadget due to their convenience and hygiene. However, over time, even such a simple device can clog, stop dispensing liquids or require replacement of batteries. Disassembling the dispenser yourself is a simple task, but requires care: fragile parts are hidden inside, and improper handling of seals can lead to leaks.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of disassembling the Xiaomi Viomi S1, Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser and their counterparts, point out common errors and give maintenance recommendations. Instructions will come in handy if you need to clean the nozzle, replace the batteries, eliminate pump jamming or repair the sensor. We will also touch on safety issues - for example, why you can not use alcohol or abrasives to clean.
Before you start, prepare the tools. You'll need to:
A cross screwdriver (usually a PH0 or PH1), a plastic shoulder blade (or mediator), cotton swabs, isopropyl alcohol (not higher than 70%), soft fabric and, if necessary, silicone lubricant for seals. If the dispenser is warranty, disassembly can invalidate its conditions, so first check the documentation.
1.Disassembly Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Starting
Before disassembling the dispenser, make sure that the problem does require mechanical intervention.
- 🔋 Batteries discharged - the device does not respond to the sensor or flashes the indicator. Try replacing the batteries with new ones (usually). AA or AAA).
- 🧼 Thickened soap -- if the liquid is too viscous or lumpy, the pump can jam. Wash the tank with warm water.
- 📱 Connection failure – if the dispenser is smart and synced to Mi Home, restart the app or reset the device settings via Settings → The device → Reset.
If these measures did not help, start disassembling. Note the type of mounting of the case: most Xiaomi models have two parts, fastened by latches and 1-2 screws. The screws can be hidden under stickers or rubber legs, they need to be carefully tampered with to avoid damage.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to tamper with plastic parts - this leaves scratches and can break latches. Plastic shoulder blade or even an old bank card is better.
Also, prepare your workspace: lay soft cloth so you don't scratch the body, and take pictures of each stage of disassembly, which will help you put the device back together properly, especially if you're doing repair work for the first time.
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If the dispenser makes a buzzing sound but doesn't give out the soap, it's likely that the nozzle has clogged, and try cleaning it with a toothpick or compressed air (like a keyboard cleaner) before disassembling it completely.
Step-by-step disassembly of the dispenser body
So let's start by dismantling the top cover, where the sensor and the nozzle are located.
- Remove the soap tank. Turn it counterclockwise (in most models) or press the lock from the bottom. There may be droplets of liquid inside, prepare a napkin.
- Remove stickers and rubber legs. They often have screws hidden underneath, and use a dryer at minimum power to soften the glue if the sticker doesn't lend itself.
- Untwist the screws. Usually 1-2 of them (for example, in the Viomi S1, one screw under the back leg) Put them in a separate box so you don't lose them.
- Disconnect the body. Carefully insert the plastic blade into the gap between the top and bottom, and guide it around the perimeter, snapping the clamps. Start on the side opposite the nozzle, which usually has fewer wires.
After removing the top cover, you will see:
- 🔌 Control board with sensor and indicator.
- 💧 The pump with silicone tubes - it is responsible for the supply of soap.
- 🔋 Battery compartment (if the model runs on them).
Don't pull the wires, they can be soldered to the board. If you want to disconnect the connectors, do it carefully, putting a plastic tool on them.
Cleaned the soap tank |Prepared tools (driver, shoulder blade)|Photographed the initial state |Switched off the power (taken out the batteries)|Prepared the soft fabric on the table-->
Cleaning mechanism: nozzle, pump and tubes
The main cause of malfunctioning of Xiaomi dispensers is clogging of the soap supply mechanism, and over time the liquid dries out, forming a film on the walls of the tubes and the pump.
- Remove the silicone tubes. They are attached to the pump and the nozzle with plastic fixtures. Rinse them with warm water with soap (not aggressive!), then pass clean water through them with a syringe.
- Clean the pump. Most models have a membrane micropump, blow it with compressed air, or rinse it with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, and don't use acetone or solvents, they'll damage the plastic!
- Clean the nozzle. A needle or toothpick will help remove the dried particles. If the hole is deformed, you can gently expand it with a thin drill (no more than 1 mm).
To remove lime plaque (if you use hard water), a solution of citric acid (1 tbsp per 100 ml of water) will do. Soak the parts for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. Do not immerse the control board in the solution!
| Detail | Cleaning method | What can't you do? |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone tubes | Water flushing, air purging | Boil, use brushes. |
| Pump | Alcohol napkin, compressed air | Disassemble the membrane, oil oil |
| Nozzle. | Toothpick, needle, citric acid | Expand the hole by more than 1 mm |
| Management fee | Dry brush, compressed air | Wash with water, use alcohol >70% |
⚠️ Warning: If the pump is still not working after cleaning, check the integrity of the membrane. If it ruptures or deforms, it must be replaced, it cannot be repaired. S1».
4. Replacement of battery or battery
Xiaomi dispensers are powered either by interchangeable batteries (AA/AAA) or by an integrated battery (in more expensive versions).
- 🔋 For batteries: Open the compartment (usually at the bottom of the case). Remove old cells while observing polarity. Insert new batteries (alkaline batteries are recommended, such as Duracell or Energizer). Close the lid before you click.
- 🔌 For battery: Disassemble the case (see section 2). disconnect the battery plume from the board (usually soldered or connected via a connector). JST Drink out the old battery or disconnect it from the holder. Install a new battery of the same capacity (e.g. 18650). 1000mAh Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser Pro).
When replacing the battery, note its rated voltage - it must match the original (usually 3.7V). Using a battery with a different voltage can burn the control board. Also check the integrity of the wire insulation - bare contacts can cause short circuits.
How to check the efficiency of the battery?
If the dispenser does not turn on after replacing the battery, check:
- Polarity of installation of elements.
- Integrity of contacts in the compartment (possibly they were oxidized - clean with a swallow).
- The presence of corrosion on the board (green plaque is a sign of moisture).
5.Diagnostics and repair of the sensor
Xiaomi's infrared sensor is responsible for detecting the hand, and if the device doesn't respond to gestures, the problem may be:
- 🔦 Sensor contamination – wipe its surface with a dry wipe.
- 🔌 Wire Break – Check the integrity of the plume running from sensor to board.
- 📱 Firmware failure – try resetting your settings through the Mi Home app.