Xiaomi's reel machine is a popular gadget that helps quickly restore the appearance of clothes, but over time, even such a simple device can fail: stop turning on, poorly collecting pile or making strange sounds. In most cases, the problem can be solved by disassembling the case and checking the internal mechanisms. However, improper disassembly often leads to breakage of plastic latches or damage to electrical contacts.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for carefully opening a Xiaomi coil machine (including Mi Portable Electric Lint Remover, MiJia and its analogues), a list of necessary tools, and unique tips for diagnosing malfunctions that are not in standard manuals, and we will also analyze which parts most often fail and how to replace them without going to the service center.
Which Xiaomi models are to be disassembled?
Not all Xiaomi’s reel machines are understood in the same way, but the main differences depend on the generation of the device and the type of mounting of the case. Below is a brief overview of popular models and their features:
- 🔹 Mi Portable Electric Lint Remover (first generation) - the body is fastened by 4 hidden latches and two screws under the cross screwdriver. Easy to disassemble, but requires care when removing the top cover.
- 🔹 MiJia Lint Remover 1C/1S — The screws are hidden under rubber legs, the body is thinner, so there's a high probability of cracking when you open them.
- 🔹 Xiaomi Deerma Lint Remover is a more durable design with metal latches. Disassembly is more difficult, but the parts inside are more secure.
- 🔹 The Mi Smart Lint Remover Pro is a modern model with a magnetic lid attachment. There are no screws, but there is a risk of damaging the battery contacts.
If your model is not listed, look at the type of mounting of the case: most Xiaomi devices have it either on the latches or on the screws. IPX5-protection (e.g. Deerma) DM-LR01) disassemble is not recommended - tightness after opening is almost impossible to restore.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start opening the case, prepare the workplace and the necessary tools.
- 🔧 Cross screwdriver PH00 or PH0 (small-rotor).
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (to separate latches).
- 🔧 Tweezers (to extract small details).
- 🔧 Multimeter (to check circuits if the machine does not turn on).
- 🔧 Silicone mat or soft fabric (so as not to scratch the body).
You'll also need a camera or a smartphone -- take a picture of the parts before disassembling, so you can build the device without any errors. If the machine is guaranteed, remember, a self-opening will invalidate it, in which case you'd better go to an authorized Xiaomi service center.
⚠️ Warning: If the machine has recently been working, let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Overheating plastic parts can make them brittle, which will lead to cracks when disassembled.
☑️ Checklist before disassembly
Step-by-step: how to disassemble the machine from the coils
Consider a universal disassembly algorithm, using the Mi Portable Electric Lint Remover, where other models may have slightly different steps (e.g., screw location or latch type).
Step 1: Removing the back cover
Turn over the machine and look at the bottom.
- 🔋 Battery compartment (if removable).
- 🔧 2-4 screws under rubber legs (carefully tuck them with a knife or tweezers).
- 📌 Serial number sticker (can hide another screw).
Unscrew all the screws and put them aside. If the lid is not removed, gently walk the mediator around the perimeter, pressing the latches. Don't force - the plastic can crack.
Step 2: Removing the battery
After removing the cover, you will see:
- 🔋 Lithium battery (usually 1000-1500 mAh).
- 🔌 Power connector (unplug it with tweezers by pulling on the plastic connector, not the wires!).
- 🛠️ Battery fastening (may be on double-sided scotch or screws).
If the battery is swelling, don't reuse it, it's dangerous! Replace it with the same one (voltage and capacity are indicated on the label).
⚠️ Warning: When disconnecting the battery, do not touch metal contacts with your bare hands - static electricity can damage the control board.
Step 3: Access to internal mechanisms
Under the battery are:
- 🔄 Motor with blades (the main mechanism for removing the coils).
- 📶 Control board with chip and switch button.
- 🌀 Cogs and gearbox (in models with mechanical speed adjustment).
To get to the motor, carefully disconnect the board from the body, taking a picture of the location of the wires. In some models, the board is mounted on the latches - put it on the mediator from the edges.
What to do if the engine blades are jammed?
Step 4: Diagnostics and Replacement of Parts
Examine all components for:
| Detail | Signs of malfunction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Does not hold charge, swelled, does not charge | Replacement with a similar one (e.g. 18650) 1400mAh 3.7V) |
| Motor. | It doesn't rotate, it makes a creak, it smells like smoke. | Cleaning, lubrication or replacement |
| Paddles. | Broken, bent, not clinging to pile | Replacement by original or 3D-seal |
| Management fee | Does not respond to the button, flashing the indicator | Multimeter check, soldering contacts |
| Scooterney. | Slip, chipped teeth. | Replacement of gears |
Replacing blades or motors often requires a soldering iron and soldering. If you are not sure about your skills, you should consult a specialist. In online stores (for example, AliExpress or Banggood), you can find parts for popular Xiaomi models by the articles indicated on the details.
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If you can’t find the original blades, use plastic gears from an old toy or 3D-Printer. Print drawings are available on Thingiverse (search for "Xiaomi lint remover blades").
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after successful disassembly, users often encounter recurring faults.
1. The machine is not switched on
Reasons:
- 🔋 Battery discharged or defective (check the voltage with a multimeter - it should be 3.7–4.2V).
- 🔌 Oxidized contacts between battery and board (clean with alcohol).
- 📱 The power button is faulty (call the tester).
- 🔥 Control board burned (visually check the coar or bloated capacitors).
If the battery doesn't respond after you replace it, try resetting the settings: press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, which helps with software failures in 30% of cases.
2.The blades rotate but do not pick up the coils
Possible causes:
- 🌀 Worn blades (stubbed or deformed).
- 🔄 Weak contact between the engine and the blades (check the axle mounting).
- 🧲 The magnet in the mechanism is weakened (in models with magnetic drive).
- 📉 Low battery voltage (the engine is running, but not at full capacity).
Solution: Replace the blades or adjust the gap between them and the grid. In some models, you can increase the speed of rotation by soldering the resistor on the board (but this is risky for beginners).
3. Severe vibration or noise
It's a sign:
- 🔧 Unbalanced blades (check the fastening).
- 🛠️ Wear of motor bearings (lubrication or replacement required).
- 🧩 Infection of foreign objects in the mechanism (hair, threads).
Disassemble the engine compartment and remove the debris. If the bearings crumble, they can be temporarily replaced with similar ones from computer coolers (size). 5×10 mm).
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Most of Xiaomi’s reel car failures are due to blade wear (40%), battery discharge (30%) or engine contamination (20%), and only 10% of cases require a replacement board or motor.
How to assemble a machine after disassembly?
The assembly should take place in reverse order, but there are several nuances:
- 🔌 Connect the battery to the board last to avoid short circuit.
- 🔧 Twisting the screws cross-cross so that the body sits exactly.
- 🧲 Check the operation of the power button before the final assembly.
- 🔄 Run the machine idly for 10-15 seconds to make sure there is no vibration.
If the device does not work after assembly:
- Check the polarity of the battery connection (plus to plus, minus to minus).
- Make sure all the connectors sit tightly on the board.
- Examine the body for clamped wires - they can interfere with the closure of the lid.
⚠️ Warning: If after assembly the machine starts to warm up more than usual, immediately turn it off.
Where to buy spare parts for Xiaomi machine?
Original parts for machines from Xiaomi spools are not easy to find, but there are several proven ways:
| Detail | Where to find | Average price | The alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddles. | AliExpress, eBay (search by model) | 200–500 ₽ | 3D-pattern-printing |
| Battery | Any radio parts store (such as Chip and Deep) | 300–800 ₽ | Battery from powerbank (suitable size) |
| Motor. | AliExpress (search "DC motor 3V for lint remover") | 600–1200 ₽ | The engine from an old toy (suitable power) |
| Management fee | Xiaomi Service Centers or Donor Devices | 1000–2000 ₽ | Self-solding of burned elements |
When buying spare parts, pay attention to:
- 📏 Dimensions (e.g., blade diameter or motor shaft length).
- 🔋 Characteristics (the battery voltage must match the original).
- 📄 Reviews (check if the part is suitable for your model).
If you are not sure about the choice, order the part from official Xiaomi suppliers through service centers.
Cleaning and prevention: how to prolong the life of a machine?
To avoid frequent disassemblies, follow simple rules of care:
- 🧹 Clean the blades after each use – remove the wound hair and threads with tweezers.
- 🔋 Do not discharge the battery to zero - put on charging at 20-30% charge.
- 💧 Do not use in wet areas – condensate can cause corrosion of contacts.
- 🔄 Lubricate the mechanism 1 time in 6 months (use silicone lubricant) WD-40 Specialist).
- 📦 Keep it in a case – it will protect against dust and mechanical damage.
If the machine is used intensively (for example, in the studio or laundry room), every 3 months disassemble it for preventive cleaning, this will help to notice the wear of parts in time and avoid serious breakdowns.
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For deep cleaning of the blades, use an ultrasonic bath with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) that will remove even microscopic fibers that reduce the efficiency of the work.