Why it is important to pour soap into Xiaomi dispenser
Xiaomi Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser has become a hit with smart home appliances, not only saving cleaning costs, but also making hand washing more hygienic. However, many users face problems as early as the first refill: the soap leaks, the sensor stops working, or the device produces too little foam, all of which are often due to the wrong choice of detergent or the wrong pouring process.
In this article, we will learn what soap is suitable for Xiaomi (and which is categorically not), how to disassemble the dispenser without damage, how much liquid to pour and what to do if after refueling the device malfunctions, and you will find unique life hacks for care that will extend the life of the dispenser for years.
Note: the manual is suitable for all models of Xiaomi touch dispensers, including Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser, Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser and their modifications with a foaming agent. If you have a different brand, check compatibility in specifications.
What soap can be poured into Xiaomi dispenser: the full list
Not every detergent is suitable for automatic dispensers, and using the wrong liquid can lead to clogging of the pump, sensor failure, or even corrosion of the internal parts.
- ✅ A neutral pH liquid soap (5.5-7.0) is the best option. Examples: Dove, Fa, Sanex.
- ✅ Antibacterial soap without abrasive particles (e.g. Safeguard).
- ✅ Special refills for dispensers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Soap Refill).
- ❌ Shower gels are too thick, clog the pump.
- ❌ Soap with exfoliating particles (scrabs) – scratching the internal mechanisms.
- ❌ Concentrated detergents (such as Fairy) - aggressive to plastic.
- ❌ Homemade soap solutions (for example, from household soap) - can form a precipitate.
If you use a foam dispenser (models labeled Foam), it is important to choose a low foam soap in its original form, otherwise the foam will come out too abundantly and the device will start to spit.
Step-by-step: how to disassemble and fill the dispenser
Before refueling, be sure to turn off the dispenser from power (remove the batteries or disconnect). USB-Then follow the algorithm:
- Remove the top cover. Most models have latches on it -- press the side ledges carefully and pull up. Don't use force to keep the mounts from breaking!
- Get the soap tank out. In some versions, it's integrated into the case -- then just unscrew the filler lid.
- Wash the tank with warm water (if you are refueling for the first time or changing the type of soap).
- Pour the soap to the MAX label. It's usually 250 to 300 ml. Don't overflow, it'll lead to leaks.
- Set the tank back and lock the lid before the click.
- Turn on the power and check the sensor, bringing your hand to a distance of 5-10 cm.
If after refueling, the soap is not supplied or is jerked, try pumping the system: press the pump manually (if there is a button) or activate the sensor several times until a uniform stream goes.
Disconnect power (batteries/USB)
Check the compatibility of the soap
Wash the tank (when changing the type of soap)
Pour the liquid to the MAX tag
Close the lid before you click.
Check the sensor's performance-->
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when refilling the dispenser, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Soap leaks from under the lid. | Overflow or loosely closed reservoir | Drain the excess, check the sealing ring |
| Sensor doesn't respond to arm | The hit of soap on the sensor or battery | Wipe the sensor with a dry wipe, replace the batteries |
| The soap is coming in too weak a stream. | Pump clog or thick soap | Wash the pump with water, change the soap to a more liquid one |
| Dispenser spits foam | Inappropriate soap or air in the system | Use a special filling, pump the pump |
If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try resetting the dispenser settings. To do this, hold the power button (if any) for 10 seconds or remove the batteries for 1 minute.
What to do if the soap thickens inside the dispenser?
How to prolong the life of a dispenser: tips for care
To make Xiaomi Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser last longer, follow these guidelines:
- 🧼 Change the soap every 2-3 months, even if it is not finished. Over time, the liquid may delaminate or form a precipitate.
- 🔋 Use high-quality batteries (like Duracell or Energizer) and cheap cells quickly discharge, and the sensor starts to fire with a delay.
- 💧 Rinse the tank once a month with a weak soap solution (1 tsp. liquid soap per 1 liter of water).
- 🚫 Do not put the dispenser under direct sunlight - this leads to overheating and accelerated evaporation of soap.
- 🔄 Update your firmware regularly (for models with Mi Home support) to fix sensor errors.
If you're away for a long time, drain the soap completely and rinse the dispenser. The leftover liquid may dry up and block the pump.
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To keep the soap from thickening, add 1-2 drops of glycerol (sold at the pharmacy) to the tank, which will maintain the consistency of the liquid for many months.
What to do if the dispenser stopped working after refueling
If the device fails to turn on after pouring the soap or gives an error, follow the following steps:
- Check power: For batteries: replace them with new ones (even if the old ones "seem to work"). For USB, try another cable or power supply.
- Reset: Remove the batteries for 1 minute. For models with a Reset button, press it with a pin for 5 seconds.
Check the pump.
- Remove the tank and manually press the pump (if there is access).
- If the pump is not pumping, replacement may be required.
If the dispenser makes strange noises (screaming, squeaking), it is a sign of mechanical failure. In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center - self-repair can aggravate the problem.
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Never use boiling water or steam for washing the dispenser - this will deform plastic parts and disable the electronic filling.
Alternative ways of refueling: life hacks from users
Experienced owners of Xiaomi Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser share some non-obvious tips that make it easier to operate:
- 🔄 Diluting thick soaps. If your favorite soap is too viscous, dilute it with distilled water (1:1). This will not impair the detergent properties, but will protect the pump.
- 🧴 Use of hand gel: In emergency cases, you can pour an alcohol-free antiseptic gel (for example, Sterillium), but not more often than 1-2 times.
- 🎨 Soap coloring. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring so that the soap can be seen through a transparent case, so it's easier to control the level.
- 🔋 Power bank if the dispenser supports USB, connect it to an external battery for autonomous operation in the bathroom without sockets.
For models with adjustable dosage (for example, Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser Pro) you can experiment with settings through the Mi Home app. The optimal mode for saving is 0.8-1.2 ml per press.