How to pour liquid soap into the Xiaomi dispenser: instructions with photos and life hacks

Xiaomi’s automatic liquid soap dispensers are not just a convenience gadget, but a full-fledged smart home element that saves cleaning costs and maintains hygiene at a new level. However, even such a simple device has its own nuances of refueling: improperly poured soap can lead to leaks, clogs or sensor failures. In this article, we will analyze all Xiaomi dispensers models (from the budget Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser to the premium Xiaomi Youpin), explain which soap is best, and give a step-by-step photo and video instruction.

We'll focus on common user errors, such as why the dispenser spits foam or stops responding to hand movements, and you'll find a table of compatibility between the soap bases and care tips that will extend the life of the device. If you're just planning to buy, at the end of the article there's a comparison of Xiaomi dispensers for price and functionality.

What Xiaomi Dispensers Are and How They Differ

Xiaomi has several lines of automatic soap dispensers that differ not only in design but also in technical specifications.

• 🔹 Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser is a basic model with an infrared sensor, a 300 ml tank volume, powered by 4 batteries AAA, suitable for liquid soap and gel.
• 🔹 Xiaomi Youpin Smart Soap Dispenser is a premium version with a capacity of 400 ml, supports connection to the Mi Home app for tracking the level of soap.
• 🔹 Xiaomi Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser - model with ultraviolet lamp for disinfection of the nozzle, volume 350 ml, compatible with concentrates.

The main difference between the models is the type of sensor and compatibility with soap bases, for example, Viomi copes with thick gels, while Deerma requires only liquid compounds, and it is also important to pay attention to the material of the reservoir: in cheap models, plastic can become turbid with time, and in premium models, tritanium (corrosion-resistant polymer) is used.

If you're not sure what model you have, look at the bottom of the dispenser, which has the name and serial number, and you can check it in the Mi Home app (if the device is connected to Wi-Fi).

What liquid soap is suitable for Xiaomi dispensers

Not all soaps can be put into an automatic dispenser.

• 🧼 Consistency: optimal viscosity is like water (easily poured). Thick gels or abrasive particle soap (scrabs) clog the pump.
• 💧 pH neutral composition: Acid or alkaline agents (e.g., household soap) can corrode plastic and rubber seals.
• 🌿 Dyes and fragrance-free: The aggressive chemical additives leave a sediment on the sensor, causing the dispenser to become unresponsive to movement.
• 🔋 No alcohol: Alcohol-containing antiseptics evaporate and can damage electronic components.

Best suited:

• 🫧 Special refills for automatic dispensers (e.g. Xiaomi Mijia Soap Refill).
• 🧴 Non-fragrance baby liquid soap (e.g. Johnson's Baby or Bübchen).
• 🧼 Dilution concentrates (e.g., Ecover or Frosch diluted with water in a 1:3 ratio).

Important: If you use concentrate, never pour it in its pure form - it will break the pump! Dilute with distilled water (not tap water to avoid lime plaque).

⚠️ Warning: If you pour the wrong soap (such as a shower gel) into Xiaomi's dispenser, immediately rinse the tank with warm water and vinegar (a 1:1) and dry for 12 hours. Otherwise, the pump may jam!

Step-by-step: how to pour soap into the Xiaomi dispenser

The refueling process seems simple, but there are a few critical points that even experienced users miss.

1. Turn off the power. If the dispenser is powered by batteries, remove them. If the USB is powered by batteries, disconnect the cable. This will prevent the pump from accidentally operating during refueling.
2. Remove the top cover. Most models have counterclockwise spins (except for Viomi, where the lid is on the latches). Make no effort — if the lid fails, check if the lock locks it (usually it is on the side).
3. Remove the soap tank. In the Mijia and Youpin models, it is removed completely, and in Deerma it is part of the case (you need to pour soap through the neck).
4. Rinse the tank (if it's not the first filling). Use warm water and a soft sponge. You can add some vinegar to remove the plaque. Don't use hard brushes, they scratch the plastic, and then microcracks accumulate bacteria.
5. Fill the tank not to the edges, but 80% to prevent overflows when the pump is running. For convenience, use a funnel (companying with some models) or a bottle waterer.
6. Put the tank back in. Make sure it sits tightly in place, otherwise the soap will leak through the slits. In sensor models, check that the infrared eyeball (usually the black circle on the front panel) is not covered with soap foam.
7. Turn on the power and test it. Put your hand in the sensor, the dispenser should give you a soap about the size of a coin (≈1-1.5 ml). If the portion is too large or small, adjust the settings in the Mi Home app (for models with Wi-Fi support).

Power is turned off (batteries/USB)

The lid is off effortlessly.

The tank washed and dried

Soap diluted (if concentrate)

Filling level not exceeding 80%

Sensor clean (no soap stains)-->

If the dispenser does not work after refueling:

• 🔋 Check the batteries (they must be at least 70% charged).
• 📱 Reboot your device via the Mi Home app (Device section → Dispenser → Reboot).
• 💦 Make sure that the soap is not getting electronic contacts (if so, dry it in cold air).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes experience problems after filling the dispenser, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

1.The dispenser "spit" with foam instead of soap

Reason: too thick soap or air entering the pump.

Decision:

• 🔄 Dilute the soap with water (a ratio of 1:1) and stir.
• 🌀 Before refueling, pump the pump: press the dispenser 3-4 times to remove air.
• 🧹 Wash the pump tube under a stream of water (in the Youpin and Viomi models it is removable).

2.The soap leaks from under the lid

The reason: the tank is not tightly closed or the sealing ring is damaged.

Decision:

• 🔍 Check the integrity of the rubber gasket (it must be elastic, without cracks).
• 🔧 Tighten the lid until you click (don't twist!).
• 💧 If the leak continues, apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the gasket.

3. The sensor is not responding to the arm

Cause: contamination of the infrared sensor or battery discharge.

Decision:

• 🧴 Wipe the sensor with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (only for models without a UV lamp!).
• 🔋 Replace the batteries with new ones (even if the old ones “seem to work”).
• 📱 Reset the dispenser settings in the Mi Home app (Devices → Settings → Reset).

⚠️ Warning: If the dispenser starts to make creaking sounds after refueling, it's a sign that the pump is running dry (the soap is not coming in). Turn off the device immediately and check if the feed tube is clogged. Using the dispenser in this condition will overheat the engine!

How to care for a dispenser so that it lasts longer

The average life of Xiaomi dispensers is 2-3 years, but with proper care, this period can be extended to 5 years.

• 🧽 Weekly cleaning. Rub the body and sensor with a wet wipe (no alcohol!) Once a month, wash the tank with warm water.
• 🔄 Change soap. Don't leave the same soap for longer than 2 weeks, it can thicken or layer. It's optimal to change the gas station every 10 days.
• ☀️ Drying: If the dispenser is not in use (e.g. during vacation), drain the soap, flush the tank and leave the lid open for airing.
• 🔋 Batteries. Use only alkaline batteries (like Duracell or Energizer) Cheap salt cells discharge quickly and can leak.

For models with a UV lamp (Viomi):

• 💡 Turn on disinfection every 3 days (via the Mi Home app).
• 🕯️ Do not place the dispenser under direct sunlight - this shortens the life of the lamp.

What can't be done:

• ❌ Pour boiling water to "disinfect" - this deforms the plastic.
• ❌ Use abrasive cleaning products (e.g., soda powder).
• ❌ Disassemble the pump yourself (this voids the warranty).

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If the dispenser began to smell of mold, pour a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide (1: 1) into the tank, turn the device on for 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water.

Xiaomi Dispensers Comparison: Which to Choose in 2026

If you haven’t bought a dispenser yet, here’s a comparison table of current models with pros and cons:

For a family of 3-4 people, the best choice is Xiaomi Youpin (due to its large volume and smart features). If you need a budget option, Mijia. Viomi with a UV lamp is better for offices or public places.

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Xiaomi’s Mi Home Dispensers allow you to track soap levels and adjust the dosage via your smartphone, especially for large families or public spaces.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi dispensers