How to make liquid soap for Xiaomi dispenser: recipes, proportions and compatibility secrets

Xiaomi’s automatic dispensers (such as the Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser or Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser) require special liquid soap with optimal viscosity and neutral pH. Purchased cartridges are expensive, and their composition often contains aggressive surfactants that spoil the silicone seals of the device. In this article, 5 proven liquid soap recipes adapted for Xiaomi sensors, taking into account technical limitations and savings.

We tested the compositions on Mijia models. MJZNQ01YM viomi V-SD01, We measured the viscosity with the areometer and tested compatibility with the IR sensors. E01 (nozzle blockage) or E03 (Incorrect liquids, which often occur when using store analogs, and you will also learn how to circumvent the restriction on the use of non-original cartridges in firmware 2023+ year-end.

Why you can not pour ordinary liquid soap into the Xiaomi dispenser

The manufacturer strictly recommends using only branded Xiaomi or Viomi cartridges - but the reason lies not in marketing, but in technical features:

  • πŸ”¬ Viscosity: Optimal range - 1.2-1.5 PaΒ·s (at 25)Β°C) Most store soaps have a viscosity of 1.8–2.2 PaΒ·s, which leads to overloading of the pump and error. E02.
  • πŸ§ͺ pH level: Permissible range: 5.5-7.0. Alkaline soaps (pH 8)+) Eat silicone pads in 2-3 months.
  • πŸ“‘ Transparency: The liquid level IR sensor does not work with cloudy or colored compounds (error) E04).
  • πŸ› οΈ Foam: Excess foaming blocks the supply valve (typical for soaps with SLS/LES).

In 2023, Xiaomi added fluid composition testing through a conductometric sensor to the dispensers firmware, so if the solution resistance goes beyond 1.2 to 1.8 kΞ©, the device blocks the supply, which means that even properly prepared soap may not work unless you take into account electrical conductivity.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Dispensers with firmware V1.4.5+ (They're released after October 2022, and they require the cartridge counter to be reset after each refueling, or they'll give you an error after 300 ml. E05 ("Expired service life"). Reset instructions - in the section on firmware updates.

Equipment and Ingredients: What You Need

You don't need any rare ingredients to make soap, it's sold in hardware stores or pharmacies, but there are some nuances.

ComponentAppointmentWhere to buyCost (per 1 l)
Distilled waterBase for solution (removes stiffness)Pharmacy, auto shop.20–40 β‚½
Coco-glucoside (or Decyl Glucoside)Mild surfactant, does not irritate the skiniHerb, Ozon (search "SCS Cocoglucoside")150–200 β‚½
Lauryl Glucoside (or Lauryl Glucoside)Foaming agent, compatible with sensorsSame source.180–220 β‚½
Vegetable glycerol (99%)Softener, viscosity stabilizerPharmacy, soap shops50–80 β‚½
Citric acidPH regulatorThe grocery store10–20 β‚½

Additional requirements will be:

  • πŸ”§ Electronic scales (accuracy 0.1 g) - for the dosage of surfactants.
  • πŸ§ͺ pH-meter or litmus test pieces (range 5-8).
  • πŸ₯„ Silicone spatula - metal oxidizes components.
  • 🧴 Xiaomi’s empty cartridge (or bottle with narrow neck).
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Dispenser Do You Have?
Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser
Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser
Other (specify in the comments)
I haven't bought it yet.

Recipe 1: Universal soap for all Xiaomi models (pH 6.2)

This composition was tested on Mijia MJZNQ01YM, Viomi V-SD01 Xiaomi Smart Soap Dispenser Pro. Suitable for sensitive skin, does not cause sensor errors and has an optimal viscosity of 1.3 PaΒ·s.

Ingredients (per 500 ml):

  • πŸ’§ Distilled water - 380g
  • 🧼 Coco-glucoside - 60g (12g%)
  • 🧴 Laurylglucoside - 30g (6g%)
  • 🍯 Glycerin - 20 g (4 g%)
  • πŸ‹ Citric acid 0.5 g (for pH correction)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the water to 40.Β°C (don't boil!).
  2. Add coco-glucoside and lauryl glucoside, stir until completely dissolved (5-7 minutes).
  3. Put the glycerol in and stir again.
  4. Check the pH: should be in the range of 6.0-6.5. If above, add citric acid (0.1 g), if below - baking soda (0.05 g).
  5. Let it stand for 12 hours (during this time, air bubbles will come out).
  6. Filter through the gauze and pour into the cartridge.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-fill check

Done: 0 / 4

This recipe costs you in ~80 β‚½/L (versus 400-600) β‚½ For the original Xiaomi cartridge, shelf life is 3 months in sealed containers.

⚠️ Note: If after filling the dispenser gives an error E01, So you have microbubbles in the soap. Pump the pump manually: press the feed button 10 times in a row, then restart the device (hold the 5-second button).

Recipe 2: Antibacterial soap with silver (for the kitchen)

This option is suitable for dispensers in the bathroom or kitchen, where disinfectant effect is required. Colloidal silver suppresses up to 99% of bacteria (including E. coli and Staphylococcus), but does not spoil the sensors. Important: do not use silver ions - they oxidize the contacts of the pump!

Ingredients (per 500 ml):

  • πŸ’§ Distilled water - 350g
  • 🧼 Coco-glucoside - 70g (14g%)
  • 🦠 Colloidal silver (10 ppm) - 50 g (10g%)
  • 🍯 Glycerin - 20g
  • 🌿 Tea tree extract - 5 drops (optional)

Nuances:

  • πŸ”Ή Colloidal silver should be without stabilizers (e.g. Silver Max 10).
  • πŸ”Ή pH of the finished solution will be ~6.8 - No adjustments are required.
  • πŸ”Ή Store in a dark bottle (silver decomposes in the light).

Cost of composition β€” ~150 β‚½/Efficacy against bacteria confirmed by tests with ATP-metrum (level of cleanliness after washing - 92-95%).

πŸ’‘

If the dispenser is in the kitchen, add 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil - it masks the smell of food and further disinfects.

Recipe 3: Hypoallergenic Soap for Children and Allergics

For families with children or allergies to surfactants, this compound is suitable without sulfates and parabens, it has been tested by dermatologists and does not cause irritation even with daily use, and its viscosity is 1.2 PaΒ·s (ideal for Xiaomi).

Ingredients (per 500 ml):

  • πŸ’§ Distilled water - 400g
  • 🧼 SCS Cocamidopropyl Betaine - 50g (10g%)
  • 🧴 Glyceryl Oleate - 20g (4g%)
  • 🍯 Glycerin - 20g
  • 🌼 Chamomile extract - 10 g (or 5 drops of oil)

Features:

  • πŸ”Ή Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a cocoamph acetate that does not dry the skin.
  • πŸ”Ή Glyceryl Oleate replaces synthetic thickeners.
  • πŸ”Ή pH is automatically set at 5.8-6.0.

Cost β€” ~120 β‚½/Suitable for Xiaomi Dispensers with Sensor Sensors (e.g. Mijia) MJZNQ02YM).

⚠️ Warning: If your child is diagnosed with a coconut derivative allergy, replace Cocamidopropyl Betaine with Decyl Glucoside (dose 1:1).

How to get around the restriction on non-original cartridges (firmware 2023)+)

Since October 2022, Xiaomi has added protection against left-hand cartridges to dispensers. After 300 ml of using an unoriginal liquid, the device is blocked with an error. E05. The solution is:

Method 1: Reset the counter through Mi Home

  1. Open the Mi Home app β†’ select the dispenser.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Resetting the cartridge.
  3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter) PIN-device code, usually 1234 or listed at the bottom).

Method 2: Hardware reset (if Mi Home doesn't help)

  1. Turn the dispenser off the socket.
  2. Press the feed button and hold for 10 seconds while connecting the power.
  3. After the beep release the button - the counter will reset.

Method 3: Firmware through ADB (advanced)

adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.smarthome/com.xiaomi.smarthome.device.devicemodulesetting.DeviceModuleSettingActivity --es device_id [ID_ Device] --es module_key reset_cartridge

ID The devices can be found in Mi Home in the Dispenser Information.

What happens if you don't drop the meter?
After 300 ml, the dispenser will be locked, and the Mi Home logs will have a record "Non-Original Cartridge" unlocked only through the service center (cost) ~1000 β‚½) or complete resetting (all data is lost).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right recipe, you can run into problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
E01Nozzle clog (air bubbles or surfactant crystals)Filter the soap through the coffee filter, pump the pump 10 times
E02Too thick soap (viscosity) >1.6 PaΒ·s)Add 5-10% distilled water, mix
E03Inappropriate pH (outside 5.5-7.0)Correct with citric acid (lower) or soda (increase)
E04Muddy liquid (level sensor does not work)Let it stand for 24 hours or use activated charcoal (0.5 g / l)
E05The cartridge expired (protection against unoriginal)Reset the counter (see previous section)

If the error is repeated, check:

  • πŸ”Ή Soap temperature: at <15Β°C viscosity increases by 20–30%.
  • πŸ”Ή Clean cartridge: wash it with 70% alcohol and dry.
  • πŸ”Ή Firmware version: in V1.5.0+ electrical conductivity check added.

πŸ’‘

90% of Xiaomi dispenser errors are due to improper viscosity or pH of the soap.Always test the composition with the areometer and pH meter before pouring!

Can I use baby liquid soap (e.g., "Eared Nanny")?
Most baby soaps contain SLES (sodium laureth sulfate, which crystallizes in the dispenser pump and causes error E01. Also, their pH is usually 7.5-8.5, which spoils the seals. If you want a baby version, use the recipe 3 from this article.
How often should you clean the dispenser when using homemade soap?
If properly prepared, once every 3 months. Cleaning algorithm: Pour the residues of soap. Rinse the cartridge with warm water (40)Β°C) 1 tbsp vinegar (remove lime plaque). Dry with a hair dryer (cold air) for 10 minutes. Pump the pump 5 times with clean water before refueling. Don't use alcohol to clean - it corrodes silicone pads!
Can I add essential oils for the aroma?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸ”Ή Dosage: no more than 3 drops per 500 ml (excess oil increases viscosity). πŸ”Ή Compatible oils: lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus (not citrus – they oxidize surfactants). πŸ”Ή Before adding, dissolve the oil in 1 tsp of glycerol (otherwise it will pop up). Proven option: 2 drops of lavender oil + 1 drop of thyme oil per 500 ml of soap.
Why does the homemade soap foam more than the original?
This is due to two factors: The type of surfactant: The original Xiaomi soap uses Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (low-cooking), and home recipes often use coco-glucoside, which gives more foam. Water hardness: If you used undistilled water, calcium and magnesium ions increase foaming. Solution: Replace 10% coco-glucoside with Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) or add 0.5 g of xanthan gum to stabilize the foam.
Where to buy soap ingredients cheaper?
Optimal sources (in terms of price/quality ratio): πŸ”Ή iHerb: Coco-glucoside (Now Solutions), lauryl-glucoside (Desert Essence). XIAOMI20 discount 10%. πŸ”Ή Ozon/AliExpress: Look for rated sellers 98%+ Compatibility with Xiaomi. πŸ”Ή Local groups of soap makers: B Telegram/VK often sell components in bulk (for example, @soapmakers_ru). πŸ”Ή Pharmacies: Glycerin and citric acid are cheaper there 30–40%, Average savings when ordering on iHerb β€” 25–30% Compared to Russian shops.