How to properly dilute liquid soap for Xiaomi foaming agent: proportions and secrets of thick foam

Xiaomi foamers, such as the Mijia Smart Foam Soap Dispenser or Viomi Smart Foam Soap Machine, have become a popular bathroom accessory that not only automates hand washing, but also saves washing costs by converting liquid into thick foam, but many users face a problem: factory liquid soap runs out quickly and buying branded cartridges is expensive.

In this article, you'll find the exact proportions for dilution, the soap base recommendations, and the common errors that cause the device to break or foam poorly. We've tested several options and put the data together in handy tables so you can find the perfect recipe for your foaming model.

Why you can not use undiluted liquid soap

Xiaomi's foaming system is designed to be a liquid with a certain viscosity, and if you pour a thick soap without dilution, you'll have the following problems:

• 🔧 Clogging mechanism: The pump and spray nozzles are not designed to pump viscous fluids, resulting in increased wear and tear after 2-3 months.
• 💧 Weak foam or no foam: The correct ratio of water to surfactants is required to form foam. Too concentrated soap does not foam.
• 🚿 Cost overrun: The device will give out more liquid than needed, as the sensors are designed for diluted composition.

The manufacturer indicates that the optimal viscosity of the liquid for Xiaomi foaming agents is 1.0-1.5 mPa·s (millipascal-second). For comparison, the viscosity of water at room temperature is 1 mPa·s, and thick liquid soap is 5-10 mPa·s. Without dilution, the risk of breakage increases 3-4 times.

What liquid soap is suitable for dilution

Not all detergents are equally well suited to foaming agents, and here are the key selection criteria:

• 🧼 Neutral pH (5.5–7.0): Acid or alkaline formulations (e.g., household soap) can damage the plastic parts of the device.
• 🌿 Minimum additives: Fragrances, dyes and abrasive particles (scrabs) clog the nozzles. Optimally, transparent soap without pellets.
• 💦 High foaming capacity: The composition must be SLES (sodium sulphate lauryl ether) or Cocamidopropyl Betaine (cocamidopropyl betaine).

The best options according to the test results:

⚠️ Warning: Do not use shower gels (such as Nivea or Garnier) – they contain grooming oils that settle on the inside of the foaming agent and disable it in 1-2 weeks.

Optimal proportions for dilution

Soap-water ratios depend on the original viscosity of the product and the foaming model, and we tested several options on Mijia and Viomi devices:

Critical error: dilution of hot water (>40°C) leads to the clotting of surfactants and the formation of flakes that clog the system. Use only distilled or boiled water at room temperature (20-25°C).

Mix soap and water in a separate container |Filter through gauze from possible flakes |Pour into the tank through a funnel |Pump the system 2-3 times to remove air-->

Step-by-step instructions for dilution and filling

To avoid errors, follow this algorithm:

1. Determine the volume of the tank: 📏 Mijia Smart Foam Soap Dispenser: 250 ml 📏 Viomi Smart Foam Soap Machine: 300 ml

Prepare the solution.

1.Pour the desired amount of water into the clean container (see the table of proportions).


2. Add the soap in a thin stream, stirring constantly.




3. Let stand for 10-15 minutes to remove air bubbles.

Fill the foaming agent

• 🔄 Unscrew the top cover counterclockwise.
• 🖨️ Pour the solution through the funnel (to avoid the strait).
• ⚙️ Set the lid back and press the test button 2-3 times to pump.

If the foam is too liquid, increase the concentration of soap by 10-15%. For example, instead of a 1:3 ratio, try 1:2.5. If the foam is thick, but the device "spits" - dilute another 5-10% with water.

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To flavor the solution, add 2-3 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree) per 100 ml of the mixture. Preliminary check compatibility with plastic: drop the oil on the device cover and wait 1 hour - if the plastic is not cloudy, you can use it.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right proportions, users make mistakes that spoil the foaming agent. Here are the top -5 problems and solutions:

• 🚫 Using tap water → Leads to lime deposits at the pump. Solution: boil or use distilled water.
• 🚫 Filtration-free filling → Small flakes of soap clog the nozzles. Solution: filter the solution through gauze or coffee filter.
• 🚫 Mixing different types of soap → Chemical reaction between surfactants can precipitate. Solution: use one type of soap to refill.
• 🚫 Adding new solution to old → Different proportions lead to the dissection of the liquid. Solution: drain the residues completely before refueling.
• 🚫 Storage solution for more than 2 weeks → Soap loses its properties, water evaporates. Solution: cook a serving for 7-10 days.

⚠️ Warning: If the foaming agent starts shooting liquid instead of foam, it's a sign of nozzles clogging. Don't try to clean them with a needle, you'll damage the sprayer. Rinse the system with a 10% solution of citric acid (1 tsp per 100 ml of water) by pumping it 3-4 times.

How to extend the service life of the foaming agent

The average pump life in Xiaomi devices is 10,000-15,000 cycles. To extend it, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Rinse the system every 2 weeks: Pour clean water and pump 5-6 times.
• 🛠️ Use silicone lubricant: 1 time per month apply a drop to the sealing ring of the cover.
• 🌡️ Avoid direct sunlight: UV radiation destroys the plastic tank.
• 🔋 Disconnect from the network during vacation: Even in standby mode, electronics wear out.

If the device starts to make extraneous sounds (squeaking, crackling), it is a signal of wear of the pump. 80% of the time the problem is solved by replacing the silicone pad (Article for Mijia - DM-JY01).

Alternative liquids for foaming agent

In addition to liquid soap, other means can be poured into the foaming agent Xiaomi, but with reservations:

The best alternative is liquid Castilian soap (like Dr. Bronner's) which is natural, without synthetic additives, and perfectly foams in a ratio of 1:2. The only drawback is the high price (~500 rubles per 250 ml).

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For antibacterial effect, add 1 tsp. chlorhexidine 0.05% per 100 ml. This is safe for the skin and does not harm the device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions