Mijia series automatic dispensers have become the standard of hygiene in many homes, but their design is often questionable when maintenance is needed. Owners face situations where the device stops supplying fluid, begins to “glue” the sensor or requires a simple battery replacement in a sealed compartment. Understanding how to disassemble the soap dispenser Xiaomi, is a key skill for extending the life of the gadget without going to the service center.
Modern models, such as the Mijia Auto Induction Foaming Hand Washer (versions 1S and 2), are designed with minimalist aesthetics in mind, which implies no visible screws on the outer surface. This creates the illusion of a monolithic body, scaring users accustomed to classical electronics. However, engineers have provided hidden fixing mechanisms that allow disassembly of the body quickly enough if you know where to push or turn.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the process of dismantling various dispensers modifications, paying special attention to the nuances of working with silicone seals and pump mechanism. Incorrect assembly can lead to leaks, so it is important to follow the sequence of actions. We will also touch on the topic of cleaning the fluid intake tube, since clogging is one of the most common causes of breakage.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations, be sure to remove the batteries from the power compartment. Attempting to disassemble the device under voltage can lead to short circuit contacts or accidental activation of the pump.
Design features of Xiaomi dispensers
All automatic dispensers of the brand are built on a similar modular principle, consisting of three main parts: a liquid tank, a pump unit with a motor and an upper unit with an IR sensor and an LED. Visually, the device seems simple, but inside it hides a complex sealing system. ABS-plastics resistant to alkaline media contained in soap.
The key element that requires careful handling is a silicone gasket located at the connection of the bottle neck and the pump mechanism, which is responsible for creating the vacuum necessary to lift the fluid. When unscrupulously disassembled, the gasket is easily damaged or lost, which will make the device unusable, and it is worth noting the presence of a protective net at the outlet of the foam, which is often overlooked when cleaning.
The models of different generations may differ in the type of top lid attachment. If the first version of the Mijia used a threaded mechanism with a fixation, in newer versions, engineers used a system of hidden latches. Understanding the type of device will help avoid the use of excessive force that can break the plastic ears of the mounts.
- 🧼 The tank is made of transparent plastic, which allows you to visually control the level of consumption of funds.
- ⚙️ The pump unit contains a miniature electric motor and gear supply mechanism.
- 🔋 The power compartment is sealed and often requires careful opening to replace type elements. AA.
Keep in mind that internal electronics, including the control board and the distance sensor, are not designed to contact water, so it is important to ensure that the residue of the soap solution does not fall on the contact groups during disassembly, even a minimal amount of moisture can oxidize the contacts, which will lead to improper operation of the sensor or a complete stop of the motor.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To successfully complete the dismantling procedure, you don't need a sophisticated professional tool, and in most cases, a minimum set of tools is enough, and the main requirement for the toolkit is cleanliness and no sharp edges that can scratch plastic or damage internal components. Workplace preparation is also important, because small parts are easy to lose.
First of all, you'll need a container of warm water, which is necessary to flush the tube of the liquid intake and the tank from the residues of old soap that may have thickened, and also prepare soft cloth or paper wipes to remove moisture. If you plan to thoroughly clean the pump, you may need isopropyl alcohol or a special contact cleaner, but this is for advanced users.
The main tool for opening the case is a thin plastic card (an unnecessary discount card) or a special mediator for opening electronics. The use of metal objects such as a knife or screwdriver is highly undesirable, since they are very easy to leave deep scratches on glossy surfaces or damage plastic latches. If you do not do without metal, the edge of the metal can be wrapped in tape.
☑️ Disassembly tools
Pay special attention to lighting. Inside the device, there are small springs and contacts that are not visible in dim light. A good lamp will allow you to notice the smallest details of the design and not lose the springs of the return of buttons or locks. It is also recommended to cover the table with a light cloth so that the fallen small details are immediately noticeable.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents such as acetone or gasoline to clean the case.They can break down the structure of the plastic, making it cloudy or brittle, especially in stress areas.
Dismantling the upper part and replacing the elements
The most common reason users have to disassemble the dispenser is to replace the batteries. Unlike conventional appliances, the power compartment is often hidden under a decorative cover or part of the top module. The process begins with detaching the top of the body from the main tank. In most Xiaomi models, this is done by twisting counterclockwise.
Once the top is separated, you get access to the battery compartment. In some versions, it's closed with an extra latch cover, in others, it's just inserted into a niche. If the latch lid is on, gently tuck it in with a plastic map at the designated location (usually there's a small groove). Don't put too much effort: plastic in the cold or from time to time becomes brittle, and the latches can easily break off.
When you remove old batteries, look at the status of the contacts. Oxidation is a common problem that causes the device to stop turning on even with new batteries. Gently wipe the contacts with a dry cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If you see signs of corrosion, they can be gently cleaned with a swallow or small sandpaper, trying not to touch the electronic board.
What to do if the lid is not removed?
When installing new batteries, strictly observe the polarity indicated at the bottom of the compartment. Using high-quality alkaline batteries is preferable to salt batteries, as they provide a more stable voltage necessary for the pump motor to work. After installation, check the sensor, but do not assemble the device completely so that you can quickly correct errors.
Disassembly of the pump mechanism and valve cleaning
If the dispenser is buzzing but not serving soap, or if it's jerking, the problem is the pump mechanism, and accessing it requires removing the top cover with the sensor, which is usually held on several hidden screws under a decorative pad or on tight latches, and be prepared for the fact that inside you will see a complex system of gears and tubes.
The first step in disassembling the pump is to disconnect the silicone tube that runs from the bottle's neck to the pump. Often this is where the clog gets formed because of the thickened soap. Wash the tube with warm water, blow it out. If the pump itself is a problem, it may require disassembling the body, which involves snapping plastic clamps. Here, extreme care is important so as not to damage the pump membrane.
Inside the pump unit is a valve that regulates the flow of fluid, which leads to a decrease in pressure or a complete absence of supply, carefully remove the valve and wash it under a stream of warm water, remove all visible contaminants and crystals of dried soap, assemble in reverse order, keeping track of the correct position of the sealing rings.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Engine buzzing, no soap. | A blockage in the tube or valve | Washing the system with warm water |
| A weak stream of foam | Discharged batteries | Replacement of the elements |
| Self-inclusion | Pollution of the IR sensor | Dry-cloth wiping of the sensor |
| Leak at the neck | Shift of the silice gasket | Proper installation of the sealer |
When assembling a pump, make sure that all the tubes are held up to the point and fixed. Any leakage in the system will cause the pump to pump air rather than liquid, a phenomenon called "suffocation" that requires re-pumping the system, which can be difficult without special equipment.
Sensor and electronic board maintenance
The electronic control unit is the brain of your dispenser, which is responsible for processing the signal from the infrared sensor and sending the command to the motor. If the device behaves inadequately (for example, does not respond to the hand or is triggered for no reason), the problem may be in the contamination of the sensor or oxidation of the contacts of the board, disassembling this unit requires special care.
To access the board, you need to gently open the top casing. It's usually assembled on latches around the perimeter. Use a plastic card to walk along the junction of the halves of the case, sequentially snapping the locks. Don't try to decompress the case at one point, it will cause cracks. Move around, gradually increasing the gap. Inside, you'll see a green board with components.
The main thing that needs attention is the IR sensor (black or transparent "eye"). Wipe it with a soft dry cloth. If it has greasy coating, use a slightly wet wipe, but wipe it dry immediately. Also check the contacts of the battery compartment on the board. If you see white plaque (oxidation), carefully remove it. Sometimes soldering contacts helps if they have gone off the board, but it requires skills with a soldering iron.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to wet the electronic board with water or cleaning products. Any liquid that gets on the chips can cause corrosion and irreversible failure of the device.
After cleaning, assemble the case, making sure that the wires (if any, such as those going to the LED) are not pressed or broken. Incorrectly stacking the wires can cause them to be rubbed and short-circuited in the future. Check the sensor before final assembly of all external elements.
Assembly of the device and checking leakage
The final step is to assemble all the nodes into a single unit, and this process requires care, because a disruption of the sequence can cause the device to fail or leak. First, put the pump mechanism in place and make sure it sits tightly in the neck of the tank. Check the position of the silicone sealer: it must lie flat, without clamps or skews.
Then put on the top of the case with electronics. If the structure is threaded, twist smoothly, without jerking, until you feel the stop. Don't pull the thread, because the plastic can crack. If you use latches, connect the halves of the body and evenly press the perimeter until the characteristic click. Make sure there are no gaps anywhere through which moisture or air can penetrate.
After assembly, be sure to run a leakproofness test. Pour some water into the tank (not soap to see the result immediately) and turn the device upside down above the sink. Shake it several times. If you see water droplets, it means that the leakage is broken. Disassemble the device again, check the seals and the density of the covers. Only after making sure there are no leaks, pour the soap solution.
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High-quality assembly and checking the tightness of water - a guarantee that your dispenser will last a long time and will not arrange a "flood" in the bathroom.
Frequent problems and ways to fix them
Even after good disassembly and assembly, users may face a number of typical problems: understanding their nature will help quickly fix the malfunction without re-disassembling, most often problems are related to the physical properties of the soap used or the state of the batteries.
One of the common complaints is that the dispenser stopped foaming, which may be due to the use of too thick soap that the pump cannot pump, in such cases, it is recommended to dilute the product with water in a ratio of 1: 3 or 1: 4, using special concentrates or ordinary liquid soap, and the cause may be wear of the foam mesh, which can be cleaned or replaced carefully.
- 💧 Weak pressure: check the battery charge level and no blockages in the tube.
- 🔋 Fast discharge: use only high-quality alkaline batteries, avoiding cheap analogues.
- 👋 Sensor can’t see hand: wipe the sensor and check if it’s covered by a body or label.
If the motor makes extraneous sounds (squeaking, squeaking), this may indicate wear of gears or getting a solid particle into the mechanism, in which case you will need to re-disassemble the pump and visually inspect the gear gear gear, sometimes lubricating rubbing parts with silicone lubrication helps, but in cases of severe wear it is easier to replace the entire pump assembly.