Xiaomi’s automatic liquid soap dispensers are a popular solution for the bathroom or kitchen that combines convenience and technology. However, many users face a problem: the factory product ends quickly, and buying original cartridges is expensive. You can develop a regular liquid soap or gel for the Xiaomi dispenser yourself, but the right proportions are important here so that the device works without failure and does not fail due to too thick or aggressive liquid.
In this article, we will analyze 3 proven recipes for different types of soaps (antibacterial, baby, for sensitive skin), tell you how to avoid clogging of the nozzles of the dispenser due to crystallization of salts, and give a table of compatibility with popular models - from Xiaomi Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser to Viomi V3. You will also learn which ingredients should not be mixed with the soap base, so as not to spoil the mechanism.
Why you can not pour undiluted soap into the dispenser Xiaomi
The manufacturer recommends using only original cartridges, but it's not always economical, but just pouring thick soap from the store into the tank is a bad idea.
- 🔧 Pump damage: The viscous fluid creates an excess load on the motor, which leads to overheating and breakage after 2-3 months.
- 🚫 Nozzle clog: High salt soap (e.g., household soap) crystallizes in narrow channels, blocking the supply.
- ⚡ False sensor alerts: Foam or a solution that is too liquid can fool the infrared sensor, causing the dispenser to spit with soap for no reason.
- 🧪 Corrupling of seals: Aggressive surfactants (surface-active substances) in concentrated soap destroy the silicone gaskets of the reservoir.
According to statistics from service centers, 60% of Xiaomi dispensers break down due to the use of inappropriate liquids, while properly diluted soap prolongs the life of the device by 2-3 times.
What soap is suitable for breeding: TOP-5 options
Not all detergents are equally useful for dispensers.
| Type of soap | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommended brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby liquid soap | Hypoallergenic, no fragrances, soft for the mechanism | More expensive than usual, weak foaming | Johnson’s Baby, Bübchen, Sanosan |
| Antibacterial soap | Effective against germs, suitable for the kitchen | May contain aggressive surfactants (triclosan) | Safeguard, Dettol, Lifebuoy |
| Ordinary liquid soap. | Cheap, easy to find, universal | Often contains perfumes and dyes | Dove, Palmolive, Camay |
| Solid soap (diluted) | Economically, environmentally friendly, without preservatives | Requires filtration from insoluble particles | Business 72%, Dove, Lux |
| shower gel | Nice texture, good foaming | Often too thick, can clog up nozzles | Nivea, Garnier, Showergel |
⚠️ Warning: Never use products with abrasive particles (scrabs), chlorine or solvents (acetone, alcohol in high concentrations) that break down the plastic parts of the dispenser and lead to leaks.
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Before you first use a homemade solution, check it for compatibility: apply the drop on the silicone dispenser lining and leave it for 12 hours. If the material is not deformed, the product is safe.
Proportions for breeding: universal recipes
Optimal concentration depends on the type of soap and the model of the dispenser. Below are the tested ratios for popular Xiaomi devices:
1. Standard solution (for Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser)
- Liquid soap: 1 part
- Distilled water: 2 parts
- Glycerin (optional): 5-10 drops per 100 ml
Example: 100 ml of soap + 200 ml of water + 10 drops of glycerol. Glycerin prevents rapid evaporation and softens the skin.
2. thick solution (for Viomi V3 with powerful pump)
- Liquid soap: 2 parts
- Water: 1 part
- Salt (to stabilize foam): 1 pinch per 200 ml
⚠️ Warning: Salt must dissolve completely! Otherwise, the crystals will clog the nozzles. Use warm water (not higher than 40°C) to dissolve.
3. Economical solution (from solid soap)
Grate soap on the grater (small fraction)| Dissolve in hot water (1:3) in enameled dishes |Filter through gauze from insoluble particles |Add 1 tbsp. vodka (preservative) per 500 ml solution |Cold to room temperature before pouring-->
For solid soap, the optimal ratio is 1 part shavings to 3 parts water, for example, 50 g soap to 150 ml of liquid, vodka in the composition prevents mold from appearing in the tank.
Why can't we use boiling water?
Step-by-step instructions for cooking and pouring
To avoid errors, follow this algorithm:
- Ingredient preparation: Measure the soap and water with a measuring glass. Use a kitchen scale (1 ml of water ≈ 1 g) for accuracy.
- Mixing: For liquid soap: slowly pour water into the soap, stirring with a wooden stick. For solid soap, dissolve the shavings in water in a water bath, then strain.
Consistency check
Foaming test
Pouring in dispenser
1. Disconnect the dispenser from the network.
2. Remove the top cover (click on the latch from behind).
3. Remove the tank and rinse it with warm water.
4. Pour the solution through the funnel (so as not to spill on the electronic part).
5. Set the tank back and turn the device on.⚠️ Warning: If the dispenser starts to sneeze after pouring, then the solution is too foamy. Dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio and repeat the pouring.
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The ideal viscosity of the solution for Xiaomi dispensers is 150-300 mPa·s (millipascal-seconds). You can use a viscometer or focus on the consistency of liquid honey to check.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the most experienced users sometimes miss out, and here are the most common ones:
- 🌡️ Cold water use: At temperatures below 15°C, the soap does not dissolve completely, forming lumps. Solution: Use water 20–25°C.
- 🧂 Add salt without dissolving: Crystals clog the filter and scratch the plastic. Solution: dissolve the salt separately in warm water, then mix with soap.
- 🍯 Overgrowth with glycerin: More than 15 drops per 100 ml makes the solution sticky, making it difficult for the pump to operate. Solution: stick to a dosage of 5-10 drops.
- 🧪 Mixing different types of soap: For example, antibacterial + baby can produce precipitation. Solution: use one type of soap base.
- 🔋 Solution pouring immediately after cooking: Soap must stand for 1-2 hours to release air bubbles. Solution: let the mixture mature.
If the dispenser stopped working after pouring homemade solution, perform emergency washing:
- Pour the remaining fluid.
- Rinse the tank and nozzles with a 3% solution of vinegar (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water).
- Dry the device for 24 hours in a vertical position.
- Repeat the pouring with a new solution (reduce the concentration of soap by 20%).
Compatible with Xiaomi dispenser models
Not all dispensers work equally well with homemade solutions, and the table below provides recommendations for popular models:
| Model of the dispenser | Max. Viscosity of solution | Recommended proportion (soap:water) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser | 200 mPa·s | 1:2 | Sensitive to foam – avoid funds with SLS |
| Viomi V3 | 300 mPa·s | 2:1 | Powerful pump, but afraid of salt crystals |
| Xiaomi Youpin Fresh Soap Dispenser | 150 mPa·s | 1:3 | Requires frequent cleaning of nozzles (once every 2 weeks) |
| Deerma CM810 | 250 mPa·s | 1:1.5 | Suitable for Aloe Vera gels |
For models with infrared sensors (such as Mijia), it is important that the solution does not form a film on the surface, which can block the sensor. Add 1 drop of glass washing agent per 500 ml of mixture to prevent film.
Savings and environment: how to reduce soap consumption
Homemade solutions are not only cheaper, they're also more environmentally friendly than factory cartridges. Here's how to optimize your consumption:
- ♻️ Reusable bottles: Buy a glass container with a dispenser (e.g., from IKEA) and store the solution in it - this will reduce evaporation.
- 💧 Reduce portion: In the dispenser settings (if any), select the minimum amount of dispensing (usually 0.5-1 ml).
- 🌿 Natural thickeners: Replace glycerol with guar gum (1/4 tsp. on 1 l) - it is biodegradable and cheaper.
- 🔄 Soap residue recycling: Collect the soaps, dissolve them in water (1:5) and use them to pour into the dispenser.
The average consumption of homemade solution is 30-50 ml per month per person. For comparison: the original Xiaomi cartridge (250 ml) costs ~ 500 rubles and lasts for 1-1.5 months. Self-cooking saves up to 80% of the budget.
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To keep the solution fresh longer, add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil - it has antibacterial properties and masks the smell of soap.