Liquid soap for the dispenser Xiaomi: how to make with your own hands without harm to technology

Xiaomi’s automatic soap dispensers (such as the Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser or Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser) simplify hygiene, but factory cartridges are often expensive or contain aggressive surfactants. Making liquid soap yourself is not only economical, but also safer for the skin, especially if there are children or allergies in the family. However, not every homemade soap is suitable for a dispenser: too thick or foamy consistency can clog the mechanism, and high acidity can damage plastic parts.

In this article, we will analyze 3 proven soap recipes for Xiaomi dispensers, taking into account:

• 🔬 Viscosity (optimal range – 100-300 mPa·s at 25°C)
• 🧪 PH level (neutral 6.5-7.5 for seals preservation)
• ⚙️ Pump compatibility (without abrasive particles and insoluble oils)
• 🌿 Safety (no toxic preservatives like formaldehyde)

You will also learn which ingredients are categorically not used in dispensers with infrared sensors (for example, some essential oils can create false positives), and how to test the finished soap before pouring into the device.

Why factory soap is not always suitable for Xiaomi dispensers

The manufacturer recommends the use of original cartridges, but their composition is often hidden, and analysis of popular brands (including Viomi and Mijia) showed that they contain:

• 🧴 SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate – mild surfactant, but can dry the skin
• 🧪 Cocoamidopropylbetaine - foaming agent, safe, but unenvironmental
• 💧 Propylparaben – a preservative banned in the EU due to the risk of allergies
• 🌡️ pH 8.0–9.5 – Alkaline environment, aggressive to sensitive skin

Moreover, the original cartridges are designed for specific viscosity, and if you pour too thick soap into the dispenser (for example, high in aliphatic alcohols), the pump can overheat. Xiaomi service centers confirm that up to 30% of dispenser breakdowns are associated with the use of uncertified liquids.

⚠️ Warning: If after pouring homemade soap, the dispenser begins to sneeze (give out liquid in jerks) or squeak, immediately rinse the system with distilled water. This is a sign that the soap is too viscous or contains insoluble particles.

Top.-3 Xiaomi soap recipe: from simple to professional

All recipes tested on Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser models 1S viomi V-Soap1. For accurate compliance with the proportions, use kitchen scales with an accuracy of 0.1 g and measuring containers.

1. Basic prescription for glycerin (for sensitive skin)

It's good for everyday use, it doesn't dry your hands, it doesn't leave a sticky film: ~150 mPa·s.

• 💧 Distilled water - 70% (140 ml)
• 🧴 Liquid glycerin soap (78% glycerol) – 25% (50 ml)
• 🌿 Aloe vera extract - 3% (6 ml)
• 🍋 Citric acid 0.5% (1 g) for pH correction
• 🛡️ Cosgard conservant (INCI: Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid - 0.8% (1.6 ml)

Instructions:

1. Mix water and glycerin soap in a glass container, heat it in a water bath to 40°C (don't boil!).
2. Add the aloe extract and stir until uniform.
3. Dissolve the citric acid in 5 ml of water and add to the mixture, check with a pH tester (target 6.8-7.2).
4. Insert the preservative, pour into the bottle and let stand for 24 hours.

Transparency without sludge|pH in the range 6.5-7.5|Viscosity not higher than 200 mPa·s (drips from a stick in 3-5 seconds)|There's no pungent smell.

-->

2. Universal recipe with SLS (foam-producing)

It's a factory soap analog, but no parabens: ~220mPa·s Suitable for kitchen where disinfection is important.

It's important: SLS can cause irritation - do not exceed the concentration of 15%. To neutralize the aggressive effects, add 1% panthenol (provitamin) B5).

Original Xiaomi cartridges|Homemade on glycerin|Purchased liquid soap (e.g. Dove)|Baby soap without fragrance|Environmental solid soap (diluted)

-->

3. Professional recipe with disinfectant effect

For public places or families with children: ~180 mPa·s Contains benzalkonium chloride (0.1%) – an antiseptic approved WHO.

Component ratio:

Distilled water - 72%


Cocamidopropylbetaine - 12%




Laurylglucoside - 8%




Benzalkonium chloride (50% solution) - 0.2%




Glycerin - 5%




EDTA (trilon B) - 0.1% (prevents plaque formation)




Lavender oil - 0.5%

⚠️ Note: Benzalkonium chloride is incompatible with soap containing anionic surfactants (e.g., chloride, SLS) — This recipe uses only amphoteric (cocamidopropylbetaine) and non-ionic (laurylglucoside) surfactants.

What ingredients will destroy the dispenser Xiaomi: a blacklist

Even if homemade soap is perfectly foamy and smelly, some components can permanently damage the mechanism.

• 🧂 Salt (NaCl) – crystallizes in the pump and blocks the valves.
• 🍯 Natural honey or sugar - a nutrient medium for bacteria, clogs the tubes.
• 🌰 Oils with high viscosity (coconut, castor) - leave a sticky film on the sensors.
• 🧪 Vinegar or soda – corrodes metal parts and rubber seals.
• 🌿 Essential oils of citrus fruits (lemon, orange) – can dissolve plastic ABS, case.
• 🧴 Ready-made shower gels (such as Nivea or Dove) – contain silicones that clog the dispenser filter.

💡

If you want to add antibacterial effects, use niauli oil (Melaleuca viridiflora) instead of tea tree – it is less volatile and does not affect the work of IR sensors.

How to check the viscosity of soap without a viscometer

Optimal viscosity for Xiaomi dispensers is 100-300 mPa·s. You can check it at home in 3 ways:

1. Stick test: Put the wooden stick in the soap and lift. if the liquid drains: ✅ 3-5 seconds – perfect viscosity. ❌ Less than 2 seconds – too liquid (add 0.1% xanthan gum). ❌ More than 10 seconds – too thick (dilute with distilled water).

A dropper test:

Put soap in a pipette and let it go. It's 1 drop per second. If it drips faster, add a thickener (e.g., a carbomer at 0.2% concentration).

Funnel test:

Take a 5 cm-diameter funnel and record the time it takes 100 ml of soap to spill through it, optimally 15 to 25 seconds.

💡

If the soap has passed the viscosity test, but the dispenser is still unstable, check the temperature of the liquid. +5°C viscosity increases by 30-40%, which can cause malfunctions. Store soap at room temperature (20-25)°C).

Step-by-step instructions for pouring soap into the dispenser

The wrong filling is one of the main causes of breakdowns.

1. Clean the dispenser: Wash the tank and tubes with distilled water with 1% isopropyl alcohol (for disinfection). Do not use tap water - chlorine and salts form a plaque.
2. Check seals: Check the rubber gaskets for cracks. If they have lost elasticity, replace them (parts can be found by code). DM-JG01 for Viomi models).
3. Soap pouring: Fill the tank no more than 80% to prevent overflows as the temperature changes. Use a filter funnel (such as a coffee filter) to avoid particles.
4. Test start: Turn on the dispenser and check the work in 3 modes: 🖐️ Manual pressing (should stand out portion 0.8-1.2 ml). 👋 Automatic mode (responds to movement within a radius of 10-15 cm). 🔄 Continuous feed (press and hold for 3 seconds – should pour 3-4 ml).

⚠️ Warning: If after pouring homemade soap, the dispenser began flashing red (code of error) E2), This means that the liquid is too viscous or contains insoluble particles. Immediately rinse the system as instructed: 1. Remove the cartridge. 2. Pour distilled water. + 5% acetic acid. 3. Enable Cleanup mode (hold the power button 10 seconds). 4. Repeat 3 times.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes in making dispensing soaps, and here are the most common ones:

💡

If the soap becomes cloudy after a few days, it's a sign of bacterial contamination. Don't pour it out: add 1% phenoxyethanol (a broad-spectrum preservative) and heat it to 50.°C for 10 minutes, then cool down.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions