Xiaomi automatic dispenser soaps have become a popular solution for bathrooms and kitchens due to their convenience, hygiene and modern design. However, many users face difficulties in the first refill: the device does not recognize the detergent, leaks occur or foam is formed incorrectly. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step refill algorithm, suitable types of liquids, as well as typical errors that shorten the life of the dispenser.
Xiaomi soaps (such as the Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser or Viomi V3>) are sensitive sensors and precise dosages, and if you fill the device with the wrong liquid or exceed the filling level, it can lead to clogging or false positives, and we tested several detergents and identified the best options for various tasks, from hand washing to disinfection.
Important: The instruction is suitable for most Xiaomi models with automatic feeding, but before refueling, check your deviceβs user manual β some dispensers (for example, in the Yeelight series).>) have unique requirements for the viscosity of the liquid.
What detergent is suitable for Xiaomi soapbox
Not all liquids are compatible with Xiaomi dispensers, and the manufacturer recommends using products with a certain viscosity (usually 100-500 mPaΒ·s) and without abrasive particles.
- π§Ό Liquid soap marked "dispenser" (e.g. Dove, Lux Soft Touch) is ideal for hand washing - does not foam excessively and does not clog the mechanism.
- π§΄ Alcohol-based antibacterial gels (up to 60% alcohol) are suitable for disinfection but may require dilution with water (check the dispenser instructions!).
- πΆ Concentrated dishwashers (e.g. Fairy or AOS). Dilute with water in a ratio of 1:3, otherwise the foam will clog the pump.
- β Prohibited liquids: shampoos with silicones, scrubs, bleach or chlorine products - they spoil seals and corrode parts.
For models with an infrared sensor (for example, Xiaomi Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser Pro), fluid transparency is important - cloudy or colored products can disrupt the sensor. If you use homemade solutions (for example, with essential oils), pre-strain them through gauze.
β οΈ Warning: Do not mix different types of detergents in one dispenser!A chemical reaction between, for example, soap and alcohol-containing gel can lead to the formation of a sediment that will block the valve.
| Type of liquid | Suitable for models | Needs dilution? | Life in the dispenser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid soap (neutral) | All models. | No. | Up to 6 months. |
| Antibacterial gel (alcohol) | Mijia Smart, Viomi V3 | Yes (1-1 with water) | 3-4 months |
| Dishwasher (concentrate) | Yeelight, Xiaomi Home | Yes (1:3) | 2 months |
| Shower gel (no oils) | Only the Mijia Pro | No. | 4-5 months |
Step-by-step instructions: how to fill the dispenser
Before refueling, disconnect the device from the network (if it is powered by an outlet) or remove the batteries. This will prevent the pump from accidentally operating.
- Remove the top cover. Most models have latches that lock them -- press both sides at the same time. In some dispensers, like the Viomi V3, the cap is unscrewed counterclockwise.
- Remove the liquid container. It's usually transparent, with maximum level labels. If the container is boiling, don't pull it by force, put the dispenser under warm water for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse the container. Use warm water and a soft sponge. To remove plaque, you can soak it in a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) for 10 minutes.
- Fill the tank with liquid. Pour the detergent to the MAX mark (usually 200-300 ml). Don't add "a stock" - this will increase the pressure in the system and can lead to leaks.
- Put the container back in. Make sure it's firmly seated -- it's going to click. Check if the sealer's rubber band is skewed.
- Close the lid. For threaded models, twist it to the point, but without undue effort.
- Test the work. Put your hand up to the sensor, and you'll get a liquid (usually 1 to 1.5 ml) and if the dispenser doesn't work, check the sensitivity settings in the Mi Home app.
Turn off power |Remove the lid gently, effortlessly |Check the container for cracks |Use only compatible liquid |Do not exceed the MAX-->
If the liquid leaks spontaneously after refueling, the probable cause is a damaged valve or an incorrect assembly.
- π Integrity of silicone gasket at the bottom of the container.
- π Correct installation of the feed tube (it should not be clamped over).
- π Absence of dried residues of detergent on the nozzle.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi automatic dilution dispensers (such as Mijia Smart Dispenser 2) do not use thick gels β they clog the mixer. Concentrates (for example, Fairy Platinum or professional detergents) require dilution, otherwise they will damage the dispenser mechanism: π§ͺ Handwashing: 1 part concentrate in 4 parts water. Use distilled or boiled water to avoid lime plaque. π§ͺ For kitchen dispensers: 1 part of the product in 3 parts of water. For fatty surfaces, you can reduce the proportion to 1: 2. π§ͺ Disinfection: Dilute alcohol-containing gels 1:1 with water to avoid damaging plastic parts. Dilution instruction: Measure the right amount of concentrate with a measuring cup (usually complete with a dispenser). Add room temperature water (not higher than 30Β°C, otherwise you can coagulate. Stir with a wooden stick or a plastic spoon, the metal objects can oxidize. Let the solution settle for 10-15 minutes, then pour into the dispenser container through the funnel. Using undiluted Fairy or similar means leads to thickening of the liquid in the tubes of the dispenser in 2-3 weeks. π‘If the liquid becomes cloudy or sludge after dilution, strain it through the coffee filter before filling it. Cleaning the dispenser: when and how to do Even with the right detergents, the dispenser requires regular cleaning: π¨ The liquid flows out in a thin stream or drips. π¨ The sensor reacts with a delay or requires repeated hand-holding. π¨ On the body or nozzle appeared white plaque (lime deposits). π¨ The dispenser makes unusual noise when operating. Recommended cleaning frequency: Liquid type Cleaning frequency Method Liquid soap 1 time in 2 months Washing with water + vinegar solution Antibacterial gel 1 time per month Water flushing + Drinking 1 time every 3 weeks Deep cleaning with disassembly Step-by-step cleaning: Pour the remaining liquid from the container. Remove the nozzle (usually unscrewed or removed with a latch). Wash all the parts under warm water. To remove plaque, use a solution of vinegar (1:1) or citric acid (1 tbsp. spoon per 200 ml of water). Clean the feed tube with a syringe (no needle!) or a thin brush. Dry the parts in the air (do not use a hair dryer or battery!). What to do if the dispenser stopped working after cleaning? If the device does not turn on after assembly, check: 1. Correct installation of the feed tube (it should sit tightly on the pump). 2. Dry contacts (if moisture hits the board, the dispenser may not respond to the sensor). 3. Battery charge (in battery models, discharge can manifest as "hang"). If the problem persists, reset the settings via the Mi Home app (Device section Device β Resetting) Typical errors and how to avoid them Mistakes when filling Xiaomi dispenser can lead to breakage or shortened service life. Here are the most common: π΄ Overflow of fluid. Overflow of level. MAX It creates excess pressure, which causes the fluid to leak through the seals. Always leave 5 to 10 mm of free space. π΄ Use thick gels. Viscosity products above 500 mPaΒ·s (such as some shampoos) clog the pump. Check viscosity with a viscometer or focus on the consistency of liquid soap. π΄ Ignoring cleaning. Limestone plaque and dried detergent residues narrow the lumen of the tube, resulting in an uneven flow of fluid. π΄ Storing the dispenser in the cold. Another common problem is that the sensors are falsely triggered: πΉ The dispenser is installed next to the heat source (for example, above the radiator). πΉ Direct sunlight is placed on the sensor. πΉ High humidity in the room (condensation can act as movement). Solution: Move the device to another location or adjust the sensor sensitivity in the Mi Home app settings (section Metering Settings) β Sensitivity). π‘Use only original parts when replacing seals or tubes. Non-original parts may not match in size, which will lead to leaks. How to extend the life of the dispenser The average life of Xiaomi soaps is 3-5 years, but with proper use this period can be extended. Advice from service centers: π οΈ Use filtered water to dilute concentrates. Hard water accelerates plaque formation. π οΈ Change the liquid every 2 months, even if it is not finished. Over time, the detergents decompose and release sediment. π οΈ Keep the dispenser upright. If the device is on its side, the liquid can leak through the vents. π οΈ Update your firmware through the Mi Home app. The manufacturer regularly releases patches to improve sensor performance. For battery-powered models (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Soap Dispenser) 1S): π Charge the device with only the original cable.Using uncertified chargers can cause the battery to overheat. π Don't let it run completely. Connect to the grid when the charge drops below 20%. π Calibrate the battery every six months: fully discharge the dispenser, then charge to 100% without interruption. If the dispenser is used in a public place (for example, in an office or cafe), set the savings mode in the settings. This will reduce the liquid portion by one tap and reduce the consumption of detergent. What to do if the dispenser does not work If after filling the dispenser does not supply fluid, perform the diagnosis using the following algorithm: Check the power supply. For network models, make sure the cable is tightly plugged into the socket; for battery models, replace the batteries (even if they appear charged); clean the sensor; wipe the infrared sensor (under the nozzle) with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol; dust or splashes can block the signal. Check the fluid level. If the detergent is less than 10% of the volume, some models block the supply to avoid suffocating the system. Reset the settings. In the Mi Home app, go to the Device. β Settings β Reset. After you reset the dispenser, refuel it. Disassemble and clean the mechanism. If previous steps didn't work, probably the tube or the pump is clogged. Follow the instructions in the section "Cleaning the dispenser." If the dispenser emits a humming sound but no fluid is supplied, the problem is the pump. Try it: π§ Carefully tap the dispenser body (sometimes it helps to move the stuck piston). π§ Blow into the feed tube (from the container side) with a rubber pear. π§ Replace the pump (parts can be ordered on AliExpress according to the article of your model). β οΈ Note: If the dispenser is connected to the Xiaomi Smart Home system, untie it from the account in the application before resetting the settings. Otherwise, after rebooting, the device may not connect to the network. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi dispensers Can you use hand disinfectant with 70% alcohol? No, alcohol concentrations above 60% can damage plastic and rubber parts of the dispenser. Dilute the product with water in a 1:1 ratio. For Mijia Smart models, the maximum alcohol concentration is 40%, and why the dispenser gives out too much liquid? This can be caused by: improper setting of the portion in the application (set the value of 1-1.5 ml); clogging of the valve - clean the nozzle with a needle or toothpick; using too liquid detergent (for example, diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 5). How do you turn off the audible signal when the meter is triggered? The sound is turned off in the Mi Home app settings: Open the app and select your meter. Go to the device settings β Sound signals. Turn off the "Dosage Sound" option in some models (e.g. Viomi). V3) The sound is turned off by a long press of the power button (5 seconds). Can you fill the dispenser with a glass washer? No, glass products contain ammonia and solvents that destroy the dispenser seals, and their low viscosity leads to leaks. Use only detergents recommended by the manufacturer. How do you reset the dispenser to factory settings? The reset method depends on the model: For Mijia Smart Dispenser: hold the power button for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks. For Viomi V3: press the button 3 times in a row, then hold it for 5 seconds. For network models, the reset is only done through the Mi Home app. After the dispenser is reset, the dispenser needs to be reconnected to Wi-Fi and refueled.