What Not To Put In An Ultrasonic Cleaner | EJ Ultrasonics (2024)

Ultrasonic cleaners are a powerful and efficient way of cleaning a huge variety of items. Many industries rely on ultrasonic cleaners to provide an effective and impressive clean to their items. Ultrasonic cleaners offer the most effective clean for even the most intricate and detailed items.

Ultrasonic cleaners can clean items made of various materials, including glass, plastic, and metals. However, there are certain items that should not be put in an ultrasonic cleaner as they can cause damage to the cleaning device, or the item being cleaned.

How do ultrasonic cleaners work?

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create small bubbles that vibrate and implode on the surface of an item, creating a scrubbing action that loosens dirt, grime, and bacteria from the item. This process is called cavitation.

They provide a cleaning outcome that is second to none, getting rid of dirt and bacteria from even the smallest and most delicate items. With this in mind, it is important to consider what should and shouldnโ€™t be put in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Things You Should Not Put into an Ultrasonic Cleaner:

  1. Items with non-removable seals โ€“ If you are cleaning a device with a non-removable seal, such as a watch or other similar items, then it cannot be put into an ultrasonic cleaner. The pressure created by the cleaning process could damage the seals permanently.
  2. Items made of rubber โ€“ Rubber items should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as the heat and pressure created by the cleaning process can damage them.
  3. Items with delicate components โ€“ Any items that have small or delicate components, such as jewellery, should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as the vibration and pressure could cause these parts to come loose, break or malfunction.
  4. Items made of wood โ€“ Wood is a porous material, so it should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as the pressure and heat generated can cause it to warp or crack.
  5. Items with embedded electronics โ€“ Electronic items, such as phones and computers, should never be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as the heat, pressure and vibration created by the cleaning process could damage them irreparably.
  6. Items that are flammable or can combust โ€“ Any items that are flammable or can combust should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as the heat and pressure created by the cleaning process could cause them to catch fire or explode, damaging the item and possibly render your cleaner useless also.
  7. Certain types of jewellery โ€“ while an ultrasonic cleaner can effectively clean jewellery, certain jewellery types cannot be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. These are listed below:
    • Emerald
    • Onyx
    • Opal
    • Turquoise
    • Lapis Lazuli
    • Feldspar
    • Topaz
    • Amber
    • Malachite
    • Mother of Pearl
    • Some coloured diamonds
    • Tungsten (metal)

EJ Ultrasonics

At EJ Ultrasonics, we supply a variety of ultrasonic cleaning machines to suit a range of industry uses.

If youโ€™re unsure which cleaner would best suit your needs, or wish to know more about our services, please get in touch โ€“ a member of the team will be happy to help.

What Not To Put In An Ultrasonic Cleaner | EJ Ultrasonics (2024)

FAQs

What Not To Put In An Ultrasonic Cleaner | EJ Ultrasonics? โ€บ

Items that are flammable or can combust โ€“ Any items that are flammable or can combust should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as the heat and pressure created by the cleaning process could cause them to catch fire or explode, damaging the item and possibly render your cleaner useless also.

What should you never put in an ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

The Don'ts

On a similar note, don't spray down the outside of the tank, control box, or electrical box with water or other liquids. If the outside gets dirty, unplug the unit and wipe it down with a clean rag. Never fill the tank of an ultrasonic cleaner with alcohol, gasoline, or any other flammable liquids.

What solution should I use in my ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

We recommend UP 132-B, a mild phosphoric acid solution designed to safely clean at low temperatures. This environmentally-friendly detergent is commonly used on brass instruments but is suitable for many other applications. It's compatible with copper, aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, plastics, glass, and ceramics.

Can I put isopropyl alcohol in an ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

While traditional ultrasonic cleaning methods use water-based cleaners, there are many cases where the use of a flammable cleaning fluid is required. For example, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and acetone are often desirable as they are effective degreasers and evaporate quickly after cleaning, without leaving a residue.

What chemical can you use in a ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

Isopropyl Alcohol Ultrasonic Cleaner Solutions

These solvents are popular for cleaning and degreasing a wide range of materials, from printed circuit boards (PCBs) to medical instruments.

Can you use Dawn dish soap in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner? โ€บ

Rule of thumb is to not use any liquid that is considered flammable such as alcohol. Another option is using mild dish detergent, this will help break down oils which may make deposits harder to clean with water alone.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide in an ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive substance which can damage soft and hard oral tissues when used incorrectly. Additionally, there is some evidence that peroxides can damage ultrasonic cleaner components.

Can I use tap water in an ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

Using tap water is sufficient. Purified water or distilled water has the same cleaning effect as regular tap water for ultrasonic cleaning. When cleaning silver or copper items where oxidation has darkened the items, special solutions such as SeaClean2, needs to be added to the water to remove the oxidation.

Can I make my own ultrasonic cleaning solution? โ€บ

All you need is just vinegar, water and dishwashing liquid. Just follow our guide and make yourself a homemade ultrasonic solution, capable of cleaning anything, from jewelry to old coins. So next time you decide to clean something inside an ultrasonic cleaner, try this solution instead of water.

Can I use baking soda in ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

Skip harsh agents, such as bleach, and avoid exposure to boiling water. Even toothpaste is too harsh for an oral appliance. You can add a little baking soda to the water if you have some stubborn stains.

Can I use Windex in my ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

You certainly can. You might want to put a cover on it if it does not have one. You can also use Simple Green, soap and water (easy on the soap!), and most of the surfactant cleaners.

What cool things can you do with an ultrasonic cleaner? โ€บ

๐—œ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฎ ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ?
  • Industries That Use Ultrasonic Cleaning. โ€ข Industrial. ...
  • Jewelry. ...
  • Watches. ...
  • Eyeglasses and Sunglasses. ...
  • Dental Appliances. ...
  • Printed Circuit Boards. ...
  • Automotive Parts. ...
  • Medical Instruments.

What are the disadvantages of ultrasonic cleaners? โ€บ

Ultrasonic cleaning can cause damage to some items. The high-frequency sound waves can cause vibrations that may dislodge stones, loosen or damage solder, or even cause the item to crack. Therefore, it is essential to use caution when cleaning items with an ultrasonic cleaner.

What are the hazards of ultrasonic cleaning? โ€บ

Potential Risks Associated:
  • Material Damage: Delicate items may be susceptible to damage from the force of cavitation.
  • Incompatibility: Not all materials are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
  • Safety Concerns: The cleaning solution used may pose health risks if not handled properly.

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