A Complete Guide To Ultrasonic Cleaning

An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that is used to clean items such as jewellery. It is highly popular as it focuses on parts of your jewellery that are otherwise unreachable when it comes to cleaning manually.

Ultrasonic cleaning is the process of removing contaminants using sonic energy produced by industrial ultrasonic cleaners. Ultrasonic cleaning basically works by vibrating a pool of water with an object in it. The vibrations create tiny bubbles which become attached to small particles of dirt and debris and pull them off. The bubbles created will reach anywhere not matter how complex the crevices are. Every single spot on every surface will be cleaned.

Buying an ultrasonic cleaner is a much more affordable way to clean your jewellery as jewellery companies can charge up to $30 for each cleaning job, almost the same price as buying a basic ultrasonic!

Selecting the Right Ultrasonic Cleaner

There are many different ultrasonics available that vary particularly in size and power. Choosing the right ultrasonic is a relatively simple process that just requires an understanding of your cleaning requirements.

Size of Ultrasonic Cleaner Tank

Be aware of the size of the items you wish to clean to determine whether a personal or larger ultrasonic cleaner is needed. Know the dimensions of the baskets and the working depth of the cleaning fluid. This ensures your items will be completely immersed in the liquid.

Understand Ultrasonic Power

More power usually generates more effective cleaning however higher power is not always better. Too much power can potentially damage items. Choose the one that is best for your particular cleaning needs i.e.  whether you need to clean many delicate items.

 

Ultrasonic Cleaner Do’s and Don’ts

• Do not fill or not partially fill the ultrasonic cleaner tank. Ultrasonic cleaners are designed to be used with a specific water level. This level is often marked on single tank ultrasonic cleaners. Filling less than this mark will damage the cleaner.
• Do not put flammable or low flashpoint liquids inside the ultrasonic cleaner. These liquids could potentially ignite.
• Do not put the items you want to clean directly on the ultrasonic cleaning tank. Items must be placed on the basket inside the tank to avoid damage caused by items drilling into the bottom of the tank.
• Do be aware of the delicacy of items and adjust the frequency of the tank accordingly. Some delicate items may be damaged by the high power ultrasonic cleaner frequency.

 

Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner 

Please refer to the instructions that accompany your ultrasonic to ensure you use the ultrasonic correctly.

All ultrasonics are simple to use, and if used correctly, will guarantee great results. Ultrasonic cleaning generally requires setting up the cleaner, soaking the item in the cleaner, and then once cleaned, rinsing the item and the basket.

The amount of time required for cleaning varies and is set based on how dirty the item is.

Safety is important when using the ultrasonic, particularly protection from the chemicals used. Always wear protective gloves to protect your hands.

 

Checking the Cavitation of Your Ultrasonic Cleaner

The effectiveness of the ultrasonic cleaner depends on whether the ultrasonic has a sufficient energy level needed to induce cavitation responsible for the mechanical cleaning effects.

A simple test can be easily conducted to determine whether sufficient cavitation exists.

• Cut a piece of aluminium foil 4” x 4”
• Fill the tank with sufficient liquid and switch the ultrasonic on
• Using a simple plier to hold the foil, slowly dip the foil into the liquid in the tank and hold for a few minutes
• After 3-5 minutes, remove the foil from the tank and holding it up against light, see if any small holes have formed in the foil
• If the ultrasonic has left small holes in the foil then cavitation is sufficient for effective cleaning

 

Looking to purchase an ultrasonic cleaner? Western Frontier Traders stocks three ultrasonics. 

Home Ultrasonic 

Other ultrasonic cleaners too expensive or too large for small-quantity or home use? This affordable, small and neat ultrasonic is very easy to use and requires only dish washing liquid, a dash of ammonia (available from the supermarket cleaning section) and water to run. This model has already been very popular and sells out quickly! Digital display, 0-30min with 18 time cycle settings, instruction guide included. 600ml tank capacity.

Dimensions:
Unit Size 20 x 15 x 12 cm ( L x W x H )
Weight 830 g

3.2L Ultrasonic Cleaner Machine 

Features Digital timer- 30 min with 100W heating power 20-80 degrees C, ultrasonic power of 120W in a tank capacity of 3.2L. 12 month warranty. Stainless steel basket included.

Dimensions:
Unit Size 265 x 165 x 220 mm ( L x W x H )
Tank Size 240 x 135 x 100 mm ( L x W x H )
Weight 2.6 kg

2L Ultrasonic Cleaner Machine