Maintaining and Cleaning Your Ultrasonic Machine

Ultrasonic Cleaner Maintenance

Ultrasonic cleaning machines are a great way to clean delicate, small and intricate items. Ultrasonic cleaning is the process of using high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt, grime and other difficult contaminants from an object. This type of cleaning is very gentle and effective, and it leaves items looking like new. Ultrasonic cleaners work by using sound waves that create bubbles or cavities that eventually burst. The bubbles implode, causing a scrubbing action known as cavitation. During the process of cavitation, solid surfaces are cleaned when they come into contact with the bubbles.

Ultrasonic cleaners are incredibly effective at cleaning items, but in order to preserve their life and their cleaning abilities, they need some maintenance and cleaning to stay in the best condition. Here are some tips on how to best maintain and clean your ultrasonic machine.

Care Tips

Always ensure you are using the correct detergent for the items being cleaned. Some detergents may be too harsh and damage delicate items.

After each use, empty the tank of water and detergent, rinse and dry it completely. This will help to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits and other contaminants.

Use perforated or mesh trays to suspend your items in order to prevent transducer damage. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves and is typically located at the bottom of the cleaning chamber. For this reason, items can be damaged if placed directly on the bottom surface of the cleaner.

Cleaning Tips

If you notice that your ultrasonic machine isn’t cleaning as well as it used to, it may be time to give it a good cleaning.

To clean the machine, start by:

1. Filling the tank with water and adding a mild detergent.
2. Turn on the machine and let it run for a few minutes to allow the detergent to break down any build-up inside the tank.
3. After a few minutes, turn off the machine and empty the tank.
4. Rinse the tank several times with water to remove any residual detergent.
5. Dry the tank completely before using the machine again.
6. Run it once before use. This helps to optimally disrupt the bioburden in order for the instruments to be properly cleaned.
7. Clean the outside of the machine with a damp cloth and mild soap. Wipe down the control panel, lid and tank.

Never operate the machine without water in the tank, as this can damage the heaters and inside of the tank. The use of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners should be trialled and tested before being used in the machine, as this can cause corrosion. Also, never leave items in the tank for extended periods of time, as this can cause them to become damaged.

 

 

Dos and Don’ts

• Do fill your ultrasonic cleaner to the recommended level. Overfilling your ultrasonic cleaner can cause spillage of liquids outside of the container due to the vibration. This can be especially dangerous, especially if it spills on any electrical equipment. Too little fluid can result in ineffective cleaning and damage to heaters.
• Choose optimal temperature for cleaning
• Choosing an ideal temperature for different types of cleaning will help to ensure precise cleaning. Higher temperatures accelerate the decomposition of dirt but also cause quicker evaporation and damage to soft materials.
• If you are using the machine to clean jewellery, make sure that it is compatible with the ultrasonic waves. Some stones, like opals and pearls, can be damaged by the waves and result in damaged or broken jewellery.
• Do not allow items to soak for too long in the tank, as this can also damage them. Follow the recommended time limit for each item to avoid any damage.
• Do not use the machine to clean items that are heavily soiled, as this can damage the machine. If an item is very dirty, it is best to clean it by hand before using the ultrasonic cleaner.
• Do not clean any items that are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Find out more about what can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner HERE.

 

By following these tips, you can get the most out of your ultrasonic cleaning machine and keep it working for longer. Should you need any help, EJ Ultrasonics are happy to provide ultrasonic cleaner servicing.

 

For more information about how best to clean your ultrasonic cleaner, or maintenance tips, please contact us today. We’d be happy to help.