What Not to Put in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

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 shouldn’t be put in an ultrasonic cleaner.

 

Things You Should Not Put into an Ultrasonic Cleaner:

1. Items with non-removable seals – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 you’re unsure which cleaner would best suit your needs, or wish to know more about our services, please get in touch – a member of the team will be happy to help.