An ultrasonic cleaner is a great tool to have in your home. It can be used to clean a variety of items, including jewelry, watches, eyeglasses, and even dentures.
However, there are some things that you should not put in an ultrasonic cleaner. In this blog post, we will discuss what should you not put in an ultrasonic cleaner.
How Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Work?
An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that uses sound waves to clean objects. The waves create cavitation, which is when small bubbles form and collapse in a liquid.
This process breaks up dirt particles and helps to remove them from the surface of an object.
Ultrasonic cleaners can be used to clean a variety of materials, like gold, silver, and they are often portable so that they can be used in a variety of settings.
What Can You Clean in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
You can clean many things in an ultrasonic cleaner, including some non-organic gemstones and precious metals.
However, ultrasonic cleaners are not effective at cleaning organic materials like wood or cloth.
The vast majority of things that can be cleaned with ultrasonic are made of metal. This is because metal surfaces are very smooth and non-porous, which allows the ultrasound waves to easily remove any dirt, grime, or other contaminants that may be present.
In addition to metal objects, other common items that are commonly cleaned with ultrasonic include:
- Glassware
- Plastic containers
- Medical instruments
- Dental tools
- Jewelry
- Watch movement parts
In general, any small item that can fit inside the cleaning tank and is not made of an organic material can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner.
What About the Diamonds?
We all know that diamonds are considered to be one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
They are also very durable stones, but did you know that sometimes it may be risky to clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner?
That’s right! Although ultrasonic cleaners are great at cleaning a variety of different items, including jewelry, you should use caution when cleaning diamonds in one.
The reason why it is risky to clean diamonds in an ultrasonic cleaner is because the vibrations from the machine can cause the diamond to crack or chip.
This is especially true for diamonds that have significant inclusions, or internal flaws. The vibrations from the ultrasonic cleaner can make these flaws worse, and eventually damage the diamond beyond repair.
If a diamond has big and very visible inclusions, there is a higher risk of internal damage when cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner.
However, most diamonds sold as jewelry are not that badly included, so the risk is relatively low. But it’s always better to err on the side of caution!
It is not recommended to clean colored diamonds with ultrasonic cleaning machine, as it may damage the delicate surface of the diamond and alter its color.
If you have any questions about whether or not it is safe to clean your diamond jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner, please consult with your jeweler.
They will be able to advise you on the best way to clean your diamonds, and help you keep them looking sparkling.
Metals That You Should Not Put in a Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner.
Tungsten is one example of a metal that you should not put in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
The ultrasonic cleaning process can damage tungsten, so it’s best to avoid using this method of cleaning for this particular metal.
What Should You Not Put in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners have become an incredibly popular solution for keeping jewelry and gemstones looking their best.
They take the guesswork out of cleaning, letting you quickly and easily remove dirt, debris, and oils that can detract from the brilliance and luster of your precious pieces.
In addition, ultrasonic power helps to dissolve even stubborn stains and residue, resulting in a deep, thorough clean.
Like all tools, however, ultrasonic cleaners have limitations and should not be used on certain types of metals, jewelry and stones.
The following is a list of items that should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner:
Opals: Opals are brittle and soft, and can easily be damaged by jewelry ultrasonic cleaners.
In addition, many opals are doublets or triplets (which means they are made of multiple layers of stone that have been glued together) and the glue can be loosened by ultrasonic waves, causing the stone to fall apart.
Mosaic Opals: Mosaic opals are created by gluing small pieces of opal together to create a pattern. The ultrasonic waves can cause the glue to loosen and the pieces of opal to fall out.
Pearls: Pearls are organic and should not be cleaned with ultrasonic waves, as they can be damaged.
In addition, pearls are often strung on silk thread, which can be weakened by ultrasonic waves. Pearls should be cleaned with a soft cloth or brush.
Emeralds: Emeralds are soft and can easily be damaged by ultrasonic waves. In addition, many emeralds are oiled to improve their appearance, and the ultrasonic waves can remove this oil, causing the emerald to become dull.
Tanzanite: Tanzanite is a heat-treated gemstone, and ultrasonic waves can cause the heat treatment to change, resulting in a different color.
Lapis Lazuli: Lapis lazuli is a soft stone that can be easily damaged by ultrasonic waves.
Onyx: Onyx is a porous stone that can absorb the ultrasonic waves and be damaged. Lapis and onyx are fragile stones that can be damaged by cleaners that are too harsh.
Wood: Wood is a porous material that can absorb the ultrasonic waves and be damaged.
Organic Materials: Any materials that are made of organic materials (such as cloth, leather, or paper) should not be cleaned with an ultrasonic device, as they can be damaged.
What Solution Do You Put in Ultrasonic Cleaners?
The choice of solution depends on what you are cleaning and the type of contaminants you are trying to remove.
Some common choices are acidic, alkaline, neutral, high caustic, and enzymatic solutions. They all have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to removing specific types of contaminants.
However, never use alcohol, gasoline or any other flammable solution.
The most common solution is a mixture of water and vinegar. You can also use soapy water or a commercial ultrasonic cleaning solution.
If you are cleaning something delicate, like jewelry, you may want to use a milder solution so as not to damage the item.
Ultrasonic Cleaners: Dos and Don’ts
Ultrasonic cleaners are an extremely effective way to clean jewelry, eyeglasses, watches, and more. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when using one of these cleaners.
Here are some dos and don’ts to help you get the most out of your ultrasonic cleaner.
Do’s
- Read the instructions that come with your ultrasonic cleaner before using it. This will help you avoid any damage to your belongings or the machine itself.
- Fill the tank with warm water and a mild detergent before adding your items.
- Place delicate items in a mesh bag before putting them in the tank. This will help protect them from being damaged by the ultrasonic energy.
- Make sure that all of the items you are cleaning are completely submerged in the solution.
Don’t
- Don’t leave the machine plugged in when you are not using it. This can damage the heating elements and lead to a fire.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals in your ultrasonic cleaner. This can damage the machine and your belongings.
- Don’t add too many items to the tank. This can crowd the items and prevent them from being properly cleaned.
- Don’t over-clean items. This can damage them. Stick to the recommended cleaning time to avoid any problems.
Conclusion
An ultrasonic cleaner is a great way to clean delicate items like jewelry and eyeglasses.
However, you can’t use it to clean everything. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your machine and only clean items that are safe to put into an ultrasonic cleaner.
Avoid harsh chemicals and over-cleaning items to prevent damage. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your ultrasonic cleaner.
