How to Use Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners [A Step by Step Guide]

Cleaning jewelry is a lot faster and easier with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Traditional brushing and polishing methods can take hours if you have a large jewelry collection, but an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner can cut that time down to a few minutes. These cleaners remove dirt and oil from your jewelry without the need for scrubbing, allowing you the freedom to complete other important tasks throughout your day. Although using one of these machines may be a bit intimidating at first, they are actually quite simple to operate. Check out our buyers guide for ultrasonic jewelry cleaners if you want to learn more about these awesome machines.

Different models of ultrasonic cleaners may have slightly different features and functions, most operate relatively the same. You just fill the cleaner with water, turn it on, and add the items you want cleaned. The ultrasonic vibrations produced from the cleaner’s transducer work their magic and removes the microscopic dirt particles that have accumulated on your jewelry. This method is so effective because it reaches every nook and cranny of the jewelry, ensuring a thorough cleaning.

For anyone needing a little guidance on how to use these incredible machines, below is a step-by-step guide for using ultrasonic jewelry cleaners to clean your jewelry. If you run into any issues or need information on your specific model of cleaner, you should always refer to the user manual that came with it.

STEP 1 - PREPARE THE CLEANING BATH

The first step is to prepare the cleaning bath. Just fill up the tank with water and add some cleaning solution. If your particular model does not have a built in heater, you may want to add hot (not boiling hot) water. Ultrasonic cleaners will work with just water, but the effect will be much greater if you add a cleaning solution. You can make your own cleaning solution using dish washing liquid and ammonia. If you do use ammonia, don’t add more than a tablespoon as it is a harmful substance.

STEP 2 - POWER UP THE MACHINE

Press the power button on your cleaner to turn it on. Before you put your jewelry into the bath, you should allow it to run for at least five to ten minutes. This allows the vibrations to mix the cleaning solution.

STEP 3 - PLACE ITEMS IN THE TANK

After you have prepared the bath and let the cleaner run for a few minutes, it is the time for you add in your jewelry. There should be a basket in the tank for you to place your items. Not using the basket can cause damage to delicate items and the cleaner. If you have a lot of jewelry to clean, be sure not to overload the machine. This can cause scratching and damage to your jewelry. Smaller cleaners may require you to clean one item at a time.

STEP 4 - HEAT IT UP

Next the cleaning solution must be heated up to ensure the best possible clean. Several models on the market today have heaters already built in. This is a very convenient feature to have, but it can get quite expensive. The Ukoke UUC25W is a good model with a heater that won't break the bank. Models without built-in heaters heat up through agitation of the water and cleaning solution. You can also add hot water in step one. Just remember you want the water to be hot but not boiling.

STEP 5 - LET IT RUN

Now you just allow the device to run and clean your jewelry. The length of time for the cleaning will depend on how dirty your items are, but most basic cleaning shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

STEP 6 - POWER DOWN THE MACHINE

Now you just allow the device to run and clean your jewelry. The length of time for the cleaning will depend on how dirty your items are, but most basic cleaning shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

STEP 7 - REMOVE AND BRUSH OFF ITEMS

After waiting a few minutes, remove the jewelry from the cleaning solution. To ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned, go over the jewelry with a soft brush or polishing cloth. This will remove any residual dirt that may have been left on the jewelry.

STEP 8 - RINSE AND DRY ITEMS

Finally, you need to rinse the jewelry with water to ensure that any remaining detergent is completely removed and dry it with a soft cloth. Now your jewelry should be clean and ready to wear.

How Often Should You Use an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner?

How often you should use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner will, of course, depend on how quickly your jewelry gets dirty. Many different factors can affect this including how often you wear your jewelry and how you store it. For most people we generally recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner every one or two weeks. If you wear a particular piece such every day, such as an engagement or wedding ring, you may want to clean it more often. Cleaning your jewelry as often as you want should not be an issue as long as it is made from materials safe for cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner.

What Type of Jewelry Should Not Be Cleaned in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

While ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are amazing tools for cleaning jewelry and other items, they do have some limitations. Not all types of jewelry are recommended to clean using an ultrasonic cleaner. In fact, using an ultrasonic cleaner to clean certain types of jewelry may cause irreparable damage to your items. You always want to check and make sure it is safe to clean your particular items before using and ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. It is important to remember not to use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean jewelry containing the following:

Related Posts