Ultrasonic cleaners are some of the best cleaning solutions for jewelry. They are fast, easy to use and affordable. But, like any machine, the longevity of your ultrasonic cleaner will depend on how you use and care for it. Treat it poorly, and your machine may only last a few months, but if you treat it with the proper care, the lifespan of your ultrasonic cleaner will be much longer.
Ultrasonic cleaners are some of the best cleaning solutions for jewelry. They are fast, easy to use and affordable. But, like any machine, the longevity of your ultrasonic cleaner will depend on how you use and care for it. Treat it poorly, and your machine may only last a few months, but if you treat it with the proper care, the lifespan of your ultrasonic cleaner will be much longer.
DO
1. Unplug the unit before and after use.
This one is important for the safety of your ultrasonic cleaner and also yourself. You should leave the unit unplugged until you have added your cleaning solution and and jewelry into the tank. Then unplug it again once the cleaning cycle has completed, before you remove your jewelry and drain the solution. By unplugging the unit, your reduce the risk that it can overheat and fail. It is also a safety precaution because electricity and water do not mix. If they do, they can be deadly when humans are involved.
2. Clean the tank after use.
Another important rule is to clean the tank, especially right after use. To do this, you have to drain the tank to remove the old cleaning solution. This will also get rid of the dirt and gunk which settles at the bottom of the tank after cleaning your jewelry. You don’t want that dirt and gunk in the tank next time you use the cleaner, because it can reduce the effectiveness of the ultrasonic waves. After you have drained the tank, wipe the bottom with a rag. If you like, you can also rinse it with cool, clean water. This will ensure your jewelry comes out with a beautiful shine after every use.
3. Change the filtration system.
Furthermore, it is necessary to change the filtration system often. This will completely remove any contaminants from the system. These cleaners are designed to remove every bit dirty and grime from the surface of your jewelry. Once it has been removed from the jewelry, many ultrasonic cleaners use a filtration system to remove the leftover dirt and grime from the cleaning solution. Over time the filters become dirty and will need to be changed out. Replacing the filters will ensure that your ultrasonic cleaner is faster, more efficient and more reliable.
4. Use a water based cleaning solution.
When you are looking for a cleaning solution to use, it is better to opt for one that is water based. These solutions are not as harsh on your jewelry and ultrasonic cleaners as solutions made from heavy solvents. Another reason water based solutions are recommended is because they are safer for humans and the environment. Something like this Blitz Gem & Jewelry Cleaner Concentrate mixed with water would make the perfect cleaning solution for most jewelry. You can even make your own water based solution at home by mixing water and detergent.
5. Pre-rinse very dirty jewelry.
Always check your jewelry before you put it in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Jewelry that is very dirty should be sprayed and wiped down to remove loose dirt, grime and oils before being put into the tank. Though the cleaner is designed to remove such residue, over time, these contaminants will eventually clog the system if not removed. This will negatively affect the efficiency of your ultrasonic cleaner.
DON'TS
1. Don’t mess with the internal electronics.
Do not tamper with the electronic controls of your cleaner, and do not undertake any repairs if you are not an expert. This rule is very important and it will help you stay safe while using the unit. These cleaners operate at very high voltages. It is much better to stay away from it if you are not knowledgeable about the internal electronics. Plus, most ultrasonic cleaners come with some type of warranty or technical support if you run into any issues with their function.
2. Don’t use flammable liquids.
When choosing a cleaning solution, it is important not to use flammable liquids such as gasoline, alcohol and so on. These are not good for the system because they can easily vaporize. This is dangerous as it can lead to an explosion or fire outbreak. The best practice is to use a safe water based solution to clean your items in an ultrasonic cleaner.
3. Don’t fill the tank with too much cleaning solution.
Most ultrasonic jewelry cleaners come with a marker indicating what level the cleaning solution should be at when the tank is full. Make sure you do not exceed that level when you fill the tank up. If you fill the tank up all the way to the top with cleaning solution, the solution may spill over when you turn the cleaner on and it begins to vibrate. This can be dangerous if the water spills on to other electrical components of the cleaner while it is on.
4. Don’t overcrowd the tank with too much jewelry.
When using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, you may be tempted to just throw all your pieces in at the same time. While this may seem like a great way to save time and get it all done at once, this is actually not a good idea. If you put too many items in your cleaner at the same time, the vibrations may cause the items to bump and rub against each other. This can cause scratches and other damage to your items and the ultrasonic cleaner. Filling the tank with less items may require more time to clean your collection, but it will save you the cost of having to fix or replace damaged pieces.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post has helped you understand some of the most important dos and don’ts for using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Familiarize yourself with these rules and ensure that you follow them if you want to get the most out of your cleaner. If you master these rules, your jewelry will always receive a professional quality clean, and you won't have to worry about replacing your ultrasonic cleaner every couple of months.