What to Put in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

Ultrasonic cleaners have revolutionized the way we clean small and complex items. From jewelry to engine parts, these devices use high-frequency sound waves and cavitation to clean surfaces gently but thoroughly—even in areas unreachable by hand or brushes. Whether for home use or professional application, knowing what items are safe and effective to clean in an ultrasonic cleaner is essential to get the most from this powerful tool.

1. Everyday Household Items

Ultrasonic cleaners are perfect for everyday use around the home. They restore shine, remove bacteria, and help maintain hygiene in a wide range of small personal items:

• Jewelry: Gold, silver, platinum rings, earrings, bracelets (except delicate gems—see later)
• Watches: Metal bands and waterproof cases (watch faces with glue-sealed parts should be avoided)
• Eyeglasses: Frames and lenses (non-coated only)
• Combs, razors, and nail tools
• Baby items: Pacifiers, baby bottles (use food-safe cleaning solutions)
• Tableware: Spoons, forks, metal straws, teacups
• Small electronics casings: USB drive shells, key fobs
• Fruits with textured skins: Grapes, cherries, strawberries (with food-grade solution)

Ultrasonic cleaning removes dirt, oils, and bacteria in seconds—far more effectively than hand-washing or soaking.

2. Precision Parts and Instrument Components

When dealing with delicate or intricate structures, ultrasonic cleaning offers damage-free precision:

• Watches and timepieces: Internal gears, screws, and springs
• Optics: Camera lenses, microscope eyepieces, telescope parts
• Fine tools: Tweezers, drill bits, sculpting tools
• Mechanical parts: Bearings, bushings, gears
• Engineering components: Precision bearings, pneumatic valve internals

Thanks to uniform cavitation action, ultrasonic cleaners reach hidden internal cavities, threads, or micro-holes—restoring function, improving longevity, and ensuring precision assemblies work as intended.

3. Industrial and Repair Applications

In manufacturing, maintenance, and electronics repair, ultrasonic cleaning is a key step in equipment upkeep:

• Automotive parts: Fuel injectors, carburetors, engine pistons, valves
• Metal components: Filters, screws, nozzles, plates
• Electronics: PCBs (printed circuit boards), connectors, solder joints
• 3D printer parts and print heads
• Printer and laser components

This method helps remove grease, dust, oxidation, or carbon buildup from components with complex shapes or sensitive surfaces, ensuring that even contaminants hidden in narrow crevices, blind holes, or delicate interfaces are thoroughly dislodged.

4. Laboratory and Medical Equipment

In scientific and medical environments, ultrasonic cleaners are essential for maintaining sterility and precision:

• Laboratory glassware: Beakers, flasks, pipettes, graduated cylinders
• Micro-instruments: Syringe tips, forceps, centrifuge tubes
• Dental items: Retainers, dentures, mouth guards
• Medical tools: Surgical scissors, scalpels, diagnostic probes, endoscope tips

Ultrasonic cleaners are particularly valued for their ability to clean without manual handling, reducing the risk of accidental damage or contamination. With features like temperature control, degassing, and programmable cycles, they support compliance with sterilization protocols and help ensure repeatable cleaning results.

5. Use the Right Cleaning Solution for Better Results

Choosing the correct liquid is crucial for effectiveness and safety. While many items can be cleaned with just water and mild detergent, specialized cleaning agents improve performance for certain tasks:

Always verify that your cleaning solution is suitable for both the ultrasonic cleaner and the item material.

6. Items You Should Not Put in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Despite their versatility, ultrasonic cleaners are not suitable for all materials. Some items are too fragile, porous, or chemically incompatible:

• Porous gemstones: Opals, pearls, turquoise, amber, malachite – may crack, discolor, or absorb liquid
• Electroplated items: Thin coatings (especially gold or silver plating) may peel or fade
• Loose or glued items: Jewelry with weak adhesive or loose stones
• Soft plastics and foams: May deform or absorb water
• Damaged items: Cracked, corroded, or poorly assembled parts can suffer further damage

Always inspect your item before cleaning. If in doubt, clean it manually or consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.

7. Why Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

Ultrasonic cleaners are trusted across industries because they offer a unique combination of speed, precision, and non-destructive cleaning power—qualities that traditional cleaning methods often struggle to deliver.

Here are several compelling reasons to use an ultrasonic cleaner:

• Reach into fine grooves, crevices, and holes
• Remove microscopic dirt, grease, and debris
• Reduce the need for scrubbing, chemicals, and manual labor
• Safe for most non-absorbent materials
• Fast and efficient—often just 3 to 10 minutes per cycle

Whether you’re aiming for precision cleaning, enhanced process consistency, or a more streamlined workflow, ultrasonic cleaners offer a reliable and cost-effective solution that’s adaptable to virtually any environment—from home to hospital, lab to factory.

Final Note: Use Wisely for Best Results

Ultrasonic cleaners are incredibly versatile and effective—but only when used correctly with appropriate items and solutions. For the best results, always:

• Match the item with a compatible cleaning fluid
• Use the right time and temperature settings
• Avoid overcrowding the tank
• Maintain and clean the unit regularly

Whether for daily household cleaning, laboratory workflows, or professional repairs, an ultrasonic cleaner is a powerful ally in maintaining cleanliness, safety, and functionality across a wide range of applications.

If you’re considering a reliable, high-performance ultrasonic cleaning system, brands like Granbo offer custom solutions for home, commercial, and scientific needs—combining smart technology, durable design, and strong after-sales support.