Ultrasonic cleaners are some of the most quietly powerful tools in today’s homes, clinics, and factories. If you’ve ever watched one in action, you’ve probably seen clouded glasses turn crystal clear, or grime vanish from jewelry without a single scrub. But while the technology behind it—microscopic bubbles driven by sound waves—is fascinating, what truly determines the final result is what you put into it.
So, what do you actually use in an ultrasonic cleaner?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if you understand how the right liquid and objects interact with ultrasonic cavitation, you can unlock deeper, faster, and safer cleaning across countless applications.
Start With the Liquid: It’s Not Always Just Water
At first glance, many assume ultrasonic cleaners run on plain tap water—and technically, they can. But while water provides the medium for cavitation, it lacks the chemical properties needed to break down oils, carbon buildup, or biological residue on its own.
For general cleaning, distilled water with a few drops of mild detergent can suffice. This combo is safe for glasses, jewelry, and light-duty tasks.
For precision cleaning, such as electronics or optics, specialized water-based ultrasonic cleaning solutions are formulated to remove flux, oils, or particulate without damaging components.
For dental or medical items, enzyme-based or antibacterial solutions are common. These work alongside ultrasonic cavitation to break down biofilms and proteins.
For industrial parts, degreasers or de-rusting agents (usually alkaline or neutral in pH) help dissolve lubricants, carbon, and rust without corroding metal surfaces.
For silver or brass, metal-specific solutions help remove tarnish and oxidation safely, avoiding harsh reactions that bleach or pit the surface.
Each cleaning solution should always be selected based on two things: the material of the object and the kind of dirt or contamination being removed. A mismatched solution doesn’t just reduce effectiveness—it can damage the item or shorten the life of your equipment.
So, What Can You Put In an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Now that we’ve covered the liquids, it’s time to talk about the real stars of the show: the items being cleaned. Here’s a tour through the most common—and effective—uses of ultrasonic cleaning across everyday and professional settings.
Jewelry
Gold, platinum, silver, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies respond incredibly well. Cavitation removes oils, lotions, and dirt from intricate settings, bringing out brilliance that polishing cloths often miss. Avoid porous stones like pearls, opals, or turquoise.
Glasses and Sunglasses
Nose pads, hinges, and edges trap sweat and dust. Ultrasonic waves dislodge them in minutes, leaving frames and lenses spotless. Always ensure coatings on lenses are ultrasonic-safe.
Retainers, Dentures, and Mouthguards
Oral appliances build up biofilm, plaque, and stains. Ultrasonic cleaning—especially when paired with a cleaning tablet or antibacterial solution—cleans more thoroughly than brushing, without scratching delicate plastic surfaces.
Watch Straps and Mechanical Parts
Metal bands, gears, and casings collect sweat, oils, and debris over time. A few minutes in an ultrasonic cleaner removes buildup from inside hinges and between links. Avoid placing the watch face or movement unless it’s specifically rated waterproof and shock-resistant.
Electronics (Disassembled)
Circuit boards, solder joints, and PCB assemblies are cleaned during manufacturing or repair. Only clean powered-off, fully dryable parts using the right solution—usually an alcohol-based or deionized liquid. Drying afterward is essential.
Carburetors and Engine Components
Grease, varnish, and carbon buildup are hard to reach manually. Paired with a degreasing solution and heat, ultrasonic cleaners restore parts like carburetors, valves, or nozzles to optimal function without abrasion.
Surgical Instruments and Dental Tools
Precision and hygiene are paramount. Cavitation cleans inside grooves and serrations, while enzymatic cleaners break down proteins. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually the first step before sterilization in an autoclave.
Laboratory Glassware
Test tubes, pipettes, and beakers benefit from residue-free cleaning, crucial for accuracy. Gentle, non-etching solutions are used to prevent surface damage.
Tattoo and Piercing Tools
Needles, grips, and tubes must be thoroughly cleaned before sterilization. Ultrasonic cleaners offer a fast, consistent pre-cleaning method that helps reduce cross-contamination risks.
Everyday Items
Keys, coins, razor heads, makeup brushes, small kitchen tools, and even LEGO pieces can all go into a household ultrasonic bath. If it’s small, hard, and washable—it’s likely ultrasonic-friendly.
What You Shouldn’t Put In an Ultrasonic Cleaner
While the list of suitable items is long, there are some you should leave out.
| Item Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Porous or absorbent materials | Can swell, crack, or degrade when soaked |
| Soft gemstones | May crack or lose luster due to vibration |
| Items with glued parts | Glue may loosen or dissolve under vibration |
| Electronics with batteries | Risk of short-circuiting or internal damage |
| Painted or coated items | Coating may peel or become damaged |
| Flammable liquids | Risk of vapor ignition when heated |
Choosing the Right Cleaning Liquid
To maximize performance and protect your items, always match the cleaning solution to your application. Here are a few safe, effective examples:
| Liquid Type | Best For | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Mild dish soap in distilled water | General-purpose cleaning | Safe and effective for most household items |
| Jewelry cleaners (ammonia-free) | Silver, gold, and precious stones | Removes tarnish without damaging gemstones |
| Enzymatic solutions | Dental tools, retainers, surgical instruments | Breaks down organic residue gently |
| Degreasers | Automotive and mechanical parts | Dissolves grease and oil efficiently |
| Isopropyl alcohol or board wash | Electronics and PCB cleaning | Evaporates quickly with minimal residue |
Never mix chemicals, and always ensure the solution is appropriate for your tank material—typically stainless steel.
How Granbo Helps You Clean Smarter
If you’re looking for a device that does more than just buzz and bubble, Granbo ultrasonic cleaners are engineered to deliver precision and safety across a wide spectrum of needs.
Granbo offers multi-frequency machines that adjust to the cleaning challenge—delicate jewelry one day, carburetor cleaning the next. With intelligent temperature control, degassing cycles, and UV sterilization on select models, you get professional-grade cleaning in a compact and user-friendly format.
Whether you’re a dental professional, a watch enthusiast, or someone who just wants their favorite glasses to last longer, Granbo units give you the flexibility and reliability to clean effectively, every time.
Make Every Clean Count
An ultrasonic cleaner is more than a gadget—it’s a tool that can simplify your routines, improve hygiene, and extend the life of the items you value. What you put in it, both in terms of items and liquids, makes all the difference.
Use the right solution, match it with the right object, and you’ll discover just how transformative this quiet technology can be.
Whether it’s your wedding ring, your carburetor, or your lab pipette, it deserves a clean that reaches deep and treats it with care. That’s what ultrasonic cleaning does best.
