What Liquid to Use in an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Jewelry

Ultrasonic cleaners are widely used for restoring the shine and brilliance of jewelry, thanks to their ability to remove dirt, oils, and residues from intricate designs and hard-to-reach areas. However, the cleaning solution you use in the ultrasonic cleaner is just as important as the machine itself. Using the right liquid ensures a thorough, safe clean—while the wrong one could damage delicate materials or reduce the effectiveness of the process.

1. Can You Use Water Alone?

Yes—but with limitations. Plain distilled water can be used in an ultrasonic cleaner for jewelry, especially for routine rinsing or light cleaning. However, for most situations, water alone is not enough to break down grease, tarnish, or polishing compounds.

Adding a mild cleaning agent or specially formulated jewelry cleaning solution enhances the cavitation process and helps remove oils, dirt, and residue more effectively.

2. Best Liquid for General Jewelry Cleaning

For most gold, silver, platinum, and gemstone jewelry, the following solution is recommended:

• Warm distilled water (not tap water, to avoid mineral deposits)
• A few drops of ammonia-free dish soap or a gentle ultrasonic cleaning concentrate designed for jewelry

You can also purchase commercial ultrasonic jewelry cleaning solutions, which are pre-mixed with the correct balance of surfactants and detergents. These are often pH-balanced, non-corrosive, and safe for most metals and common stones.

Do not use household cleaners like bleach, acetone, or alcohol, as they may damage metals or loosen gem settings.

3. What Not to Use (Jewelry-Specific Risks)

Some types of jewelry are too fragile or porous to be cleaned with harsh chemicals. For example:

• Pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, coral, and amber are porous and easily damaged.
• Soft stones can crack, fade, or become cloudy when exposed to vibration or chemicals.
• Vintage or glued jewelry may fall apart or lose adhesive during ultrasonic cleaning.

4. Specialized Cleaning Liquids

For jewelry businesses, professionals, or those with larger collections, using industry-grade ultrasonic cleaning solutions is ideal. These often include:

• Enzyme-based formulas: Effective for removing biological residue (like skin oils)
• Ammonia-free cleaners: Gentler on gold and gemstones
• Tarnish removers: For heavily oxidized silver or brass (used with care)

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and exposure time.

5. Tips for Safe and Effective Cleaning

• Use a basket or mesh tray: Never let jewelry rest on the bottom of the tank.
• Avoid high temperatures: Especially for gemstones. 40–50°C (104–122°F) is usually safe.
• Don’t overclean: One to five minutes is usually sufficient.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse items with clean distilled water and dry with a soft cloth to remove any residue.

  

Conclusion

The best liquid to use in an ultrasonic cleaner for jewelry is typically a mix of distilled water and a mild, ammonia-free cleaning agent, or a commercial ultrasonic cleaning solution formulated specifically for jewelry. Avoid using strong chemicals or cleaning fragile gemstones, and always refer to care instructions for each piece.

With the right cleaning liquid and proper technique, ultrasonic cleaning can safely and effectively restore your jewelry’s shine—making it look like new again.