Ultrasonic cleaners have become essential in industries where precision and hygiene matter—from electronics and medical instruments to jewelry and automotive parts. But while the machine itself delivers powerful cavitation cleaning, the solution you use inside the tank is just as important. Using the wrong liquid can reduce cleaning effectiveness or even damage your equipment.

A Smarter Clean Starts with the Right Solution

Ultrasonic cleaners are powerful tools capable of removing microscopic contaminants through high-frequency sound waves. But their effectiveness heavily depends on the cleaning solution used. The right liquid doesn’t just carry the ultrasonic energy—it chemically assists the cleaning process by loosening, dissolving, or lifting contaminants from surfaces. Using the proper solution enhances cavitation efficiency, speeds up cleaning time, and ensures that delicate materials remain unharmed. On the other hand, an unsuitable solution can lead to subpar results, damage sensitive components, or even pose safety risks. That’s why understanding how to match your cleaning task with the right solution is essential for getting the most out of your ultrasonic cleaning machine.

Can You Use Just Water in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

Yes, you can use plain water—such as tap water, distilled water, or even well water—but results vary. Water alone is suitable for general dust or light dirt but has limited effectiveness on oils, greases, and stubborn residues.

For better results:

Use warm water (40–60°C) to enhance cavitation
Avoid very cold water, which reduces cleaning efficiency
Add a mild detergent or appropriate cleaning agent if needed

Water is the simplest and safest starting point for ultrasonic cleaning, especially for light debris. But for more effective and faster cleaning—especially when dealing with complex or greasy contaminants—using an appropriate cleaning agent is highly recommended.

When to Add a Cleaning Agent

For tougher cleaning tasks—such as removing oils, wax, polishing compounds, or oxidation—a specialized cleaning agent is often essential. These agents help break down contaminants and enhance the ultrasonic effect.

Common benefits of cleaning agents include:

Emulsification: dissolves oil and grease
Solubilization: helps lift solids from surfaces
Dispersion: prevents redeposition of dirt
Stabilization: keeps particles suspended in the solution

Types of Cleaning Solutions

1. Water-Based Cleaning Agents
Safe and commonly used, water-based solutions are ideal for general-purpose cleaning. They’re available in alkaline, neutral, or acidic formulas depending on the material and contamination type.

Neutral solutions: Best for delicate items like jewelry, plastics, or lenses
Alkaline solutions: Great for metals, engines, and greasy parts
Acidic solutions: Used for rust or mineral scale removal (use with caution)

2. Solvent-Based Cleaning Agents
These are stronger and used for specialized tasks, like flux removal on circuit boards or degreasing engine parts. However, they can be flammable, corrosive, or hazardous if misused. Always verify that your ultrasonic cleaner supports the use of solvents.

Special Considerations by Industry

Electronics (PCBs, chips): Avoid plain water; use alcohol-based or board wash solutions to prevent corrosion and ensure fast drying.
Jewelry and optics: Use neutral or mild alkaline detergents; avoid acids unless targeting tarnish on metals.
Industrial parts: Strong alkaline or emulsifying agents remove machining oils and polishing residues effectively.
Medical and dental instruments: Use enzymatic or protein-removing solutions, followed by thorough rinsing and sterilization.

Items That Are Not Recommended for Ultrasonic Cleaning

While ultrasonic cleaners are highly effective, they’re not suitable for everything. Certain items and materials may be damaged or pose risks when exposed to ultrasonic waves, heat, or specific cleaning solutions. Understanding these limitations can prevent costly mistakes and ensure safety.

Painted or coated surfaces:
Ultrasonic vibrations can cause paint or decorative coatings to peel, bubble, or flake off—especially if they’re already old or loosely bonded.
Piezoelectric ceramic components:
These are fragile and can crack or shatter under the stress of ultrasonic energy. They’re also sensitive to moisture and should not be immersed in liquid.
Loose, delicate, or absorbent materials (e.g., fabric, rubber, paper, leather):
These can absorb liquid, swell, or degrade over time. The sound waves may also cause deformation or tearing, making them unsuitable for immersion.
Flammable or volatile cleaning solutions:
Solvent-based agents like acetone or alcohol are highly flammable and can ignite due to ultrasonic energy and heating. Using these without proper ventilation or explosion-proof equipment is extremely hazardous.
Objects sensitive to vibration or stress (e.g., antique glassware, glued assemblies, soft gemstones):
Fragile items like opals, pearls, or glued components (such as in costume jewelry) can crack, lose adhesion, or suffer surface damage from the cavitation process.
Electronic components with sealed cavities or unprotected internals:
Moisture can get trapped inside and cause corrosion or short circuits, especially if the component cannot be dried completely afterward.
Nanoparticle-level dust or fibers (e.g., carpet, ultra-fine filters):
These materials may not respond to cavitation effectively and can trap dirt in ways that ultrasonic waves cannot dislodge.

Using an ultrasonic cleaner without regard to the material or structure of the object can result in physical damage, chemical reactions, or complete functional failure. Always test unfamiliar materials and consult equipment guidelines when in doubt.

Granbo’s Advantage in Cleaning Chemistry

With decades of experience in ultrasonic technology, Granbo offers more than just high-performance cleaning machines—it also provides guidance on solution pairing for every application. Whether you’re cleaning precision electronics, restoring jewelry, or degreasing industrial components, Granbo’s comprehensive product line supports compatible, effective, and safe cleaning solutions. Customization services and expert support ensure that every client gets optimized results with minimal risk.