Choosing the Right Liquid for Ultrasonic Cleaning Success

For anyone using an ultrasonic cleaner—whether for jewelry, carburetors, dental instruments, or circuit boards—there’s one question that matters just as much as the machine itself: what liquid should you actually put in it?

It might be tempting to pour in tap water and hit start. And yes, in some cases, that works. But the cleaning solution you choose plays a direct role in how effective your ultrasonic cleaner is. The right liquid can speed up cleaning, reduce damage risk, and extend both the life of your items and the machine. The wrong one? It could do the opposite.

Why Liquid Matters in Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning works by generating cavitation bubbles that collapse near the surface of an object. These microscopic explosions scrub away dirt, grease, and contaminants without physically touching the item. But here’s the catch: those bubbles are formed in liquid—and the type of liquid changes everything.

Water alone produces cavitation, but it has limits. Adding specific agents can enhance the process by:

First: Lowering surface tension for deeper bubble penetration

Second: Dissolving oils or residues that water can’t

Third: Stabilizing the cleaning environment

Fourth: Protecting delicate surfaces from corrosion or abrasion

In short, the right liquid is like the right oil in a high-performance engine. It helps everything work better, longer, and safer.

Basic Option: Water (and When It’s Enough)

You can use plain distilled water for cleaning basic items that only need light dust or surface grime removed—like glasses, coins, or non-electronic metal parts. But make sure you avoid tap water in most cases, especially in hard water areas. Minerals in tap water may interfere with cavitation or leave residues behind.

If you do use water, it’s best to:

Use distilled or deionized water for purity

Add a few drops of mild dish soap to increase cleaning efficiency

Heat the water slightly (40–50°C) for better results

Water alone is safe and cheap—but when you’re dealing with oil, biological residue, or oxidation, it just won’t cut it.

Water-Based Cleaning Solutions: Safe and Versatile

Water-based cleaners are the most commonly recommended for ultrasonic cleaning. They’re designed to work with water to enhance cleaning power while being safe for a wide range of materials.

Types of water-based solutions include:

Neutral detergents:
Ideal for jewelry, glasses, plastics, and ceramics. These are gentle, non-corrosive, and safe for everyday items.

Alkaline solutions:
Work best for metals, industrial parts, or tools. They dissolve oils, waxes, and greases. These are your go-to for automotive or mechanical cleaning jobs.

Enzymatic cleaners:
Perfect for dental instruments, surgical tools, and retainers. These break down organic residue like plaque, tissue, or protein-based films.

Descaling and oxidation removal agents:
Used to clean rust, tarnish, or mineral buildup. Often acidic, these should only be used when suitable for the item’s material.

Solvent-Based Cleaners: For Advanced Industrial Tasks

In some heavy-duty or specialized cleaning environments—think aerospace, firearms, or electronics refurbishment—solvent-based cleaners may be used. These solutions are more aggressive and often flammable, so extra caution is required.

Common solvent options include:

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) – Great for flux removal on PCBs

Acetone – Used in some industrial applications, but not ultrasonic-safe unless handled carefully

Specialty degreasers – For engine parts or oily machine components

Important: Solvent-based liquids should never be heated in an ultrasonic cleaner due to explosion risk. They should also be used in a separate beaker or sealed container placed inside a water-filled tank, not poured directly into the machine’s bath.

What to Avoid Putting in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Not every liquid is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Some can damage your cleaner, the object being cleaned, or even pose safety risks.

Avoid the following:

Flammable liquids like gasoline, alcohol (in high volumes), or acetone

Highly acidic or basic solutions unless explicitly approved for your items

Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners that may corrode components or release harmful fumes

Chlorinated solvents – Often illegal and dangerous, especially in heated tanks

If in doubt, always consult the equipment’s manual and use manufacturer-recommended fluids.

Matching the Liquid to the Item You’re Cleaning

Choosing a cleaning liquid also depends on what you’re putting into the tank. Here’s a quick guide:

Granbo Recommends: Use the Right Liquid, Not Just Any Liquid

At Granbo, we’ve tested our ultrasonic cleaners with a wide range of solutions, from household setups to industrial degreasers. That’s why we always recommend pairing your cleaning task with a compatible, high-performance liquid—especially if you’re using our digital models with heating and multi-frequency support.

Our ultrasonic cleaners come with programmable cycles, temperature control, and built-in degas mode to ensure that whatever liquid you use, it’s ready to clean at full strength.

For denture users, mechanics, lab professionals, or jewelers—choosing the right liquid turns your cleaner from “good enough” into a tool that delivers precision, safety, and results. A quality solution enhances cavitation efficiency, reduces cleaning time, and protects sensitive materials from harsh chemical reactions. Whether you’re removing polishing paste from fine jewelry or heavy carbon from engine parts, Granbo ultrasonic cleaners ensure that each cleaning cycle performs to laboratory-level standards—with zero guesswork and maximum efficiency.

Clean Smarter, Not Just Harder

Using an ultrasonic cleaner without the right liquid is like washing your dishes without soap—possible, but not efficient. Whether you’re restoring a vintage carburetor or keeping your retainers fresh and clear, the right solution does the heavy lifting.

Start with distilled water if you’re unsure, but don’t stop there. Choose a liquid that matches your item and cleaning goal, and let your ultrasonic cleaner do what it’s designed to do: make cleaning effortless, deep, and damage-free.