Choosing the Right Cleaner for Your Ultrasonic Cleaner

When using an ultrasonic cleaner, success isn’t just about the machine itself—what you pour into the tank can significantly influence the results. Whether you’re dealing with jewelry, dentures, carburetors, or laboratory equipment, the right cleaning solution enhances effectiveness, safeguards the items, and often achieves a level of cleanliness that traditional methods can’t match.

From mild water-based detergents to task-specific formulas, different solutions serve different purposes. The ideal choice depends on the materials you’re cleaning, the type of contaminants involved, and how delicate or durable the items are. Understanding these factors helps ensure that each cleaning cycle is both safe and thoroughly effective.

Understanding What the Liquid Actually Does

In an ultrasonic cleaner, the solution isn’t just there to fill the tank. It’s a crucial part of the cavitation process. When high-frequency sound waves move through the fluid, they create millions of microscopic bubbles. These collapse and release energy, dislodging particles from even the tiniest crevices. But without the right chemistry, the bubbles lose power, and the cleaning isn’t nearly as effective.

That’s why using just water often falls short. Adding an appropriate cleaning agent ensures that oils, oxidation, proteins, and grime dissolve more efficiently after being loosened by cavitation.

Water-Based Solutions: Safe, Versatile, and Widely Applicable

The most commonly used cleaners in ultrasonic systems are water-based. These offer a balance of safety and performance across a wide range of items.

Neutral pH liquids are a safe bet for general use. They remove organic debris without damaging metal, plastic, or glass. Look for non-foaming types, as foam disrupts cavitation.

Acidic and Alkaline Cleaners: For Heavy-Duty or Specialized Cleaning

When you’re cleaning rusted hardware, tarnished silver, or oily machine parts, a water-based solution may not be enough. That’s when acidic or alkaline formulations come in.

Alkaline cleaners (pH 10–12) are effective on grease, oils, and soot, especially for industrial parts or carburetors. Acidic cleaners (pH 3–5) help remove oxides and mineral scaling—ideal for rusted tools or jewelry tarnish.

However, these stronger solutions demand caution. Never use them with delicate materials like pearls, opals, or soft plastics. And always rinse thoroughly after use to prevent surface damage or residue.

Can You Use Homemade Cleaners? Sometimes—With Caution

While homemade cleaning solutions can be an affordable and accessible alternative, they must be used with care. Simple mixtures like warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or a small amount of baking soda are generally safe for items like jewelry or eyeglasses. However, improper ratios, harsh ingredients like vinegar or bleach, or even excessive foaming can harm delicate surfaces or interfere with ultrasonic cavitation. More importantly, DIY mixtures may lack the emulsifying or dispersing agents found in professional formulations, reducing their cleaning efficiency. If you choose to go the homemade route, always test on non-valuable items first and avoid combining substances unless you understand their chemical interactions. Homemade doesn’t have to mean risky—but it should always mean cautious and informed.

What You Should Never Use in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Avoid any flammable, volatile, or highly corrosive liquids in your ultrasonic cleaner. These include:

Using these liquids can damage the machine, compromise safety, or degrade your items. Always read the machine’s instructions and the solution label.

Why Granbo Ultrasonic Cleaners Deliver Smarter Liquid Compatibility

Granbo ultrasonic cleaners are engineered with versatility and chemical compatibility in mind. Whether you’re using neutral pH solutions for medical instruments or slightly alkaline mixes for degreasing mechanical parts, the machine’s advanced circuitry ensures consistent performance without corrosion or instability. Digital models allow users to fine-tune temperature and frequency settings to match the liquid’s optimal activation range—ensuring that the solution works at full capacity without damaging the tank or the item. Additionally, Granbo’s cavitation-efficient transducers can maintain power even with more viscous or low-foaming liquids, which is essential when working with professional-grade formulations. With built-in features like degas mode, thermal control, and corrosion-resistant tanks, Granbo units are designed not only for cleaning excellence but also for fluid compatibility across industries.

Adjusting Liquid Use Based on Application

Not all items need the same concentration, temperature, or cycle duration. For instance:

Jewelry: Use warm water (~50°C) with a neutral solution for 3–5 minutes.

Dental tools: Enzyme cleaner at 40–45°C for 5–10 minutes.

Engine parts: Alkaline degreaser at 60–70°C for 10–20 minutes.

Electronics (in beaker): Use IPA in sealed container, no direct contact with tank water.

Always consult your device’s user manual or supplier for liquid recommendations and dilution ratios.

Final Thoughts: The Liquid Matters as Much as the Machine

Many users focus heavily on machine specs—frequency, wattage, timers—while overlooking the liquid that actually performs the cleaning. In reality, even the most powerful ultrasonic cleaner will underperform if paired with the wrong solution. The liquid acts as the medium through which ultrasonic energy travels and where cavitation occurs; it’s not just a passive component but an active player in the process. Choosing a cleaner that’s chemically compatible, well-suited to your items, and optimized for ultrasonic activation can mean the difference between lackluster results and pristine restoration. For both casual users and professionals, treating the cleaning solution with the same level of importance as the device itself is the key to reliable, damage-free results—cycle after cycle.