Introduction
Ultrasonic cleaners are powerful and precise tools widely used for removing contaminants from a wide variety of items—including delicate jewelry, electronic components, surgical tools, and engine parts. Their ability to clean crevices and complex surfaces without abrasion makes them ideal for professionals in the medical, dental, automotive, and industrial fields.
However, even the most advanced ultrasonic cleaning machine won’t work properly if it’s misused. From incorrect solution choices to poor maintenance practices, many users unknowingly reduce the cleaning performance and even damage their equipment or items. If you want to get the most from your ultrasonic cleaner, avoid these five common mistakes.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong or No Cleaning Solution
What’s the Problem?
A common misunderstanding is assuming that plain tap water is enough for ultrasonic cleaning. While cavitation (the formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles) still occurs in pure water, it’s not nearly as effective at lifting grease, flux, oil, oxidation, or biological residues.
Why It Matters
Ultrasonic cleaners rely on cavitation enhanced by cleaning chemistry. The right ultrasonic cleaning solution reduces surface tension and breaks chemical bonds, helping cavitation bubbles remove particles more efficiently and safely.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Use a detergent specifically designed for ultrasonic cleaning. These solutions are formulated for different materials and applications:
Jewelry & gemstones: Use a mild, ammonia-free solution that won’t damage soft stones or coatings.
Medical tools: Choose enzymatic or neutral-pH solutions that are biocompatible and residue-free.
Electronic components: Select alcohol-free, low-conductivity solutions that dry without leaving film.
Metal parts: Use alkaline or acidic degreasers (depending on material) that can cut through oil and scale.
Also, never use flammable solvents like gasoline or acetone in an ultrasonic tank. These can vaporize, ignite, or damage internal components—posing serious risks.
Mistake 2: Overloading the Tank with Too Many Items
What’s the Problem?
Packing your ultrasonic cleaner with too many objects at once may seem like a time-saver, but it causes inconsistent cleaning and potential damage.
Why It Matters
Ultrasonic waves travel through liquid, not through metal or air. If items block each other, sound energy can’t reach all surfaces evenly. This results in incomplete cleaning, especially in hidden corners or complex shapes.
Moreover, items rubbing together or sitting on the tank’s bottom can become scratched, dented, or even damage the transducer itself.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Always space items apart so that liquid can freely circulate and cavitation can occur uniformly.
Use baskets, trays, or mesh holders to suspend items without touching the tank floor.
Clean in batches if necessary. More time spent cleaning correctly is better than wasting time on ineffective cycles.
🛠 Pro tip: Avoid contact between items made of soft metals or with polished surfaces—they can scratch each other during cavitation.
Mistake 3: Running the Machine Without Enough Liquid
What’s the Problem?
Some users turn on the ultrasonic cleaning machine without checking fluid levels, especially if they’re in a hurry or preheating the tank.
Why It Matters
Transducers rely on liquid to dissipate heat and distribute vibration. Running a machine “dry” or with insufficient liquid can cause:
Overheating of the transducer
Warping of the tank base
Shortened lifespan of the generator
Noisy or weak cavitation
How to Avoid This Mistake
Fill the tank to the manufacturer’s recommended minimum level—usually marked inside the tank wall.
Never activate ultrasound unless liquid is present.
Use a degassing cycle if available, to prepare the solution before placing items inside.
Monitor water levels during long cleaning sessions, as evaporation can lower levels over time.
Mistake 4: Neglecting Regular Maintenance
What’s the Problem?
It’s easy to assume that since an ultrasonic cleaner is doing the cleaning, it doesn’t need to be cleaned itself. This is a dangerous assumption.
Why It Matters
Residues from cleaning solutions, oils, particles, and corrosion can build up over time. This affects both cavitation and hygiene, especially if you clean sensitive items like medical instruments or printed circuit boards (PCBs).
A dirty tank also puts more strain on internal components, reducing energy efficiency and increasing repair costs.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Drain and wipe the tank after each session.
Rinse off baskets and holders to prevent cross-contamination.
Use distilled water when possible to avoid mineral deposits.
Perform monthly inspections on cables, seals, and display panels.
Replace the cleaning solution after 3–5 cleaning cycles (sooner if it becomes cloudy or foamy).
🧼 Pro tip: Use a non-abrasive cloth to wipe the tank. Avoid harsh chemicals unless approved by the manufacturer.
Mistake 5: Incorrect Frequency or Cleaning Time Settings
What’s the Problem?
Some users assume that running an ultrasonic cleaner at the lowest frequency for the longest time yields the best results. However, this may damage items or produce diminishing returns.
Why It Matters
Different frequencies produce different cavitation intensities:
Low frequency (25–33kHz): Produces larger bubbles with more violent implosions—best for heavy-duty cleaning.
Medium frequency (35–45kHz): Balanced option for metals, plastics, and general use.
High frequency (65–130kHz): Produces small, gentle bubbles—ideal for delicate materials.
Cleaning time also matters. Running cycles for too long can erode soft surfaces, remove plating, or cause unnecessary wear on both the machine and the object.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Check your item’s material and surface tolerance. Adjust cleaning frequency accordingly.
Use timers: most ultrasonic cleaners support 3–15 minute cycles.
Test different durations on similar items before finalizing a process.
If unsure, start with a short cycle and inspect the results before repeating.
Bonus Tips: Get More From Your Ultrasonic Cleaner
✅ Preheat your solution
Most cleaning solutions work better at 40–60°C (104–140°F). Warm solutions increase cavitation intensity and reduce cleaning time.
✅ Use a lid
This reduces noise, heat loss, and contamination from dust or debris falling into the tank.
✅ Avoid touching the tank during operation
Ultrasonic frequencies can cause micro-vibrations and discomfort. Keep hands away while the unit is active.
✅ Use degassing when using a fresh solution
This helps remove trapped air bubbles in the liquid that may otherwise reduce cavitation effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I clean all types of jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Not all. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners on soft or porous stones like pearls, opals, turquoise, or emeralds.
Q2: Why is my ultrasonic cleaner making a louder noise than usual?
This could indicate a damaged transducer, low liquid level, or heavy contamination buildup.
Q3: How often should I replace the cleaning solution?
Ideally, after every 3–5 cleaning cycles or when the solution becomes visibly dirty or loses effectiveness.
Q4: Is ultrasonic cleaning safe for electronics?
Yes, but use the right cleaning solution, avoid immersing powered boards, and dry components thoroughly afterward.
Q5: Can I use tap water in the ultrasonic cleaner?
You can, but distilled or deionized water is preferred to reduce scaling and improve cleaning consistency.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Mastering your ultrasonic cleaner requires more than just flipping a switch. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll achieve cleaner results, extend your machine’s life, and protect the items you’re cleaning.
Whether you’re using an ultrasonic cleaner at home, in a lab, or in an industrial workshop, remember: the right practices lead to professional-grade outcomes.
👉 Looking for a reliable ultrasonic cleaning machine or compatible transducers and solutions?
🔗 [Explore our full range of ultrasonic cleaning equipment]
🔗 [Need help selecting the right unit? Contact our ultrasonic cleaner specialists now!]
