We love the Akua Sonic Cleaner, from its aesthetic minimalist look, to the gentle and satisfying deep cleanse. It’s one of the best secret weapons in jewelry care that should be brought out from the shadows of the jewelry makers and sellers, to the jewelry lovers.
And it’s not just us that love it. Here’s what some jewelry lovers had to say:
From its construction quality and minimalist aesthetic, to the thoughtful 45,000Hz and double transducer, the Akua Sonic Cleaner is one for the jewelry lovers. At 45,000Hz, it’s the gold standard for jewelry cleaning - gentle enough to clean delicate pieces, yet tough enough to remove contaminants.
Did we mention we specialize in bringing back the shine? Contaminants like grime, sweat, oils, lotions and dirt build up with regular use. If not removed often, they tend to attract more and more contaminants, giving your jewelry a surface cloudy appearance. It can be hard to remove this layer as jewelry crevices tend to be so small. That’s when Akua Sonic Cleaner comes in handy. Without size and reach restraints, it can reach all the smallest, most complicated design details to perform a deep clean.
Whether it’s 22K gold jewelry or 14K gold jewelry, make sure they’re cleaned regularly to avoid tarnish. Yes - these gold jewelry will still tarnish! They are not pure 24K gold, so they are alloys that are prone to tarnish.
When the gift hits the gifts, time and service love languages all at once? Keeper 👌. Akua Sonic Cleaner is functional, multi-use, mess-free and has the aesthetics to match any decor. Whether it’s a wedding gift idea or an engagement gift for friend you’re looking for, there are no better occasions to gift an Akua Sonic Cleaner.
Whether it’s oils, sweat or daily grime, the Akua Sonic Cleaner is really effective at removing all these tarnish-inducing contaminants. Many jewelry cleaning methods are restrictive, don’t reach all the small nooks and require chemicals that still don’t really get into the crevices. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners on the other hand, reach where the water reaches, is done in less than 5 minutes, and you don’t even have to get your hands dirty.
Akua Sonic Cleaner is your perfect tarnish-fighting sidekick. Whether it’s a sterling silver jewelry cleaner you’re looking for, or how to clean diamond ring at home, the ultrasonic cleaner is an easy, sure method to keep tarnish at bay with regular cleans.
We’re not called the jewelers’ best kept secret for nothing. Jewelers use the same ultrasonic technology to clean your jewelry when they go in for the spa treatment. In fact, the same ultrasonic technology is used in all sorts of professional environments - dental clinics, medical centers and science laboratories.
How to clean wedding ring at home, professionally? Try Akua Sonic Cleaner.
Aligners, mouthguards and other dental tools can be some of the most “icky” things we use on a daily basis. For some people, just the thought of cleaning them can be a chore. With an ultrasonic cleaner, you pop them in for a cycle or two, and they come out without saliva, plaque and stains. Effective, efficient and mess-free for daily use.
An ultrasonic cleaning machine party? Yes please! In heavily soiled pieces, you can often see the iconic “dust cloud” swirling away grime, dust and oils from your jewelry. Take a note from Jennifer - try this for your next girls nights, bridesmaids gift and anniversary present. Sip on some sparkling, and watch your jewelry regain their sparkle ✨
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What is an ultrasonic cleaner?
An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that uses ultrasonic waves to clean objects, typically small and intricate items such as jewelry, watches, dental tools, glasses and electronic parts. It is particularly valued for its ability to effectively remove contaminants from detailed and hard-to-reach crevices that many other cleaning methods cannot.
How does an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner work?
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners work through a process called cavitation. Rapid changes in pressure produced by ultrasound creates micro “bubbles” in the cleaning solution. When these bubbles reach a critical size, they burst, releasing shockwaves and micro jets to dislodge dirt and other micro-contaminants from jewelry. It’s particularly useful for small, detailed jewelry pieces, providing a precise and gentle cleaning method.
How to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
Does an ultrasonic cleaner really work?
Yes, most definitely. Ultrasonic cleaners have always been used in professions where cleanliness is of the utmost importance, such as in medical, dental and scientific fields. Ultrasonic cleaners are highly valued for their cleaning effectiveness, and the ability to clean several pieces at once.
What should I not clean in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
There are three main categories:
Most hard, non-porous materials (metals, ceramics, plastic etc.) can still be cleaned even if damaged. See a list of items you can’t clean in ultrasonic cleaners.
Can an ultrasonic cleaner damage my jewelry?
When used correctly, it’s one of the best ways to clean jewelry thoroughly. When used incorrectly - yes, it can damage your jewelry. Incorrect use includes uses on non-waterproof material (e.g. glued on parts), on organic stones, on color treated or damaged gems.
Does an ultrasonic cleaner really work with just water?
Yes, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners really work with just water. It’s the process of cavitation that does the cleaning, not the solution itself. Though, lathering a light cleaning solution on to jewelry before ultrasonic cleaning will help loosen contaminants to make cleaning time faster.
How to get the best clean out of an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
An ultrasonic clean with just water is already a thorough cleaning method. To get a better, faster clean, you can add dish soap or other gentler cleaning solutions to the jewelry before putting your jewelry in for a cycle.
Best ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
The best ultrasonic cleaner for jewelry should be at 45,000Hz. The lower the hertz, the tougher the clean. For reference, cleaning for large automotive parts happens around 20,000 - 25,000 Hz. 45,000Hz is the gold standard for cleaning smaller, more delicate parts like jewelry. At this frequency, the cleaning is gentle, and the ultrasonic waves are at a size that are able to penetrate small holes and crevices more thoroughly.
Can ultrasonic cleaners remove tarnish?
Tarnish is caused by a chemical reaction between your jewelry and the air over time. Ultrasonic cleaners cannot reverse this chemical reaction, but it can improve its appearance. It is best to use ultrasonic jewelry cleaners for tarnish prevention and for removing tarnish before restoration.
Do you need to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner solution?
No, it is not necessary to use a jewelry cleaner solution with your cleaner. However, cleaning solutions do help loosen debris and contaminants for a more thorough clean in a shorter time.
What can you clean in an ultrasonic cleaning machine?
So many things!
For more, check this what can you clean list.
Can I clean my wedding ring in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
Wedding rings are perfect for cleaning in ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. It’s fast, thorough and mess-free. Ultrasonic cleaners are particularly great at cleaning intricate designs and deep into small crevices. Though if you have pearls or opals in your wedding ring, you should only clean the metal part. Pearls and opals are organic and porous, requiring a separate delicate cleaning process.
How to clean wedding ring in ultrasonic cleaner?
Cleaning wedding rings in ultrasonic cleaners is a game-changer to maintain your ring’s luster and longevity. Follow these steps after a particularly contaminant-heavy day (gym, beach, vacation, garden work etc.) or weekly for best practice.
How do I clean my engagement ring in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Engagement rings, especially fancy ones with multiple stones and intricate designs, trap contaminants more than most rings. In these cases, the penetrative yet gentle cleaning provided by ultrasonic cleaners is the best way to purge all contamination.
Follow these steps after a particularly contaminant-heavy day (gym, beach, vacation, garden work etc.) or weekly for best practice.
Can I clean my diamond ring in a jewelry cleaner?
Absolutely. Diamonds rings are great to clean in ultrasound jewelry cleaners.
Remember to double check there are no flaws in your diamond, or other unsuitable materials (like pearls) on the rest of your ring.
Best way to clean engagement rings at home?
The most thorough way you can be cleaning engagement rings at home is with an ultrasonic cleaner. Devices like Akua Sonic Cleaner are used by jewelry makers and jewelry sellers worldwide to clean jewelry pieces and gemstones professionally.
Why is it better than DIY methods with baking soda, toothpaste and vinegar? Engagement rings are often intricate and complex, creating many minute crevices that attract build up. DIY methods are often surface level, chemically inconsistent and can be abrasive. Comparatively, ultrasonic cleaners can work with just water and provide a holistic precision cleanse.
What stones can I clean in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Most hard, non-porous, non-brittle, natural gemstones used in jewelry can be cleaned in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. These stones include: diamond, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, citrine, cubic zirconia, garnet and created gemstones.
How to clean gold rings in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
Gold rings are great for cleaning with ultrasonic cleaners. There is a common misconception that gold does not tarnish, when any gold alloy (22K down to 9K) will tarnish with bad maintenance. This is where ultrasonic jewelry cleaners come in handy for gold ring owners - it’s efficient, mess-free and thorough.
Can I clean my pearl earrings in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Pearls are not recommended for cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner. However, the metal around the pearl would be perfectly ok. Submerge just the materials suitable for cleaning into the water, and clean the pearl separately with more delicate cleaning processes.
Can rose gold engagement rings be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners?
Definitely. All solid rose gold rings, whether 10K, 14K or 18K, can be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners. It will not scratch or damage the metal. Double check that the gems and decoration materials on the ring are also suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
Can I clean my opal engagement ring in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
The metal part - absolutely. The opal part - unless it is a fully solid Australian Opal (not doublet or triplet), it is not recommended. Opal is a porous stone, so there is a chance that ultrasonic waves can cause cracks to the surface. Take care to clean the metal part in the ultrasonic cleaner, and separately clean the opal with gentle processes.
Can I clean vintage engagement rings in the Akua Sonic Cleaner?
The Akua Sonic Ultrasonic Cleaner is great for bringing shine back from vintage pieces. Many older engagement rings are quite detailed with lots of ridges and crevices. Jewelry Cleaners using ultrasound are experts with cleaning these finer details. Add a drop of liquid soap to the piece, then slide it into the ultrasonic cleaner for a cycle.
Take care to make sure the other materials on the vintage engagement ring are also fit to be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner - can withstand water, does not have porous stones and gems are not already cracked or scratched.
Best ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean silver jewelry?
The best ultrasonic cleaner to clean silver jewelry is one that operates at 45,000Hz, is optimized for ease of use, and one that you will want to use often. No pressure, but Akua Sonic Cleaner seems to fit the bill 😉.
Frequency of 45,000Hz is strategic in that it is gentle enough to not damage delicate jewelry, but still thorough enough for a penetrative deep clean. While a machine that is easy to use and makes you want to use it often sounds like banter, it is actually a key feature - as failing to clean regularly is the primary source of tarnish and jewelry degradation.
Is there a sterling silver jewelry cleaner?
There is no particular ultrasonic cleaner made for silver jewelry, just ones made for all jewelry. Be sure to choose one that is on the gentler side - 45,000Hz instead of 40,000Hz or lower. 40,000 Hz produces more aggressive ultrasound waves which can damage jewelry more easily. It’s recommended to use longer cycles with higher hertz, than shorter cycles on a lower hertz to prevent jewelry damage.
Can I clean my glasses in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
Definitely! Whether your glasses are made of metal, plastic or glass, ultrasonic cleaners are the perfect cleaning method. They are already a staple in many optometrists and glasses stores. Do keep a look out for major cracks in glass lenses, as these can sometimes be deepened with ultrasound vibrations.
Can I clean my mouthguard in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
Absolutely. Ultrasonic cleaners aren’t just great for jewelry, but dental tools like mouthguards as well. It’s effective and efficient at lifting saliva, plaque and stains from regular use. To use, just fill the tank with water, add in your mouthguard, and run an ultrasonic cleaning cycle.
Can I clean my invisalign in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Yes, ultrasonic cleaners are great for cleaning invisaligns, thoroughly, frequently, and easily. The process of cavitation in ultrasonic cleaners is extremely good at removing contaminants (like gunk, plaque and stains) from aligners without damaging the item itself. It’s also refreshingly easy and mess-free - just run it for a 5 minute cycle in water!
How to clean makeup brush with an ultrasonic cleaner?
Makeup brushes can be a pain to clean given the brush density and heavy soiling. Ultrasonic cleaners make light work of cleaning thanks to the process of cavitation. It’s thorough, quick, and reaches deep into the bristles. Follow these steps for a thorough clean.
Have more questions? Ask us at hello@akuasonic.com.
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In this post, we’ll cover:
Ultrasonic cleaners clean jewelry through a process of cavitation. High-frequency sound waves made by the device create microscopic bubbles that lift layers of contaminants, such as grime, oils, lotions and germs. It is a cleaning process that is thorough, yet gentle - the type of cleaning method that gets into even the smallest crevices of your jewelry, without the damage harsh chemicals and physical cleaning usually leave scarring.
A regular clean with common methods involving some combination of water, soap, baking soda, toothbrush and cloth is always a good idea. However, these methods are usually meant for basic maintenance, rather than a deep cleanse for jewelry longevity. Sometimes, these methods might even add another layer to trap contaminants rather than remove.
This is where an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner really shines.
It is thorough. Ultrasound produced by the cleaner operates through the cleaning liquid. A fully submerged piece of jewelry will allow the ultrasound cleaning to reach all nooks and crevices of the piece. Unlike many manual and DIY methods where you can easily miss a spot, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are much more holistic and in-depth with its cleaning technique. An added bonus with ultrasonic cleaners for jewelry is their ability to remove even previous layers left by cleaning agents for a fresh, lustrous base.
Reach is not an issue. If you have jewelry with more intricate structure or complex details, there’s only so much a toothbrush and cloth can do for you. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners on the other hand, are unhindered by these irregular details and intricacies. They can clean wherever the cleaning liquid reaches.
[Related] How to use an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner?
Rapid contaminant removal. Most commercial ultrasonic cleaners for private use have cycles running between 1-10 minutes. The Akua Sonic cleaner, for example, runs for just 3 minutes. Including time to fill the machine with water, lather some soap onto the jewelry, run a full cleaning cycle and clean the machine for storage, 5 minutes tops.
Easy and mess free. With an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, it really is as easy as dropping the pieces in the cleaning liquid, and turning the machine on. You could make a cup of coffee, check some emails or meditate while it’s cleaning. At the end of the cycle, just toss the water, give it a rinse and dry, and you’re done! None of that setting up with a toothbrush, cleaning liquid and undivided attention on scrubbing. You don’t even have to think about, let alone clean up the mess made by toothbrush sprays!
Cleaning versatility. Ultrasonic cleaners are versatile in the materials they are able to clean. Beyond common jewelry metals (e.g. gold, silver), hard gems, glass, rubber and ceramics can also be cleaned. Due to its versatility, ultrasonic cleaners are able to clean more than jewelry. In fact, many of its uses lie in medical and dental professions, for its ability to clean multiple items quickly, easily, yet meticulously.
While ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are starting to sound like the ultimate cleaning tool for jewelry lovers, it’s not a one size fits all.
Damaged, restored, porous and non-water resistant jewelry should steer clear of ultrasonic cleaners. These pieces need much more care, and may even need more TLC than a nice toothbrush scrub in warm water.
[Related] Flowchart: Can I clean this jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner?
For 90% of jewelry enthusiasts, getting yourself an ultrasonic cleaner to keep your pieces lasting for longer is a no brainer. No need to wonder anymore about how to clean gold rings at home, or how to clean silver jewelry well. You’ve got your own professional-grade ultrasonic jewelry cleaner at your beck and call. Happy cleaning! ✨
]]>We’ll be going through these questions and more in this guide. Use these links below to skip to sections you’re interested in.
Here’s a quick way to know:
Is your jewelry solid gold (10K, 14K, 18K or 24K)? Is it intact, without scratches or cracks? Does it have non-porous gems? Can it be submerged in liquid (e.g. no glued on designs)?
If you answered “Yes” to all questions, you can use all cleaning methods, from at-home tooth brush with soap, to professional ultrasonic jewelry cleaners and steam cleaners.
If you answered “No” to any question above, you should be more wary of how you clean your jewelry to avoid damage and maintain longevity of the piece.
Check this flowchart to decide the best way to clean jewelry for you:
This classic method is great for quick easy cleaning for most jewelry types. Recommended for frequent cleaning routines and for jewelry with less intricate designs.
Pros: Easy method with no special tools required. Suitable for quick, regular cleaning on most jewelry. Effective way to keep simple everyday jewelry clean without a quarterly deep clean.
Cons: Using fingers, while efficient, is not effective for deep cleans. Fingers are too large to properly clean in between intricate designs and small chain links, where most of the build up happens.
Toothpaste is a surprisingly versatile cleaning tool around the house, whether for defogging mirrors or cleaning the rubber on sneakers. And, you guessed it, works fantastically for express jewelry cleans!
Pros: Incredibly simple using common household items. Great for a quick brightening up when jewelry is looking a little dull, or after they’ve been through some tough environments (where lotions, oils, sweat etc have been involved).
Cons: Bristles, even if soft, can damage jewelry in the long term, or if used with too much pressure. Jewelry with softer stones (like emerald, opal and pearl), or gold plated jewelry with less than 2.5 microns should take care when cleaning with this method.
Ahh, what doesn’t baking soda clean? This method provides the most comprehensive clean of all the Home DIY jewelry cleaning methods with just a few more household items added to the arsenal.
Pros: Easy deeper jewelry cleaning method with readily available household items. Great way to clean even gold pieces with intricate design.
Cons: With this method, you should not clean gold jewelry with soft porous stones (like pearls, opals and emeralds) as the combination of baking soda and vinegar could damage them.
The next level up from DIY jewelry cleaning at home involves the use of professional jewelers’ equipment, packaged in a compact, modern form: the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
Ultrasonic cleaners have long been used in industries where cleanliness is of the utmost importance, like medical and dental practices. In the jewelry world, they are the perfect cleaning companions to reach into the most intricate of designs while not foregoing the ability to deep clean.
Pros: Very thorough and effective cleaning method that is both quick (some in 3 minutes!) and requires little to no manual effort. You can even clean multiple items of jewelry at once as long as it can all be submerged in the water tank.
Cons: As with many other cleaning methods, it’s not recommended to clean gold jewelry with soft porous stones (like pearls, opals and emeralds). You should also take care when cleaning gold plated jewelry, especially if the thickness of gold is less than 2.5 microns. Check out this flowchart to determine what cleaning method to use for your jewelry.
At the professional level, more advanced and commercial tools come into play. With larger, more specialized equipment and professional knowledge, jewelers’ are able to reverse even more of the damage that comes from not taking care of jewelry correctly.
Pros: You’re able to get professional help determining the best method to clean your jewelry and get it cleaned with specialized commercial equipment. Used well, this method should restore your jewelry’s shine and luster more than others.
Cons: Professional jewelry cleaning sessions can come at a hefty cost. Research should also be conducted to determine the jewelers’ capability and reliability. Compared to other cleaning methods above, you have to go out of your way physically to search for a trusted jeweler.
Keeping gold jewelry shining is more about taking care of it regularly rather than intensely once in a blue moon. Things like wiping jewelry off with a cloth after a sweaty day, or a quick monthly reset clean with an ultrasonic cleaner will better maintain its longevity in the long run.
[Related] A Starter Guide to Using Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners
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So, just how do you clean jewelry without damage and (for us lazy ones) without too much work?
Let me introduce you to the world of ultrasonic jewelry cleaning.
Ultrasonic cleaning is a specialized method of cleaning typically used in industries where cleanliness is of the utmost importance, like in medical or dental practices. Its main advantages lie with its thoroughness and ability to get into even the smallest of spaces.
In a jewelry context, they work by producing millions of microscopic bubbles that dislodge contaminants which are harmful to your jewelry, like sweat, oils and lotions. In a process called cavitation, these ultrasonic nano bubbles "lift" contaminants that normal cleaning methods simply cannot reach or clean.
As you can imagine, this becomes particularly useful when you have intricate jewelry pieces (think thin necklace chains) or hard to reach designs (think inside the claws of a diamond ring).
This brings us to another advantage with ultrasonic cleaning - all you need is water and mild soap to clean your jewelry! No chemicals, no harsh scrubbing and no clean up necessary.
Mind. Blown.
And, it’s a simple 3 steps to using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner:
A quick tip from personal cleaning experience - try to get soap into the more intricate areas. That’s where the most build up occurs. The soap will help loosen the contaminants, making it easier for ultrasonic cleaners to lift it from your jewelry. Dabbing is usually a good technique.
You can clean most pieces of jewelry made with hard, non-absorbent materials.
As long as it:
You can find a more detailed list for what you can clean in an ultrasonic cleaner here. Bonus: it’s not just jewelry!
You might be asking: What’s the best ultrasonic jewelry cleaner? Or, Which is the best ultrasonic cleaner for my jewelry? The answer simply is one that you will use often.
There’s nothing more damaging to jewelry than leaving contaminants that wear away at your jewelry over time.
For me, one that I’ll use often means:
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners make the process of cleaning jewelry thorough, yet effortless (some within 3 minutes!). They provide a gentle way of cleaning through ultrasonic soundwaves without need for harsh chemical cleaners or manual scrubbing.
It’s a go-to solution for many jewelers and jewelry cleaning professionals, and should definitely be in your at-home cleaning arsenal too!
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