Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner: a Guide, a How To and Best Practices.

An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a specialized machine that uses ultrasound to dislodge tarnish-inducing contaminants from the surface of jewelry. These cleaners are especially valued for their ability to deeply and non-abrasively clean intricate and delicate pieces that many other methods struggle to reach.

While commonly used by jewelry makers and jewelry creators, ultrasonic cleaners are also widely adopted in many other professional fields where cleanliness is of the utmost importance - such as for use on medical and dental tools.

what is an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
how does ultrasonic cleaning work?
how does using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner compare with other jewelry cleaning methods?
what types of jewelry can I clean?
what types of jewelry should I not clean?
how to choose the best ultrasonic cleaner for me?
can my specific jewelry be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner?
how do you use an ultrasonic cleaner?
what risks are there to using an ultrasonic cleaner?

just what is an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?

An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a specialized machine that uses ultrasound to dislodge tarnish-inducing contaminants from the surface of jewelry. These cleaners are especially valued for their ability to deeply and non-abrasively clean intricate and delicate pieces that many other methods struggle to reach.

While commonly used by jewelry makers and jewelry creators, ultrasonic cleaners are also widely adopted in many other professional fields where cleanliness is of the utmost importance - such as for use on medical and dental tools.

how does ultrasonic cleaning work?

Ultrasound waves produce millions of nano bubbles that separate and lift surface contaminants from jewelry. In this process of cavitation, the bubbles reach deep into every crevice the medium (e.g. water) encompasses, and make fast work of cleaning soiled jewelry.

Since these bubbles are so minute (as tiny as red blood cells!), they are incredibly effective at cleaning jewelry pieces gently without damage. At Akua Sonic, we recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner with a frequency of 45,000Hz for use on jewelry pieces. At this frequency, the clean is gentle on metals and gemstones, but still tough on contaminants. Any higher or any lower, and the clean will not be as effective or as gentle respectively.

Common types of contaminants ultrasonic cleaning is particularly effective for include:

Accumulated dirt and grime
Body oils and sweat
Cosmetic oils, lotions and sunscreens
Polishing compounds
Bacteria and mold
Soap scum and shampoo residue
Food particles
Mineral deposits (e.g. hard water)

how does using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner compare with other jewelry cleaning methods?

There are numerous ways to clean jewelry, from more DIY versions with a toothbrush and baking powder, to more advanced methods like ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.

The best method to clean your particular piece of jewelry is largely dependent on what materials the piece is made of. Some questions to consider are:

Is your jewelry solid metal? Or is it plated, vermeil or rolled gold?
Does it have gemstones that are porous?
Can it be submerged in liquid?

Here are a few comparisons of jewelry cleaning methods vs. various pieces of jewelry with different materials and features.

Solid gold diamond engagement ring
Silver Pandora bracelet with silver charms
Gold vermeil bangles
Silver onyx signet ring
Pearl earrings
Necklace with aquamarine gemstone that has been heat treated

1. Solid gold diamond engagement ring

jewelry cleaning methods compared solid gold engagement ring ultrasonic cleaner jewelry lover must have fashionista

2. Silver Pandora bracelet with silver charms

jewelry cleaning methods compared solid silver Pandora bracelet with silver charms jewelry lover must have fashionista

3. Simple gold vermeil bangles

jewelry cleaning methods compared simple gold vermeil bangles ultrasonic cleaner jewelry lover must have fashionista

4. Silver onyx signet ring

jewelry cleaning methods compared silver onyx signet ring ultrasonic cleaner jewelry lover must have fashionista

5. Pearl earrings

jewelry cleaning methods compared pearl earrings ultrasonic cleaner jewelry lover must have fashionista

6. Gold necklace with glass-filled ruby gemstone

jewelry cleaning methods compared gold necklace with glass-filled ruby gemstone ultrasonic cleaner jewelry lover must have fashionista

what types of jewelry can I clean?

There are so many types of jewelry that ultrasonic cleaners can clean, that it would be easier to list the things it can’t.

In general, if a piece of jewelry fits the following criterias, it is safe to use in the ultrasonic cleaner

It can be submerged in water
It does not contain organic or porous gemstones
It does not contain gemstones that have been filled, cracked or color-treated

Here are some types of jewelry you can clean in an ultrasonic cleaner:

Metals: solid gold, gold filled, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, silver, platinum, brass, bronze, stainless steel
Hard natural gemstones: diamond, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, citrine, cubic zirconia, garnet
Ceramics
Glass
Plastics

For more, check this what can you clean list.

what types of jewelry should I not clean?

There are three main categories of jewelry that should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner:

items that can be damaged with water
items that are organic and porous, and
items that have gems or glass that has cracks, color-treatment or fillings

Most hard, non-porous materials (metals, ceramics, plastic etc.) can still be cleaned even if damaged. See a list of items you shouldn’t clean in ultrasonic cleaners.

how to choose the best ultrasonic cleaner for me?

The best ultrasonic cleaner is one that will clean your jewelry thoroughly without damage and importantly, one that you will use often.

Here are some specs you should look out for:

Frequency should be 45,000 Hz for cleaning jewelry
Large enough tank to fit your pieces with ample room
Good construction for years of use
Easy set up/ stow away for frequent usage

Before choosing an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, please ensure your jewelry is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.

can my specific jewelry be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner?

When considering using ultrasonic cleaners for use on your jewelry, you should answer these key questions:

Is your jewelry made of solid gold (10K, 14K, 18K or 24K)?
Does it have non-porous gems?
Are the gemstones without cracks, color-treatment or fillings?
Can the piece be submerged in liquid (e.g. no glued on designs)?

Follow this flowchart for your specific jewelry to check whether it can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner:

what is the best way to clean my jewelry ultrasonic jewelry cleaner akua sonic gold jewelry investment pieces

how do you use an ultrasonic cleaner?

In general, these are the steps to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner:

Check that your jewelry materials are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning
Add water to the ultrasonic cleaning tank
Dab some gentle cleaning solution to your jewelry (optional)
Slide ring into the ultrasonic cleaner
Start cleaning cycle
Repeat steps 3-5 if needed
After cycle, dry off with soft cloth
Polish if needed

For a more detailed step-by-step, check our User Guide.

what risks are there to using an ultrasonic cleaner?

Some risks you should be aware of when using ultrasonic cleaners include:

Cracks in your organic, porous stones. These are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
Cracks or changes in color in filled, color-treated or damaged gemstones. Please make sure your gemstones are suitable.
Loose stones may be displaced from their setting. Ultrasonic cleaners provide gentle deep cleaning, and will very rarely dislodge a stone from their setting. This typically only happens if the setting is already loose.
Not suitable for use by someone with a pacemaker.