Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner a Guide a How To and Best Practices Akua Sonic Jewelry Care

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

In this article, we're taking you through the ABCs of using ultrasonic cleaners for jewelry cleaning. Whether you're just starting to take care of your investment jewelry, or a veteran looking for better, more convenient cleaning solutions - we've got you.

Contents

  • 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?

Related

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?

Related: [Decision Tree] The best method to clean your jewelry → 

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

  1. Solid gold diamond engagement ring
  2. Silver Pandora bracelet with silver charms
  3. Gold vermeil bangles
  4. Silver onyx signet ring
  5. Pearl earrings
  6. Necklace with aquamarine gemstone that has been heat treated

1. Solid gold diamond engagement ring

2. Silver Pandora bracelet with silver charms

3. Simple gold vermeil bangles

4. Silver onyx signet ring

5. Pearl earrings

6. Gold necklace with glass-filled ruby gemstone

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

  1. It can be submerged in water
  2. It does not contain organic or porous gemstones
  3. 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, gold vermeil, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, silver, platinum, brass, bronze
  • 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:

  1. Is your jewelry made of solid gold (10K, 14K, 18K or 24K)?
  2. Does it have non-porous gems?
  3. Are the gemstones without cracks, color-treatment or fillings?
  4. 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:

best way to clean my jewelry decision flowchart gold jewelry engagement rings diamond silver platinum wedding ring investment piece akua sonic

how do you use an ultrasonic cleaner?

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

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

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.