Have some old jewellery that needs a bit of TLC? By using an ultrasonic cleaner, you can create clean jewellery pieces in minutes, perfect for giving a bit of shine to some old favourites. But how do ultrasonic cleaners work? Find out everything you need to know about how ultrasonic cleaning works, and how to use ultrasonic cleaners for jewellery from our step-by-step video tutorial.
What is an Ultrasonic cleaner?
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An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that is used to clean items, such as jewelry. Using ultrasound waves and chemicals, this jewelry cleaning machine can remove foreign particles such as dirt, oil and tarnish, as well as polishing compounds such as Tripoli and rouge from delicate jewelry pieces. High-frequency waves, usually from 20-400 kHz, are sent to pull the unwanted particles off your jewelry, leaving everything from bracelets to gold pendants spick and span and rid of all contaminants.
We use this process for jewelry cleaning as the ultrasound properties create bubbles, which are induced by high-frequency pressure waves. These bubbles cling to particles and then agitate the liquid, producing high forces which then remove any unwanted substrates from the jewelry. The ultrasonic cleaner focuses on the parts of your jewelry that are otherwise unreachable when coming to cleaning manually.
How Does An Ultrasonic Jewellery Cleaner Work?
11th September 2017 by Cooksongold
Have some old jewellery that needs a bit of TLC? By using an ultrasonic cleaner, you can create clean jewellery pieces in minutes, perfect for giving a bit of shine to some old favourites. But how do ultrasonic cleaners work? Find out everything you need to know about how ultrasonic cleaning works, and how to use ultrasonic cleaners for jewellery from our step-by-step video tutorial.
What is an Ultrasonic cleaner?
An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that is used to clean items, such as jewellery. Using ultrasound waves and chemicals, this jewellery cleaning machine can remove foreign particles such as dirt, oil and tarnish, as well as polishing compounds such as Tripoli and rouge from delicate jewellery pieces. High-frequency waves, usually from 20-400 kHz, are sent to pull the unwanted particles off your jewellery, leaving everything from bracelets to gold pendants spick and span and rid of all contaminants.
We use this process for jewellery cleaning as the ultrasound properties create bubbles, which are induced by high-frequency pressure waves. These bubbles cling to particles and then agitate the liquid, producing high forces which then remove any unwanted substrates from the jewellery. The ultrasonic cleaner focuses on the parts of your jewellery that are otherwise unreachable when coming to cleaning manually.
Using an Ultrasonic cleaner for jewellery cleaning
Perhaps you want to try using an ultrasonic cleaner for yourself? With our simple step-by-step guide and how-to video, learn the basics of how to use an ultrasonic cleaner to create sparkling jewellery rid from all dirt and unwanted particles.
What you’ll need for using an ultrasonic cleaner
- Elma Ultrasonic
- Elma Ultrasonic Basket
- Elma Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution
- Gloves
- Water
- Jewellery to be cleaned
- Measuring jug
How to use an ultrasonic cleaner
Step 1. Put on your protective gloves to protect your hands from chemicals. Mix water and ultrasonic cleaning solution into your Elma ultrasonic jewellery cleaner.
Step 2. Using your Elma electronics manual, set your desired time and temperature for jewellery cleaning. The amount of time you leave your jewellery in depends on how dirty the item is – this can vary between 1 – 20 minutes.
Step 3. As per your instruction manual, de-gas your ultrasonic cleaning machine to clear the air bubbles before you begin cleaning your jewellery.
Step 4. Place your dirty jewellery pieces in the ultrasonic jewellery cleaner metal basket, ensuring it is spaced out so all charms and findings are on display. Be careful to ensure that your jewellery does not touch the base of your ultrasonic jewellery cleaner.
Step 5. Let the jewellery soak in the ultrasonic jewellery cleaner until the timer goes off. Then, rinse your metal basket with jewellery inside in cold water, still wearing your protective gloves.
Step 6. Remove your jewelry from the basket, step back and admire the difference in cleanliness before and after your jewelry cleaning.
Note: Not all jewellery should be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasound may damage softer gemstones, such as opals, emeralds and turquoise – also gemstones whose colour has been enhanced through heat treatment should not be used in an ultrasonic cleaner, as the ultrasound waves can dim the brightness of their colours.
Now you understand how to use an ultrasonic cleaner, why not shop for your own? Browse our wide selection of jewellery cleaning products online today. Alternatively, learn how to get the most out of your jewelry making through our equipment and technique focus hub.