An ultrasonic cleaner is one of the best and ideal methods for cleaning and restoring the delicate items, which makes jewelry a perfect candidate for this methodology. Day to day dirt, oily residues, and even jewelers rouge can be removed from the tiny vent and hidden passageways of these items. This method of cleaning is perfect because the equipment can be adjusted to the proper ratio and frequency required to clean but not damage items.
Table of Contents
How an ultrasonic cleaner works to clean jewelry
Special solvents designed for cleaning jewelry can be utilized and can be obtained by using water and an environment-friendly low pH cleaning agent. Low pH or excessively high pH chemicals should be avoided. These highly reactive chemicals, in combination with heat and ultrasonic activity, can significantly cause damage to delicate pieces.
In the process of cleaning, items are submerged in the cleaning solvent. The intensity of the cleaner as well as the heat of the solution should be highly adjusted to successfully engage the application. Ultrasonic cleaners work quickly to completely remove dirt and some other contamination via a cavitation process.
Jewelry is cleaned in the same way as some other items. Items are submerged into a gentle solvent, and the cleaning process sends ultrasonic via the solution, which creates bubbles that clear away all dirt and grime clinging to the jewelry surface. In most cases, a short two to three-minute cleaning is all that is required for the optimum results.
Benefits of cleaning jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner
- The process reaches parts of the jewelry that are extremely difficult to clean with the traditional cleaning methods.
- The jewelry gets completely clean, leaving it looking like a brand new.
- No need to disassemble the jewelry.
- Multiple pieces can be cleaned at once, saving time and money; follow the manufacturer recommendations for the maximum pieces in your ultrasonic cleaner.
- Humble and gentle cleaning does not damage delicate pieces and allows for cleaning as often as necessary.
- Steps to cleaning jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner
- Firstly, you need to fill the chamber with the cleaning solvent.
- Note that water must be hot. Moreover, you would use an ultrasonic cleaner with a heater.
- Run a pre-cleaning cycle
- Submerge jewelry into cleaning solvent
- Run the cleaning cycle
- After the entire cycle is complete, remove the items from the parts basket and rinse the solution from the items.
- After rinsing, brush the pieces with a soft-bristled brush. Paying special attention to brushing around the crowns and claws that hold the gemstones or diamonds in place.
- Complete with a final rinse. Place the jewelry in water only and dry with a soft cloth once the rinse cycle is complete.
What all types of jewelry should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner?
As most of the jewelry benefit from ultrasonic cleaning, some types of gemstones can become damaged in the process. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner for softer gemstones such as lapis, opals, emeralds, turquoise, and lazuli. Organic jewelry such as coral pieces, pearls, and amber may also risk damage. You will also want to avoid ultrasonic cleaning for gemstones whose color has been enhanced through the heat treatment.
How often and long you should use an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner?
How often you should use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner will, of course, depend on how quickly your jewelry gets dirty. Many different factors can affect this, including how often you wear your jewelry and how you store it. For most people, it is recommended to use an ultrasonic cleaner every one or two weeks. If you wear a particular piece such every day, such as a wedding or engagement ring, you may want to clean it more often. Cleaning your jewelry as much time you want should not be an issue as long as it is made from materials safe for cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner.
FAQ
Q1: Can you clean diamonds in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Ans: As diamonds are very durable stones, sometimes, it may be risky to clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds that have major inclusions are at risk of damage since the ultrasound vibrations can make these internal flaws worse.
Q2: What gemstones can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Ans: Ultrasonic cleaning is a great way to care for precious metals such as diamonds, gold and platinum, and many other untreated gemstones. A bath of hot water with steaming or ammonia is also a great way to clean harder gems, which includes the rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and alexandrite.
Q3: Are ultrasonic jewelry cleaners worth it?
Ans: While ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are effective and convenient ways to get your jewelry to sparkle again, it does not work on all types of jewelry items. Remember that not all jewelry is created equal.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Baguette Diamonds
