What Solution Do I Use in an Ultrasonic Cleaner? Your Essential Guide to Ultrasonic Cleaning Fluids

You've got an ultrasonic cleaner, but what fluid do you put in it? This is one of the most common questions we hear at Allendale Ultrasonics. While it might seem straightforward, choosing the right solution for your ultrasonic cleaner is crucial for achieving the best cleaning results, protecting your items, and extending the life of your machine.

Using the wrong cleaning liquid can lead to ineffective cleaning, damage to delicate components, or even harm to your ultrasonic cleaner itself. Forget about washing-up liquid or harsh household chemicals – these can foam excessively, leave residues, or even corrode your tank. For optimal performance and safety, always use a specially formulated ultrasonic cleaner fluid.

At Allendale Ultrasonics, we understand that different cleaning tasks require different solutions. That's why we offer a comprehensive range specialist ultrasonic cleaner fluids, designed to tackle everything from general grime to specific contaminants like rust or flux. Let's delve into the best liquid for your needs.

The Golden Rule: Deionised Water and Specialised Concentrates

No matter what you're cleaning, the foundation of effective ultrasonic cleaning starts with deionised water. Why use deionised water in ultrasonic cleaning? Tap water contains minerals and impurities that can leave spots, residues, or even react with your cleaning solution, reducing its effectiveness. Deionised water ensures a clean slate, allowing your specialised fluid to work its magic without interference.

The majority of our ultrasonic cleaning fluids come in a concentrated form, so just add deionised water to make a cleaning solution that’s powerful, safe, and effective. Plus, because you only need a small amount, they’re great value for money too!

Choosing the Right Ultrasonic Cleaning Fluid for Your Needs

To help you decide, consider what you're cleaning and what kind of contaminants you need to remove:

1. For Everyday Cleaning & General Purpose Applications:

Allendale Ultrasonics General Purpose Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

If you're looking for an all-rounder, our General Purpose Ultrasonic Cleaner Solutions are your go-to. They're non-hazardous formulas which are safe for a vast array of materials including metals, plastics, rubber, ceramics, and glass. They excel at removing common contaminants like oils, greases, dust, and dirt.

ULT+ 

  • Ideal for: General, non-corrosive cleaning of metals, plastics, glass and rubber.
  • Key Features: Versatile application, customisable cleaning strength (1 part concentrate to 5-20 parts water), effective at 40-70°C. 
  • Benefits: Gentle yet effective, thorough rinsing, safe on a wide range of materials.

General Purpose pH Neutral:

  • Ideal for: general purpose use, degreasing, removing UV inks.
  • Key Features: 1:5-20 dilution ratio, built-in corrosion inhibitors, biodegradable.
  • Benefits: Can be used at lower temperatures, reducing setup times and saving electricity.

2. For Stubborn Rust & Oxidation:

Allendale Ultrasonics Oxidation and Rust Remover Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

Rust and oxidation can be tough to beat, but our Oxidation and Rust Remover Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution is specifically formulated for the job. It can be effective for the removal or rust and corrosion on various metals including iron, brass, aluminium, and stainless steel.

  • Ideal for: Engine parts, tools, and metals where oxidisation or corrosion has formed due to environmental exposure.
  • Key Features: 1:10 dilution ratio, eco-friendly (biodegradable and phosphate-free).
  • Benefits: Replaces abrasive cleaning methods, removing only the oxidation or corrosion layer, exposing the base material ready for protection or surface treatment.

3. For Engine Components & Carburettors:

Allendale Ultrasonics Carburettor Engine Parts Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

Cleaning engine components requires a specialised approach. Our Carburettor Engine Parts Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution is designed to tackle tough carbon, grease, and dirt without corroding or darkening sensitive metals like brass and aluminium.

  • Ideal for: Carburettors, valves, heat exchangers, and other engine components.
  • Key Features: Non-damaging formula, 1:10 dilution ratio, optimal operating range  around 50 degrees celsius.
  • Benefits: Preserves the integrity of your equipment, ensures optimal performance.

4. For Jewellery & Watches:

Allendale Ultrasonics Jewellery Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

Restore the sparkle to your rings, necklaces, and watch straps with our Jewellery Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution. It safely removes oxidation, fingerprints, grease, and general soiling without harming precious metals or gemstones. 

Please note: Ultrasonic cleaning not suitable for certain gemstones and stone bonding adhesives.

  • Ideal for: Rings, necklaces, watch straps, and various precious jewellery.
  • Key Features: Gentle on precious metals, 1:10 dilution ratio, effective between 20-60 degrees celsius.
  • Benefits: Brings back natural lustre, maintains jewellery's shine.

5. For Sensitive Breathing Apparatus & Life Support Systems:

Allendale Ultrasonics Biox Ultrasonic Cleaner Fluid

When it comes to life-critical equipment, precision and safety are paramount. Biox Ultrasonic Cleaner Fluid is a specialist formulation for cleaning oxygenated breathing apparatus, scuba diving gear, and life support systems. It's non-toxic, non-hazardous, and non-flammable.

  • Ideal for: Breathing apparatus, scuba equipment and life support systems. 

    Also a great descaler commonly used for the cleaning of brass wind instruments.

  • Key Features: Ready-to-use (no dilution needed), approved by Lloyds Register of shipping and NATO codification numbers.

  • Benefits: Safe for painted, chrome, and textile items, as well as various metals.

6. For Crystal Clear Glass & Optics:

Allendale Ultrasonics Glass & Optics Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

Achieve streak-free clarity with our Glass & Optics Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution. It's expertly formulated to safely clean optical lenses and glass without damage, effectively removing fingerprints, waxes, buffing compounds, grease, and general soiling. It even prepares surfaces for coating.

  • Ideal for: Optical lenses, glass, pre-coating cleaning.
  • Key Features: Safe on glass and metal parts, 1:10 dilution ratio, effective between 40-80°C.
  • Benefits: Restores clarity, ensures optimal adhesion for coatings.

7. For Electronics & PCB Reworking:

Allendale Ultrasonics PCB Flux Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

For electronics enthusiasts and professionals, our PCB Flux Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution is a must-have. It safely removes flux from soldering and deposits from water damage, restoring components to their optimal state without damaging sensitive metals like brass, copper, and aluminium.

  • Ideal for: PCB reworking, computer repairs, phone repairs, game console repairs, and other electronic applications.
  • Key Features: Gentle on sensitive metals, 1:10 dilution ratio, effective between 40-80 degrees celsius.
  • Benefits: Can restore functionality of electrical equipment damaged by spillages and corrosion.

8. For Delicate & Sensitive Metals:

Allendale Ultrasonics Sensitive Metals Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

Some metals require extra care. Our Sensitive Metals Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution is a concentrated cleaner and degreaser that effectively removes grease, oil, lubricants, and grime from a variety of metals, including aluminium, copper, zinc, tin, and alloys, without causing damage or darkening.

  • Ideal for: Watchmaking, mechanics, laboratories, and any application involving sensitive metals.
  • Key Features: Safe on all metals, 1:10 dilution ratio.
  • Benefits: Cleans effectively without corroding or darkening delicate surfaces.

9. For Biological Residues & Organic Matter:

Allendale Ultrasonics Rapizyme Enzyme Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

When dealing with protein residues, dried blood, and other organic matter, Rapizyme Enzyme Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution is the answer. This powerful yet gentle formula breaks down contaminants without damaging sensitive instruments.

  • Ideal for: Tattoo artists, vets, dentists, body piercers, laboratories.
  • Key Features: Non-corrosive, biodegradable, tested by The Royal Institute of Public Health, economical (2ml per litre dilution).
  • Benefits: Efficiently cleans biological residues, safe for health and environment.

Important Considerations for All Ultrasonic Cleaning Fluids:

  • Dilution: Always follow the recommended dilution ratio for your chosen concentrate using deionised water.
  • Temperature: Adhere to the optimal temperature range specified for each solution. This ensures maximum cleaning efficiency.
  • Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse items with clean water (preferably deionised) after ultrasonic cleaning to remove any residual cleaning solution.
  • Bath Changes: Regularly change your ultrasonic bath solution. A dirty solution will lose its effectiveness and can re-deposit contaminants onto your cleaned items.
  • Testing: When cleaning a new or delicate material, always test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility, and monitor results for the first few minutes.
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS): For professional users, always consult the Safety Data Sheet for detailed information on handling and safety.

Where to Buy Your Ultrasonic Cleaner Fluid

Now that you know which liquid is right for your ultrasonic cleaner, it's time to get cleaning!

With the right ultrasonic cleaner fluid from Allendale Ultrasonics, you'll achieve unparalleled cleaning results, prolong the life of your valuable items, and ensure your ultrasonic cleaner operates at its best. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to contact our expert team. We've been trusted by professionals and hobbyists since 2003, providing high-quality, reliable cleaning solutions.

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