image of an open book with the letters FAQ overlaid. Best Ultrasonic Cleaners faq page

Best Ultrasonic Cleaners FAQ's

 

If you have a question regarding ultrasonic cleaners, hopefully you will find the answer below in our FAQ section (frequently asked questions). If not, please feel free to CONTACT US HERE.



Q. Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. 2 years for Best Ultrasonic brand. All other products / brands have 1 year.  If your machine needs attention, contact us HERE.

Q. What is 'Degassing' and do I need it?
 
Degassing removes any gases present in the cleaning fluid. You only need to do this once, after each time you fill the tank. Our digital ultrasonic cleaners have a degassing function built-in. The degassing function is more relevant on large machines (10 Ltr and above) where there is a large volume of water

Q. Do you keep spare parts?

Yes. We keep most spares such as heater pads, transducers, circuit boards, drain valves, switches etc.

Q. Is ultrasonic cleaning aggressive or abrasive?

No. An ultrasonic cleaner is not a replacement for a wire brush or emery cloth. It is quite a gentle process but very effective.

Q. How do I know what size tank to buy?

Simple. Measure what you want to clean and then look for a machine where the basket is big enough to hold your item. TIP: Measure twice - purchase once.

Q. If my item sticks out of the top of the fluid, can I turn it over?

Yes. Run the machine for a cycle then turn it through 180 degrees and repeat.

Q. How do I get the best results out of my ultrasonic cleaner?

Q. Do I need to buy de-mineralised water?

The chemical and machine manufacturers say yes. However, most customers use tap water. In very hard water areas, calcium carbonate and other impurities in tap water might reduce the cleaning properties of the solution

Q. How does an ultrasonic cleaner work?

Follow THIS LINK for more information
 
Q. Can I use any solvents or other cleaning liquids in my ultrasonic tank?

Liquids and chemicals not specifically designed for use with ultrasonic cleaners may cause a health hazard if subjected to heat and ultrasonic agitation, as well as potentially damaging the tank. In extreme cases, some cleaning solvents can spontaneously combust. Always check with your chemical supplier.

dental instruments including a dentist drill                   dentures soaking in a glass                  mens watch with droplets of water   

 
Q. What cleaning solution or fluid should I use?
 
We sell a wide range of cleaning fluids suitable for most applications. Always check that the fluid you are using is suitable for the component you are cleaning. The chemical composition of each solution is stated on it's data sheet. CLEANING FLUIDS 
 
Q. What ratio of water to cleaning fluid should I use? 

Fluids purchased from us have the mixing ratio displayed on the label. Normally this mix is around 10:1 - click here for a guide on how to mix our cleaning fluids.
 
Q. Can I put my hand in the tank while the unit is running?
 
Avoid putting hands in the fluid when the ultrasonic is in working. Not only do most cleaning solutions contain chemicals likely to cause skin irritation, but the action of ultrasonic energy in water can be harmful to human tissue. And the fluid will be hot.

Q. Do I need to use a basket in my cleaner?
 
Ideally yes. Placing items directly in the tank causes them to come into contact with the transducers which are attached at the bottom of the unit. This will disrupt the ultrasonic generation and if the items are heavy can actually damage the electronics. Although using a basket will reduce the effectiveness of the ultrasonic action slightly, this is not normally significant. An alternative method, particularly for large items is to suspend them in the fluid using a cross-bar and wires to dangle them in the liquid.
 
Q. Is it important to use my tank at the correct temperature?
 
Heating the tank will give better results to cleaning and also speed up the process - most solutions will need to be heated to perform efficiently. The optimum temperature setting for the unit should be indicated on the solution packaging.
 

woman having a tattoo applied on the small of her back                  carburettor off a car after cleanimg                        shiny brass rifle cases and brass bullets after  cleaning

 
Q. How often should I change the cleaning fluid?
 
The cleaning fluid can be used many times, but change whenever it becomes visibly too contaminated, or when the cleaning process is not as effective. If you can't see the bottom of the tank, it's probably time to change the fluid.

Q. Can I leave fluid in the tank until the next time I use it?

Yes, but if it's going to be several days or weeks before the ultrasonic cleaner will to be used again, you might want to consider pouring the fluid into a plastic bottle. This will help prevent the inside of the tank having a "tide mark" around the inside.

Q. Can I put Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Erm...NO. See CLICK HERE for more detail.
 
Q. What is the cycle time of my ultrasonic cleaner?
 
Cycles should last about 20 minutes depending on how contaminated the components are. Most things clean within 20 - 30 minutes, but some customers leave items in an ultrasonic tank for up to an hour.

Q. What is the 'foil test'?
 
If you feel cavitation (the creation of bubbles) is not occurring properly you should perform the 'foil test':

Set your tank to its correct operating temperature and add any solution and degas the fluid.
Suspend a piece of baking foil in the tank and switch on the ultrasonic power. After around 1 minute, inspect the foil. If the cleaner is operating correctly the foil should be perforated and wrinkled.
 
Q. Can I half fill my tank?
 
Yes. Half filling the tank with fluid is acceptable for small cycles, but you must ensure the heating element is not switched on. Normally, you would consider two thirds to be a minimum fill.
 
Q. Do l need the lid on the tank whilst cleaning?
 
No, but having the lid in place prevents any gases from the cleaning solution produced by the heating and ultrasonic process from escaping. Also, it stops evaporation helping keep heat from escaping, reducing running costs.

Q. What is the difference between a digital ultrasonic cleaner and the dial version?

A. More info here>>>>>
 
Q. Can I clean heavy or dense items?
 
Heavy or dense items can be cleaned but they should not be placed on the bottom of the tank as this could damage the transducers. Instead they should be suspended in the bath by other means such a wire.
 
Q. When the cleaning cycle is finished do my items need rinsing?
 
Yes. Rinsing removes the residues of the cleaning fluid and any dirt or contaminants which may have been worked loose by the cleaning. Parts rinsed in de-ionised water will dry clear of water spots. If you live in a soft water area, tap water should be OK. 
 
Q. Small parts will fall through the mesh of the basket - how do I clean them?
 
All Best Ultrasonic branded tanks come with a free fine mesh stainless steel holder.

fine mesh steel basket for ultrasonic cleaners

If the objects you wish to clean are too small for the basket, place them in the fine mesh steel basket. Or use a glass beaker which is also filled with cleaning solution. Then place the glass beaker in the ultrasonic cleaner itself (filled with water). The ultrasonic vibrations are unaffected by glass so will pass through it and act upon the items inside. Do not place the beaker directly on the bottom of the tank though as this will effect the operation of the ultrasonic transducers that generate the sound waves. Click here to see our blog post on this subject

Q. Will the cleaner damage rubber or plastic seals in my carburettor?

No, provided that the rubber has not already started to perish.

Q. What is the best size machine for a bank of 4 motorcycle carbs?

The best size is a 22 Ltr tank. This will take a bank of four carbs without having to split them.

Q. Do I need to dismantle my carburettor?

Yes. Remove slides and float bowls etc. Ideally remove jets. 

Q. How do I return an item?

Simple. All the info can be found HERE>>>>>

Q. Does the machine come with a UK plug?

Yes. All machines are supplied with a standard UK, 240v, 3 pin plug. Apart from the industrial size tanks which are 3 phase / 415 volts . (INDUSTRIAL SIZE ULTRASONIC CLEANERS). All machines have operating instructions.

Q. How can I pay?

All orders need to be paid for before we dispatch. Card | Paypal | bank transfer | card over the phone. No cheques.

Lots more FAQ's and technical help HERE>>>>


 

Confused about which model you need?

link to a blog page with technical comparisons on all ultrasonic cleaners.