One of the most satisfying cleaning trends to date, ultrasonic cleaners have been making (sound) waves on TikTok in recent months. Users are purchasing value-for-money, small-capacity tanks and experimenting with deep cleaning everything from jewellery and spectacles to makeup brushes and sponges.
What are ultrasonic cleaners and how do they work?
According to the Ultrasonic Power Corporation, ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves which are produced by an ultrasonic transducer to clean a wide range of items and materials. Most commercially available options operate at a frequency between 20kHz and 400kHz.
The sound waves create what are known as ‘cavitation bubbles’ in a cleaning solution. When the cavitation bubbles ‘pop’ in quick succession, they remove dirt and debris from even the smallest crevices. The high-frequency waves also help to loosen grime from hard-to-reach places while the cavitation bubbles provide what is akin to a scrubbing action.
Does it matter what liquid you use for ultrasonic cleaning?
The cleaning solution that you use for your ultrasonic device largely depends on what you’re cleaning. For common household items and jewellery, most ultrasonic cleaners work brilliantly with a tank of deionized water and a small amount of cleaning solution - usually ammonia, washing-up liquid or a solution provided by the manufacturer.
If you’re cleaning greasy bike chains and motor parts, you’ll likely need to invest in a caustic detergent with a high pH. Caustic detergents contain corrosive hydroxides which should certainly be used with care but are great for removing rust, grease and other hard-to-remove substances. Caustic cleaners can damage some materials and metals, so always triple-check before using.
Is there anything that you shouldn’t put in an ultrasonic cleaner?
First and foremost, you should never use flammable substances with your ultrasonic cleaner. You should always use diluted, water-based cleaning solutions.
You also shouldn’t put delicate, soft substances which are malleable and likely to change shape under pressure in an ultrasonic cleaner. This includes stones such as emerald, onyx, opal, lapis lazuli, topaz, malachite, mother of pearl and more. Avoid substances which have small components which might be shaken loose during cleaning, such as engagement rings, as well as items with embedded electronics.
We’ve rounded up the best ultrasonic cleaners on the market. Keep scrolling for a high-frequency clean.
Best ultrasonic cleaners at a glance:
- Best overall: Town Talk Sonic Jewellery Cleaning Kit - £29.99, Argos
- Best for speedy cool-down: LifeBasis Ultrasonic Cleaner - £45.99, Amazon
- Best for portability: Hanience Ultrasonic Cleaner - £45.99, Amazon
- Best for small businesses: CREWORKS 2L Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner with Heater and Timer - £75.99, Amazon
- Best for oral care: Sonic Spa Pro with Steribrite Ultrasonic & UV-C Cleaner for Dental Appliances - £79, Amazon
- Best for small accessories: Pelcas Ultrasonic Jewellery Cleaner 750ML - £49.99, Amazon
- Best for everyday use: Plamvell 750ml Capacity Ultrasonic Cleaner - £39, Amazon
Town Talk Sonic Jewellery Cleaning Kit
Best overall:
Don’t be fooled by the bargain price tag, this jewellery cleaner delivers a mighty professional-grade clean. Capable of bringing new life to old coins, small metal items, gold, diamonds and other precious gemstones, the Town Talk Sonic Jewellery Cleaning Kit comes with one ultrasonic cleaning device and a sonic cleaning solution. Simply dilute 10ml of the solution with 70ml of water and enjoy jewellery so shiny you’d think it was brand new.
Buy now £29.99, Argos
LifeBasis Ultrasonic Cleaner
Best for: speedy cool-down
Designed to help revitalise everything from waterproof watches, glasses, jewellery, shaver heads and even dentures, this powerful ultrasonic cleaner operates at 42kHz. With five different timer settings depending on just how intense of a clean your jewellery needs, this machine is also equipped with an automatic cooling function which not only makes handling the jewellery post-clean a breeze, but helps to expand the lifespan of the machine itself.
Buy now £45.99, Amazon
Hanience Ultrasonic Cleaner
Best for: portability
Measuring just 18x9x10cm, this highly portable option from Hanience nevertheless functions at a whopping 45kHz. Small and mighty, the surprisingly quiet machine operates in one-minute cycles and can be left running for up to 10 minutes at a time. Crafted from stainless steel, it is also corrosion and heat-resistant to ensure longevity.
Buy now £45.99, Amazon
CREWORKS 2L Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner with Heater and Timer
Best for: small businesses
Equipped with 60W power, a 100W heater as well as a handy digital control panel, this hefty ultrasonic cleaner is perfect for small businesses and those looking to deep clean larger objects. Enjoy the benefits of powerful cavitation thanks to the 40kHz ultrasonic frequency and watch as your highly used household items undergo a deep clean in minutes. It’s available in either one-litre or two-litre models and comes with a built-in stainless steel tank and basket.
Buy now £75.99, Amazon
Sonic Spa Pro with Steribrite Ultrasonic & UV-C Cleaner for Dental Appliances
Best for: oral care
Designed specifically for retainers and dentures, the Sonic Spa Pro by Sonic Dental. Powered by 43kHz frequency and UV-C light which kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria, it’s capable of cleaning and sterilising your dental accessories in just three minutes. The Sonic Spa also has a five-minute deep cleaning mode for removing adhered dirt and grime. It has a 165ml stainless steel tank which is perfect for toothbrush heads, retainers, mouth guards and more.
Buy now £79.00, Amazon
Pelcas Ultrasonic Jewellery Cleaner 750ML
Best for: small accessories
We’re big fans of the fact that this ultrasonic cleaner comes with a detachable tub which has a carry handle for easy transportation to and from the sink. The easy-to-navigate LED display allows users to toggle between three power modes and five different time cycles. It has a frequency of 42kHz and a continuous run time of up to 10 minutes.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Plamvell 750ml Capacity Ultrasonic Cleaner
Best for: everyday use
Operating at an impressive 48kHz with powerful cavitation, this 750ml device has five cleaning modes with varying time settings depending on how deep of a clean your item needs. It also comes with a handy 30ml bottle of ultrasonic cleaning solution which is gentle and effective when it comes to cleaning jewellery, watches, makeup brushes, sunglasses and spectacles. We recommend opting for a dedicated dental accessory cleaner if that will likely be your primary use for the device.
Buy now £39.00, Amazon
