At Omegasonics, we know that there are many different types of ultrasonic cleaner solution. Not all contaminants are removed by all detergents. The type of part you are cleaning also affects your choice of ultrasonic cleaner solution. You would not want to damage what you are cleaning by choosing the wrong solvent.

There is an important balance between removing the contaminants and protecting the part. Here are four main categories of solutions, and their major uses:

 

Alkaline Solutions

Alkaline solutions are a great general purpose ultrasonic cleaner solution. Their primary uses are for removing oil, grease, and carbon deposits.  They are also good for removing dirt and dust.

Acidic Solutions

Acidic solutions are a great choice for removing scale, oxidation, and tarnish. They are not recommended for the removal of oil, grease, and cutting fluids.

A special category of acidic solutions is citrus-based cleaners. Citrus-based cleaners are a good general purpose cleaner, but are special because of their use in the passivation of steel and titanium. (Passivation is the process of removing free iron molecules to create a rust-resistant surface). These cleaners are used regularly in aerospace, medical, and food processing applications.

Enzymatic Detergents

Enzymatic detergents are used to remove protein-based contaminants such as blood, excrement, tissues, mold,mildew, and bacteria. Since they do not leave any residue behind, they are also prevalent in medical/dental and food-grade uses.

Deionized Water

Deionized water is not an ultrasonic cleaner solution in the same sense as these other categories, but it is very useful in removing surface contaminants, finger oils, and mineral deposits from parts that can be exposed to water.

We would appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions about specific cleaning needs.  Please visit Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution page, or call us at 1-800-669-8227 so we can help you make the right choice.