Sonic cleaner pro-tip

[2aBaC̶a̶]

For those that dont know. Fill the tub with plain water. Place your part to be cleaned in a plastic bag with the desired solution.

Now you don't need a whole tank full of solution and contains the mess in a bag.

Edit to add: Keep in mind not all plastic bags can handle any chemical so test it first.

 

[elwarpo]

Awesome, never thought of that.

 

[Threadcutter308]

For those that dont know. Fill the tub with plain water. Place your part to be cleaned in a plastic bag with the desired solution.

Now you don't need a whole tank full of solution and contains the mess in a bag.

View attachment 7819036

This Saves on cleaning solution

And, I have been told that using distilled water in the tank prevents mineral buildup on the transducer and extends the life of the machine.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

This Saves on cleaning solution

And, I have been told that using distilled water in the tank prevents mineral buildup on the transducer and extends the life of the machine.

Plus it allows me to use small amounts of chemicals one would not normally use in a more controlled manner. Like acids and flammable liquids.

 

[TimK]

Super smart idea. I clean my .22 cans in CLR in the ultrasonic. Works amazingly quickly and well. I hated using so much CLR, though. Thanks for sharing!

 

[BullzeyeNJ]

Thats a great tip indeed. You can also use a glass jar with or w/o a lid on it on the same principle. US waves go right through it.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Thats a great tip indeed. You can also use a glass jar with or w/o a lid on it on the same principle. US waves go right through it.

I'll have to try that. It would make it easy to save the cleaner for more than one use.

 

[Center Mass]

Damn genius! But what about heated cleaners? When I take my parts out I can barely hold them they are so hot....

CM

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Damn genius! But what about heated cleaners? When I take my parts out I can barely hold them they are so hot....

CM

I dunno, mine is a cheap harbor freight and doesn't get crazy hot. I'm sure there is some food type bags that can stay in high temperature.

 

[Carlos Danger]

I tried this but the plastic bags kept plugging up the drain.

 

[gigamortis]

I use 500ml pyrex beakers to clean my rifle brass in my ultrasonic cleaner. I can stand 40 pieces of 6.5 or .308 brass primer pockets up in the beaker and they hold each other up for the whole cleaning time. Saves a lot of solution for sure. I fill my tank up with water and just use my brass concentrate in the beakers.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

Damn genius! But what about heated cleaners? When I take my parts out I can barely hold them they are so hot....

CM

Mason jars can take the heat

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Damn genius! But what about heated cleaners? When I take my parts out I can barely hold them they are so hot....

CM

Turns out mine goes up to 120°F. It's too hot to put your hand in. Not enough to melt a plastic bag.

 

[Center Mass]

Turns out mine goes up to 120°F. It's too hot to put your hand in. Not enough to melt a plastic bag.

That's probably about what mine goes up to. Good to know thanks!!

CM

 

[6.5SH]

Damn genius! But what about heated cleaners? When I take my parts out I can barely hold them they are so hot....

CM

FoodSaver bags or anything made to use in a Sous vide bath would take the heat. As stated above mason jars for small parts is another.

 

[Center Mass]

I drop whole AR10 bolt carriers In mine so a mason jar wouldn't be ideal. Great idea for small parts for sure tho!

CM

 

[Tortuga]

Yup, Glass jars and zip locs were a game changer for me. I got schooled on all things ultrasonic by Steve's Small Engine.

Update: Ultimate Tips for Ultrasonic Cleaning