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If you have a treasured jewelry collection, you know how important it is to regularly clean your valuables. Not only does this extend the life of your items but it also ensures that they remain sparkling and bright as they were when you first received them.
There are several effective methods for cleaning jewelry, of which possibly the fastest and most effective is using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner can give your items a professional clean, equivalent to a jeweler’s, removing dirt and grime buildup and restoring the shine of your jewelry.
Buying an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner can get complicated as there are many factors to consider, including power, intensity, heating and capacity.
After careful consideration, we have selected the following as our top recommendations for ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.
Best Ultrasonic Cleaners for Jewelry
1- Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner MGUC500
HOW IT STANDS OUT: Best value
This bestselling ultrasonic cleaner is small but packs a punch. It is perfect for home use and gives you the best value for your money. The Magnasonic Professional works on jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, watches, silverware and metal items among others.
The Magnasonic Professional is easy to use and comes with 5 pre-set cleaning cycles. All you have to do is select the cycle you require according to the item that requires cleaning. Operating at 42,000 Hz ultrasonic waves per second, it is powerful yet gentle and safely removes dirt and grime build-up on your jewelry.
It is easy to operate with a digital display and comes with a detailed instruction manual. The product is made of durable plastic and is small, lightweight and compact.
Features:
- Does not require specific cleaning solutions
- Gently cleans jewelry and eyeglasses
- Portable and lightweight
- Good price
- Auto shut off
- Lifetime customer support
- Quiet operation
- Certified frustration-free
2- iSonic Commercial Ultrasonic Cleaner
HOW IT STANDS OUT: Longest timer option
This beautifully designed ultrasonic cleaner comes with a range of features that make cleaning jewelry a breeze. It has an optional heater function which keeps your jewelry at a preset temperature of 140F/60C for the most effective clean.
The machine also comes with a cooling fan and an overheat protector which is very handy if you are using the machine for a long time. With a capacity of 67.6 oz / 2 liters, the iSonic is spacious enough for all jewelry items. It is small and stores away neatly on a counter or in a cupboard. The timer can be set up to 30 minutes, giving you the option to choose how long you want your cleaning cycle to go for.
One of the best things about iSonic is the tank ensures uniform dispersion of the ultrasonic waves, producing an even clean for all items.
The model is durably made. The exterior of the machine is made of plastic while the interior is made of stainless steel.
The digital display is clear and easy to see. The plastic basket that holds your items within is easy to remove and clean after a cycle.
Features:
- Quiet operation
- Overheat protector
- Built-in cooling fan
- Customize length of cycle
- Optional heater function
- High durability
- Commercial and home use
- 5 international safety certifications issued
- Mid-range price
- Extended timer option
3- Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner CD2800
HOW IT STANDS OUT: Lightweight and easily portable
The Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner CD2800 is a sleek good looking little machine that is easily portable and stored. This machine operates with just water to give you excellent results and does not require a cleaning solvent. However, for best results, we recommend using a solvent.
While the unit does not feature a drain, it is very lightweight and the water is easily tipped out. Included in the unit are a plastic basket to hold your items safely.
The unit has two buttons on the lid with an On and Off function. The cycle runs for 3 minutes. When it is over, a blue light turns on to let you know it is done. The lid is clear and is illuminated which allows you to watch your items as the water does its job.
The unit works quietly and is solidly built. The cleaning cycle targets accumulated oils, grease and tarnish. It effectively cleans jewelry, coins, eyeglasses, keys, diamonds, waterproof watches and a range of other household items. It is also suitable for commercial and professional use.
Once you set the cleaning cycle on, a bluish light is emitted, and
If you are looking for a jewelry cleaner that does not require you to dedicate time to rubbing pieces with a cloth or using a messy gel, the Magnasonic® Jewelry Cleaner is a must-have. Each cleaning cycle takes a mere 3 minutes, with the results of the cleaning process left floating in the water. Sure, you have to tip the entire unit over a sink to empty the liquid, but the convenient size of the MJC makes this a relatively easy task.
Throw in the fact that you can store the accessories within the unit, and you have an economic sonic cleaner that can be used for a huge variety of items, including pen nibs, silverware, jewelry, waterproof watches, and more. So sit back and allow the buzz to play as your jewelry will come out clean, shiny, and as beautiful as the day that you bought it!
Features:
- 42,000 energy cycle
- 3 minute fixed cleaning cycle
- Auto shut off feature
- Quiet operation
- 600 ml cleaning tank
4- Famili Ultrasonic Polishing Jewelry Cleaner
HOW IT STANDS OUT: Great value
The Famili is a neat little model that comes at a very good price. It is one of the most affordable models on the market and is a solid product that gives a high quality clean.
The machine generates 42,000 Hz ultrasonic sound waves for effective cleaning. It also has 5 preset cleaning cycles, ranging from 90 seconds to 600 seconds, so you can choose the cycle as required. The unit has a sufficient capacity for home use with 20.3 oz / 600 ml capacity.
As the model has an auto shut off feature, this means that you don’t have to stand by the machine as it cleans. The machine is safe on jewelry, eyeglasses, waterproof watches, CDs, dentures, coins, shaver heads and other similar items.
The interior of the unit is of stainless steel, with a removable plastic basket. You can operate a cleaning cycle with just tap water, but it is recommended to put in some cleaning solution for a greater clean.
One feature that is missing is a heater function. This requires you to manually put in heated water when cleaning. With its transparent cover, you can watch first-hand as your items are cleaned by the millions of microscopic bubbles.
Features:
- 42000 Hz ultrasonic sound waves generated
- 5 preset cleaning cyles
- Auto shut off
- 5 year warranty
- Portable and easy to store
- Clean digital display
- Transparent cover
5- Kendal Digital Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner
How it stands out:
The Kendal Digital Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner comes with a wide array of useful functions. It is a heavy duty industrial quality cleaner.
It has a large capacity at 84.5 oz / 2.5 liters. The lengthened tank allows for more items to be placed in the basket.
The built-in heater is safe and reliable. The maximum heating capacity is 149 F / 65 C which ensures that under no circumstances do your jewelry get damaged by heat. If you don’t want a heated cleaning cycle, simply turn off the heater function. However, do not turn the heater on without water in the unit. This is a sure-fire way to damage the unit.
Another benefit is that the heater turns off automatically after 45 minutes of usage. This prevents overheating and is a safety feature. Having a heater function makes it easier to have a faster more effective cleaning cycle.
The Kendal comes with 5 cleaning cycles ranging from 90 seconds to 480 seconds. This makes it inconvenient if you need to use longer cycles.
The unit also comes with a radiator fan and a circuit protector, which prevents heating in the unit’s electrical mechanics.
Features:
- Large tank capacity
- Radiator fan and circuit protector
- 5 preset cleaning cycles
- High quality digital display
- Built-in optional heater mechanism
- Automatic heater shut off
- Short timer period can be inconvenient
6- Digital Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner Model CD4860
How it stands out:
This powerful machine comes with a 6 liter capacity. This is very ample and spacious for all items.
It has a built-in heater function that comes with 5 heat settings. Most other ultrasonic cleaners do not give you heating options and have a fixed heater setting. This ranges from 104 F/ 40 C to 140 F/ 60 C.
The timer ranges from 1 to 30 minutes, meaning that you can put in items that require a longer cleaning cycle and walk away.
Not only does this clean jewelry exceptionally well, but it also works on multiple other products.
The removable mesh tray keeps your items in safe and in the optimal cleaning area of the tank during the cycle.
This model also comes with a draining mechanism, using a control valve and hose. This makes it very easy to clean and rinse the unit effectively.
The lid of the machine has a clear view window so you can watch your jewelry as they undergo the cavitation process.
This works great to clean jewelry and items come out of the cycle sparkling bright. This model gives you many ways to customize your cycle and is easy to clean and store. It is not a lightweight unit and will take up a fair bit of space on your counter.
Features:
- 6 liter tank capacity
- 1-30 minute timer cycles
- Adjustable heater
- Draining function
- Detailed instruction manual
- 35,000 Hz frequency
- 8 pound weight
- Higher price range
- Two transducers
- Plastic basket
How does an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner work?
An ultrasonic cleaner is a small appliance that works by emitting high frequency sound waves. These waves move through the water, creating bubbles and ultrasonic vibration. Known as a cavitation process, the agitated water is able to remove the contamination from your jewelry.
Unlike traditional jewelry cleaning methods, such as using a small brush and soapy water, the bubbles created by the ultrasonic cleaner can remove dirt buildup in hard to reach areas such as little crevices and cavities.
Most ultrasonic cleaners require a cleaning solution and heated water for effective cleaning. However, some machines on the market work just with tap water. The cleaning process typically takes only a few minutes and jewelry comes out of the solvent clean and sparkling.
The Pros and Cons of using an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
Using an ultrasonic cleaner comes with a range of benefits, as well as some disadvantages. Here is a short list of these:
- A good ultrasonic cleaner is an effective cleaning machine and can be used on a range of items, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, razors, small metal tools, guns and ammunition and a range of other items (always refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for a list of items that can be cleaned in the machine).
- It makes cleaning jewelry quick and easy, saving time and energy.
- The cleaning process equivalent to that of a professional jeweler. Jewelry items are completely cleaned as the water accesses hard to reach places and removes dirt build-up.
- Machines can accommodate several items at once into the machine, speeding up the cleaning process (again check manufacturer’s recommendations as some items can damage others when cleaned together).
- The cleaning is often gentle enough to accommodate a range of jewelry types. You can manually handle the heat and intensity of the machine to suit your items.
- One disadvantage is that not all jewelry items are safe in an ultrasonic cleaner as some can get damaged. This particularly refers to softer gemstones and costume jewelry.
Using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner
To use the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, the tank of the machine must be filled with water or a cleaning solution. Next, the items of jewelry are placed in the liquid and the machine is turned on. Depending on your items, you can choose your cleaning cycle. Most models come with several preset cycle options. It is important to ensure that items do not damage each other, if you are putting in multiple pieces.
For an effective clean, it is imperative to use heated water. However, ensure that it is not boiling water as this can damage the jewelry. Some machines come with a built-in heater function which keeps the water at the appropriate temperature, making this process easier as opposed to heating the water manually.
Once the cycle is complete, it is best to leave the jewelry for a few more minutes in the water so that the dirt sediments can separate and drift down in the water. When you take your items out, you may need to use a soft brush to remove any clinging bits of loosened dirt. A final rinse either manually or in the ultrasonic cleaner completes the cleaning process. Use a soft cloth to buff your items dry.
Depending on how dirty their jewelry gets, most people find that using the ultrasonic cleaner once or twice a month is sufficient.
Wrapping Up
Ultrasonic cleaners are handy devices to have at home to easily and quickly clean your jewelry, as well as other items such as eyeglasses, coins, and even dentures! They’re quite inexpensive and therefore, a very good investment. By purchasing a high-quality product, you’ll be able to use it much longer and enjoy the benefits of easily cleaned jewelry.
