Ultrasonic Cleaners

eisman

eisman

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Sep 9, 2009
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I've been debating (myself) over the purchase of an ultrasonic cleaner for my knives. I've picked up a couple dozen used knives over the past month and while it makes for interesting evens sitting and cleaning them, I find myself wondering if this may not have been the best use of time. There are issues that would have to be worked (various materials react differently to certain solutions) but ultrasound is looking more an more like a reasonable option.

Does anybody else currently use such a cleaner? If so, what solutions are working for you? Have you encountered any negatives to using this method of cleaning?

I figure I'll pull the trigger this weekend. I've got a bunch of really cheap knives to play with for various tests. More to follow...
 
I use an ultrasonic cleaner on all kinds of things but I honestly think it would be a waste of time on a knife. I don't think you'll be able to avoid disassembling the knife if you want good results. Lube and grit are likely to stay in places you don't want them, as will whatever you use in the tank. And, as you note, some cleaning solutions will damage some materials. And, obviously, you're not going to be able to put carbon steel in there at all, and even some stainless varieties are going to come out showing corrosion. It's a great tool, but IMHO not for this purpose.
 
Why would you not put carbon steel into such a tank? We clean firearms using this method all the time and they are definitely carbon steel.
 
I've used my ultrasonic cleaner to de gunk knives that that had sticky stuff that accumulates when you cut fruit and don't clean it out very well. I just use hot soapy water (hand dish washing soap). Rinse, dry and oil afterwards. Carbon steel shouldn't be a problem as long as the cleaning agents aren't going to corrode it.

ric
 
Mine is not heated, I just use hot water in it.

i put a pair of kitchen scissors in it because the pivot was gunked up. They were a cheap pair, so the pivot was a rivet and could not be disassembled. It was pretty interesting to watch the gunk literally ooze out of the pivot. Cleaned it up nicely. It will degunk can openers really well too.

Ric
 
We use them here at work on all kinds of materials, including some VERY corrosion-prone iron-based alloys. We have never had a corrosion problem as long as proper procedure is followed with regard to drying IMMEDIATELY after removal from the tank. Ours are heated (100-180F depending on the wash) and typically use Ensolv or DI water with a cap full of Dawn dish detergent as the cleaning agent.
 
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