Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

[Richard G.]

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

Rick,
Thanks for sharing these results. I agree that ultrasonic cleaning does a great job especially when you can't get at some areas with a brush or cleaning tool. What cleaning solution did you use? The only thing I would add is that the ultrasonic cleaner will not remove rust so I always use Evaporust which works great and will not affect any of the metal surface other than to remove the rust from the steel parts.
Jeff

[Richard G.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

Jeffrey;
I used the cleaner solution that came with the machine. It really doesn't say what's in there. Maybe I can acquire more information from the MSDS? I never thought about using Evaporust in the ultrasonic machine. Thanks for the tip as I plan on giving it a try. However all the clamps looked like the lower one with some lite surface rust before the ultrasonic treatment. I do agree it's not for rust but in some cases it seems to at least help. Possibly the chemicals, I don't know for sure. I have had larger parts, with rust on them, in this machine and it didn't change the part except for it was a very clean rusty part!

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

I did not mean to use the Evaporu8st in the ultrasonic cleaner machine!! Just soak the part i the Evaporust overnight. Sorry I wasn't clear. I use a mixture of Dawn dish washing liquid with a sash of ammonia and it cleans great. Go on line a d Google ultrasonic cleaner solution and see what you find.
Jeff

[Patrick H.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

I had the same question regarding what solution was used. We use ultrasonic cleaners in the office, so I've used them for years to clean firearm parts and Corvette parts. The cleaning solution does make a difference, and if your unit has heat it also helps.

Patrick

[Ed S.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

Richard, There are ultrasonic cleaning machines on the market and then, there are ULTRASONIC CLEANING MACHINES also on the market. Can you please provide some info as to they brand, make & model of cleaner you are using. Prices for these devices range from about $50 to well over $300, and more. All about the same size too. Thanks

[Richard G.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

My machine is heated. I am certainly tempted to try Evaporust in the machine now! LOL.
It is a 12 liter machine made in China. I found that out after I purchased it used.

The internet did recommend using citrus based solutions for stainless steels.
I found the salt, ammonia and soap mixture interesting and will give it a try.

[Terry M.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

Here is some help for you:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=410707&highlight=ultrasonic

[Mark E.]

Re: Constantly experimenting with other cleaning methods. Ultrasonic....

Rick,
Thanks for sharing these results. I agree that ultrasonic cleaning does a great job especially when you can't get at some areas with a brush or cleaning tool. What cleaning solution did you use? The only thing I would add is that the ultrasonic cleaner will not remove rust so I always use Evaporust which works great and will not affect any of the metal surface other than to remove the rust from the steel parts.
Jeff

I'd like to see a comparison with before/after photos of ultrasonic cleaning vs. other methods like dish soap followed by Evapo-Rust. What a great Restorer article topic. (Has this already been written by someone?)

I used Evapo-Rust on badly tarnished/rusty parts like clamps, fasteners, fuel lines and brackets with good result. Of course, no method restores/replaces plating, but a clean patina look is often possible. I know professional restorers use ultrasonic cleaning so it must work well too. Is one method better than another for a given situation?

I recently discovered Evapo-Rust Gel. Instead of dipping the part in the solution, the gel brushes on and clings to the part while working. I recently used it on fuel lines installed on the frame with good results.

[Patrick C.]