Tip for ultrasonic cleaner users.

[ALBeix]

If you have an ultrasonic cleaner you will have long ago realized how long the built in heater takes to heat up the tank of liquid. On top of that there is a theory out there that the built in heater(s) are what overheats the electronics on the cleaners and overheating results in premature failure.

When I bought my cleaner I went to a couple of thrift stores and found the biggest electric kettle I cold lay my hands on. When I want to use the Cleaner I fill the kettle from the drain hose, heat it up and pour the heated water back into the tank. Usually takes 2-3 fills to bring the tank up to Temp and then turn on the cleaner. Way faster and potentially service life extending on the cleaner. Once turned on (ultrasonic buzzer only) the water heats up further without the heater.

If you use anything other than water be aware that when boiling many solutions will overflow the kettle so start with a half full kettle and see how it reacts.

[mikeranger]

Thanks for that tip, especially as my cleaner element went bang yesterday. New one on order as it gets used regularly .

Mike CL450

[ALBeix]

Thanks for that tip, especially as my cleaner element went bang yesterday. New one on order as it gets used regularly .

Mike CL450

Mike if it were me and the heater element is the only thing wrong I would just forget about it and get a kettle. I have not used my heating element once since I purchased the cleaner. Once you get the temp up into the 30's (C) the action of cleaning will add heat I have seen mine in the low 50's after two or three 30 minute cycles.

As I mentioned in my original post the only thing you need to remember is cleaners other then water have a tendency to froth and overflow. as a guard against that I put a baking sheet under the kettle base and that has saved my countertop more than once.

[LongDistanceRider]

I always use hot tap water because it saves time, never thought about the heater frying the electronics.

[Randall]

I just heat clean distilled water on my gas range. Boom.

[ancientdad]

Boom.

Which hopefully is not a gas explosion, LOL

[wentwest]

Which hopefully is not a gas explosion, LOL

If someone can get a pot of distilled water to explode they're wasting their time here.

I use an electric kettle - except I have to be very careful because it's the one my wife uses in the kitchen so there's serious hand washing involved. On my cheapo HF cleaner if I use water that hot the heating element of the cleaner won't even go on for more than 1 second before its thermostat switches it off.

[ancientdad]

If someone can get a pot of distilled water to explode they're wasting their time here.

Yeah, I was referring to the heating method...

[FFGO]

Back in the before times when cleaning fuel nozzles on turbine engines we would place the nozzles in a zip lock with the cleaning fluid. Then the bag was placed in the tank, after which the tank was filled with water. The sonic waves pass thru the water, bag and cleaning fluid to do it’s job. The dirt and crud was contained in the bag and less cleaning fluid was used by being contaminated.
Easy, Peary, lemon squeezie.

[ALBeix]

Now THAT is a good idea!