How to Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Jewelry at Home

Quick Answer

To use an ultrasonic cleaner for jewelry at home, fill the tank with warm water and a few drops of mild detergent, place your jewelry in the basket, and run a 3-5 minute cycle. For heavily soiled pieces, use a heated ultrasonic cleaner like the GemOro 1.5PTH to boost cleaning power.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cleaner and Solution: Place the ultrasonic cleaner on a flat, dry surface. Fill the tank with warm tap water (not boiling) to the indicated fill line. Add a few drops of mild liquid dish soap or a jewelry-specific cleaning concentrate. Do not use bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals. Using too much detergent can leave residue; a few drops is enough.
2. Step 2: Load the Jewelry Properly: Place your jewelry in the included basket or suspend it using a wire hanger so pieces do not touch each other or the tank walls. Remove any loose stones or delicate parts beforehand. For multiple items, run separate cycles to avoid scratching. Never drop jewelry directly into the tank—it can damage the transducer and your pieces.
3. Step 3: Set the Heat (If Available): If your cleaner has a heat function, like the GemOro 1.5PTH, turn it on and let the solution warm to about 120–140°F (49–60°C). Heat helps dissolve oils and speeds up cleaning. Skip heat for delicate stones or heat-sensitive jewelry. Do not use heat with alcohol-based or flammable cleaning solutions.
4. Step 4: Run the Cleaning Cycle: Close the lid and set the timer for 3–5 minutes for lightly soiled pieces, or up to 10 minutes for heavy grime. Press start. You will hear a faint buzzing sound and see ripples in the water. Do not leave the cleaner running unattended. Longer cycles do not mean cleaner jewelry; 5 minutes is usually enough. Over-cleaning can loosen settings.
5. Step 5: Rinse and Dry: After the cycle stops, remove the basket and rinse each piece under warm running water to remove any loosened debris. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Let the jewelry air-dry completely before storing. Do not use paper towels—they can scratch soft metals. A microfiber cloth works best.
6. Step 6: Clean the Tank After Use: Unplug the cleaner, pour out the dirty water, and wipe the tank interior with a damp cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. This prevents mineral buildup and keeps the machine performing well. Leaving dirty water in the tank can cause odors and reduce cleaning efficiency over time.

Product Highlight

• Ultrasonic (1.5 Pint) With Heat and Accessories - GEMORO: The GemOro 1.5PTH ultrasonic cleaner features proprietary Turbo Sweep Technology™ for intense cleaning power and includes a heat function. The heat helps loosen baked-on dirt and grease, and the Turbo Sweep Technology ensures the cleaning action reaches every crevice of your jewelry.