Ultrasonic cleaning combines high-frequency cavitation with the right cleaning chemistry to remove contaminants efficiently and safely.

What you choose to put in the tank determines how well the dirt or contaminants dissolve, how effectively they're carried away and whether sensitive materials are protected. 

What Cleaning Solutions Do
Ultrasonic cleaning solutions are more than just a wetting agent.

• Chemically dissolve or suspend contaminants so they don’t redeposit
• Improve heat transfer and lubrication within the bath
• Lower surface tension to let cavitation reach blind holes and fine features
• Support rinsing and drying for spotless, residue-free parts

Selecting the right chemistry dramatically improves cleaning outcomes, particularly on precision or delicate components.

Cleaning Solution Types

Aqueous / General-Purpose Solutions
Best for: laboratory instruments, glassware, general soil and light organic residues

• Chem-Crest 14 – Heavy-Duty Ultrasonic Detergent
  Multipurpose heavy-duty ultrasonic detergent concentrate. Removes oils, greases, biological residues and routine contaminants. Suitable for metals, glass, plastics and ceramics.

These water-soluble cleaners are ideal for aqueous cleaning when environmental safety, material compatibility and operator comfort are priorities.

Alkaline / Heavy-Duty Solutions
Best for: oils, greases, automotive parts and industrial maintenance

• Chem-Crest 275 – Alkaline Ultrasonic Cleaner
  An alkaline ultrasonic cleaning solution designed to break down heavy industrial soils, oils and grease. Well suited for metal components, machined parts and maintenance cleaning.

Alkaline cleaners emulsify fats and oils, suspending them in solution so cavitation can remove them efficiently.

Specialty Industrial Cleaners
Best for: rust control, oxidation removal, surface conditioning and passivation

• Chem-Crest ProPass – Ultrasonic Cleaning & Passivation Solution 
  Designed to remove light oils, oxides and surface discoloration while supporting passivation processes. ProPass is often selected when parts require both cleaning and surface treatment in a single ultrasonic workflow.
  
  
• Additional Solution Options
  Crest’s ultrasonic cleaning chemical lineup includes additional formulations designed for specific contaminants and operating environments. These include cleaners for rust, scale, oxidation and heavy shop soils. Selection should be based on contaminant type, material compatibility and cleaning cycle requirements.

Matching Chemistry to Your Cleaning Task

Organic Contaminants
Oils, greases and fats are best handled with alkaline or heavy-duty detergent solutions that emulsify and suspend soils.

• Chem-Crest 275 – Alkaline Ultrasonic Cleaner
  Heavy-duty alkaline formulation for industrial oils, grease and shop soils.

• Chem-Crest 14 – Heavy-Duty Ultrasonic Detergent
  Strong general-purpose detergent effective on oils and mixed organic contamination.

Biological and Laboratory Soils
Water-based detergents with surfactants are effective on blood, tissue residue and light biological contamination found on lab and medical instruments.

• Chem-Crest 14 – Heavy-Duty Ultrasonic Detergent 
  Commonly used in laboratory and medical environments for organic and biological residues.

Oxidation and Scale
Rust, mineral deposits and surface oxidation. Requires rust-control or surface-conditioning additives.

• Chem-Crest ProPass – Ultrasonic Cleaning & Passivation Solution 
  Designed for oxide removal, surface conditioning and post-cleaning passivation.
  

Delicate or Mixed Materials
When cleaning assemblies that include plastics, soft metals or coatings, neutral or carefully formulated aqueous solutions help prevent damage. Identifying the contaminant before selecting chemistry reduces trial-and-error and shortens cleaning cycles.

Best handled with neutral or carefully formulated aqueous solutions to prevent damage.

• Chem-Crest 14 – Heavy-Duty Ultrasonic Detergent 
  Effective yet material-friendly when properly diluted for plastics, aluminum and mixed materials.

• Chem-Crest 14 – EZ Mix Version (if dilution control is critical) Use Chem-Crest 14 EZ where available for simplified, repeatable dilution.

Proper Dilution and Temperature Control

Always mix ultrasonic cleaning solutions according to manufacturer guidelines. Over-concentration can reduce cavitation efficiency or damage parts, while under-concentration limits cleaning performance.

Heated solutions generally improve ultrasonic action. Most ultrasonic cleaners benefit from warm solutions within the safe temperature range for the material being cleaned.

Best Practices for Effective Ultrasonic Cleaning

• Degas fresh solutions before use to improve cavitation
• Use baskets or trays to avoid parts contacting the tank bottom
• Avoid stacking parts, which blocks cavitation
• Change solutions when cleaning efficiency drops or the bath becomes visibly dirty

Rinsing and Post-Cleaning Steps
After ultrasonic cleaning:

• Rinse parts with distilled or deionized water to remove detergent residue
• Dry thoroughly using air or lint-free methods
• Inspect for remaining contamination or surface damage
• Store cleaned parts in a clean, controlled environment

Proper post-cleaning handling ensures consistent results and prevents recontamination.

Safety and Handling Considerations
Most SperDirect ultrasonic cleaning solutions are water-based and low risk. If solvent rinses such as isopropyl alcohol are used, ensure proper ventilation, temperature control and elimination of ignition sources. Always review Safety Data Sheets and follow manufacturer handling guidelines.

Replacement and Disposal
Replace ultrasonic cleaning solutions when soil loading reduces performance or solution clarity deteriorates. Dispose of used solutions according to local regulations and SDS guidance, especially if hazardous contaminants are present.

Final Takeaways

Ultrasonic cleaning performance depends on matching the right chemistry to the right contaminant and material. Crest’s range of ultrasonic cleaning solutions allows laboratories, manufacturers and service professionals to achieve consistent, professional results while protecting valuable parts and equipment.

• View the full line of ultrasonic cleaning solutions here.
  
  
• Also see our full line of ultrasonic cleaners and accessories here.

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