Ultrasonic cleaners represent the gold standard in jewellery maintenance for jewellers in workshops and are increasingly popular among ladies who own a lot of jewellery. So if you own a Cuban link chain which needs to be cleaned, then the best option will be to get an ultrasonic machine, particularly if you are serious about the look of your Cuban chain, or if you have many. These sophisticated devices use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that penetrate everywhere between the chain links, small cavities, pavé settings, grains, or any type of setting, dislodging dirt and grime that manual cleaning simply can’t reach.
Choosing the Right Equipment
You don’t need professional-grade equipment to achieve excellent results. Budget-friendly ultrasonic cleaners from Amazon and AliExpress, like the Seancheer and Vpcok Direct models, offer impressive performance starting around £30-50. Look for 2-litre capacity units with 40kHz frequency – the sweet spot for jewellery cleaning. As professional Cuban link polishers at JWRR London, we can confirm these budget units clean as effectively as expensive alternatives when operated correctly.
Operating Your Ultrasonic Cleaner
If you’re new to ultrasonic cleaning, don’t worry – it’s straightforward once you know the basics. Start by ensuring your cleaner is unplugged for safety. If you’ve used it before, pour out any old solution and wash the tank thoroughly with clean water and a mild, non-ammoniated, non-acidic cleaning solution.
For your cleaning solution, you have two options: purchase a commercial jewellery cleaning solution specifically designed for ultrasonics, or create your own using a few drops of gentle dish soap (like Fairy) mixed with distilled water. Never use tap water alone, as it can leave mineral deposits on your Cuban chain that will dull its shine.
Fill the tank to the recommended level – usually marked with a “fill line” – and you’re ready to begin the cleaning process.
The Professional Temperature and Timing Method
First, ensure your cleaner is unplugged and completely clean. Pour out any old solution and wash the tank thoroughly with clean water and a non-ammoniated, non-acidic cleaning solution. Fill the cleaner with appropriate jewellery cleaning solution – never use tap water alone as it can leave mineral deposits.
Here’s where professional jewellers’ experience matters: heat the solution to 60°C (140°F) for optimal results, but never exceed this temperature to avoid damaging delicate diamond settings. Place your Cuban chain in the provided basket, ensuring it’s not touching the sides or bottom.
The Critical Pre-Soak Technique
Professional forums emphasize this crucial step: soak your Cuban chain in the hot solution for 5 minutes before activating the ultrasonic function. This allows the cleaning solution to penetrate and loosen debris first. Then activate the ultrasonic for just 10-15 seconds – not minutes. You should see the compound literally explode off the piece within seconds.
Post-Cleaning Care
Remove your chain immediately and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, and you’ll notice your Cuban chain has a brilliance that’s impossible to achieve through manual methods alone.
