Traditional cleaners use bleaches and solvents that are effective in removing grease, dirt, and grime. But they are also toxic in nature and can damage the material that is being cleaned.
As these toxic materials can leak into the air and build up over time, they also present an environmental and health threat for those living or working inside. This is where Simple Green comes in.
But before we jump into our main question, “How can you use simple green in an ultrasonic cleaner?” let us know some basics about it and why you should be actually using it as a cleaner solution.
If you are already familiar with this cleaning solution, you can skip this section and read the section below to get the answer.
What is Simple Green Made Of?
*At no extra cost to you, Ultrasonic-Cleaners.org may earn compensation, if you make a purchase through links on this page.Simple Green is made mostly of natural products, although there are a few artificial chemicals present. These artificial ingredients are used to bolster the cleaning power of the product while still being a minimal threat to the environment.
The ingredients to make Simple Green cleaning solution are as follows;
- Water, Sodium Carbonate, and Citric Acid
- Isothiazolinone Mix, Colorant, and Fragrance
- Ethoxylated Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, and Tetrasodium N, N-bis-L-glutamate
Much of the cleaning power from Simple Green comes from citric acid, which cuts through a considerable amount of dirt, grease, and grime.
The remaining ingredients help to foster the cleaning process along with the fragrance that leaves behind a pleasing scent for the users.
What Can Be Simple Green Used For?
Simple Green is an all-purpose cleaner, which means that it can be used in multiple applications to clean away dirt, grime, grease, food residue, stains, and other materials from a wide variety of surfaces.
In general, whatever the traditional cleaner was used to clean, so too can Simple Green be used.
The substance comes in a concentrate that must be diluted in water for maximum effectiveness. This Simple Green cleaning solution can then be used for the following:
- Dip Tanks, Floor Scrubbers, Carpet Extractors, and Other Machines
- Parts Washers, Engines, Pressure Washers, Steam Extractors, Foamers and Other Equipment
- Sinks, Countertops, Carpets, Tile, Wooden Flooring, Upholstery, Canvas, Cabinets, Counters, Stovetops, Refrigerators, Showers, And More.
You’ll find Simple Green used in many different industries which include automotive, food processing, mining, engineering, and transportation.
But remember although Simple Green products are safe for aircraft, automotive, industrial, and other consumer aluminum items, they can easily corrode aluminum if used inappropriately with water.
Also, as it is an alkaline aqueous-based cleaner, it’s not a great way to remove rust. If you ever want to remove rust from the metal tools or equipment do not use this as a cleaner.
Using Simple Green In Ultrasonic Cleaner: Is It Safe?
A few reasons why using Simple Green is pretty safe in an ultrasonic cleaner machine are:
- It’s non-toxic and non-abrasive
- It can be heated during the cleaning process
- It’s safe on the skin and does not cause any irritation
However, you should know how to use it correctly and in what ratio.
Since Simple Green Cleaner fluid is a viscous fluid, you need to mix the concentrated liquid in water (in a 1:2 ratio) to prepare the solution that can be used in your ultrasonic cleaning machine. This diluted solution can be used for general cleaning and degreasing of metal parts.
If you need to clean delicate models and items such as jewelry, a weaker solution (in a ratio of 1:5 to 1:10) is often recommended to avoid damage.
Be aware that there are various Simple Green products available on the market so you need to choose the one that’s appropriate for the type of material you need to clean.
- Your regular Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner fluid is safe to use in an ultrasonic machine for cleaning metal parts like steel but can be tough for items made up of aluminum.
- If you want to clean aluminum or carbon fiber, there’s a Simple Green Extreme Aircraft and Precision Cleaner solution. It’s pretty safe to use in an ultrasonic cleaning device.
- Simple Green HD Pro is a great professional-grade product that can also be used for cleaning a variety of products with or without an ultrasonic cleaner.
I love mixing and using Simple Green Extreme Aircraft and Precision Cleaner with water (in a 50:50 ratio) to prepare the stuff for cleaning my bike chain, dirty carbs, gun parts, BCG, and a few other items in my digital ultrasonic cleaner machine.
Although some users claimed that they had used a standard regular Simple Green cleaner safely in their machine without the need for water, I recommend getting it mixed and diluted.
When using SG in an ultrasonic bath tank, do not put the items that carry paint or coatings like chrome. While the cleaning solution is safe for these coatings, the high-frequency sound waves produced in the machine can risk them.
If you want to clean polished steel, painted surfaces, chrome, plastics, laundry, car interiors, etc., it is good to wash them off without using an ultrasonic cleaning machine.
Simple Green Alternatives to Use In Ultrasonic Cleaner
Purple power is a type of cleaner degreaser that is effective on a wide range of surfaces. If diluted correctly (in a 1:10 ratio with water), you can even use it in an ultrasonic cleaner as a substitute for a simple green cleaner.
Purple power is a concentrated formula that contains active ingredients like surfactants and solvents. These ingredients help to break down grease, grime, and oil on surfaces. Therefore, it can be used in auto, farm, marine, home, and industrial applications. Since it is also biodegradable, it’s pretty safe to use around children and pets.
Other than purple power, you can also use cleaning solutions such as Mean Green, Pine-Sol, or Dawn.
No matter you use Simple Green or any other solution, here’s a quick step-by-step process to follow:
- In a sonic tank bath add a diluted Simple Green
- Set the ultrasonic cleaner to a moderate temperature (around 40-50°C).
- Place your dirty items into the tank, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a metal or plastic basket to prevent direct contact with the cleaner’s base.
- Set the timer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the level of dirt and grime you need to remove.
- Remove the items from the tank and inspect them. If the grime remains, run another cycle or gently scrub it with a soft brush.
- Once satisfied, rinse the items under warm water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
- Use a paper towel to pat them dry or let them air dry.
The Conclusion
Simple Green is an EPA-approved non-abrasive product designed to be environmentally friendly. Its primary purpose is to provide a non-toxic alternative to the traditional cleaners on the market today and for a competitive price.
While Simple Green in an ultrasonic cleaner can be an effective and eco-friendly way to clean various items, it must be done carefully. Diluting it properly, selecting the right temperature, and ensuring adequate rinsing will help achieve optimal results while protecting both your equipment and the items being cleaned.
By following safety guidelines and manufacturer recommendations, you can maximize the cleaner’s efficiency while minimizing potential risks.