Ultrasonic Cleaner?

[noteablequotable]

Wondering if anyone here uses an ultrasonic cleaner. The good ones are relatively cheap ($40-$150), but smaller ones intended for glasses and jewelry can be found for as little as $20. They are often used to sterilize medical equipment and lab tools.

Experiences? Thoughts?

 

[moonpies4misfits]

They are used for sanitization, not sterilization. They are just used as a precursor to clean dirt and debris before moving onto sterilization.

 

[noteablequotable]

They are used for sanitization, not sterilization. They just used as a precursor to clean dirt and debris before moving onto sterilization.

I read something that said with the appropriate solution they can be used as sterilization devices. Will try to find it

 

[moonpies4misfits]

I read something that said with the appropriate solution they can be used as sterilization devices. Will try to find it

You could add a chemical disinfectant or a sterilization solution, but if you're gonna be doing vials or carts, the stoppers will likely degrade at some level in the amount of time they are needed to sit in the solution. Then theres the concern of removing any chemical residue while keeping them sterile. Chemical sterilization is also not as effective as heat or steam sterilization as certain pathogens can be resistant to the chemicals. You would be better off using a pressure pot, but even those have their limitations.

 

[noteablequotable]

You could add a chemical disinfectant or a sterilization solution, but if you're gonna be doing vials or carts, the stoppers will likely degrade at some level in the amount of time they are needed to sit in the solution. Then theres the concern of removing any chemical residue while keeping them sterile. Chemical sterilization is also not as effective as heat or steam sterilization as certain pathogens can be resistant to the chemicals. You would be better off using a pressure pot, but even those have their limitations.

That's really good to know. I hadn't thought about the impact to the rubber stopper over time. I have an instant pot capable of steam sterilization but wondered if this was a better option. Seems like I should probably stick with my steamer.

 

[mostlydamp]

I would add that making something sterile lasts only for an extremely short time in a home environment unless you are in a clean room which...well, it would be hard to do. Sterility is extremely challenging to accomplish and maintain even with the right training. It takes  money.

 

[scarywood75]

I suggest you do with an UVC light instead, the best ones are with Ozone, but you gotta take good measure not to intoxicate yourself

 

[noteablequotable]

I suggest you do with an UVC light instead, the best ones are with Ozone, but you gotta take good measure not to intoxicate yourself

Thank you! I found a really good one for $100. Will do some research about proper sterilization practices before I actually use it.

 

[scarywood75]

Thank you! I found a really good one for $100. Will do some research about proper sterilization practices before I actually use it.

If you want some advices, look at the post in my signature