Ultrasonic cleaning

drizzam99

Is it safe for cleaning unclean ancients? I've seen varying opinions all over the internet and am curious to find out some from members here. : )

0john0

The geologic lab I work in uses sonicators to disaggregate clay particles, in other words, to break up dirt. So I thought it would work wonders for my ancients. I put my ancients in a beaker of olive oil and put the beaker into the water bath that gets the ultrasonic focus. Sadly I did not see much difference. I also tried with the coins in a beaker of deionized water instead of olive oil. I think if I ahd tried for a longer period of time it may have been helpful. Also, if I would add a disaggregant like sodium metaphosphate (i think it is in Woolite) it would have helped, but I do not know what it would have done to the coin.

Welcome to the boards, drizzam99. Hope you stick around, there is lots to be learned here.

-john

ColinCMR

I would avoid it, I prefer softer/slower methods.

wybrit

I agree with Colin. You're apt to pit your coins.

Aethelred

Bad idea!

drizzam99

Thanks much for the input...I won't be buying that ultrasonic cleaner after all.

Sloooow and easy it will be...