Is there an acceptable way to clean these without the machine? Soak in a solvent? Dish detergent, water and a soft cloth? Or check gaskets, and hang arm out of window at the local car wash?

 

Electric toothbrush provide better results than ultrasonic

 

Not effectively, unless you are going to disassemble it completely. The ultrasonic is the gold standard method for this that even service centers use. Any sort of external cleaning isn't going to dislodge the dirt that lurks inside the bracelet.

 

I use boiling water with some soap but I'm with ^Archer^: you'll never get it fully clean.

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-bracelet-cleaning-without-an-ultrasonic-machine.61844/

 

Before I invested in an ultrasonic washer I use the dishwasher. Works well. Use highest possible temperature.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I guess I should just cough up for the ultrasonic cleaner. Any recommendations for the occasional, non-professional user?

 

They don't have to be super expensive. GemOro makes some decent units that are made of plastic that don't cost a fortune like the full stainless steel units do. The tank for the liquid is still SS, but the outer part of the unit is plastic.

 

repeated soakings in soapy (dish detergent) water fresh out of the microwave. The wrist cheese melts away. Usually takes 3 soaks and a little toothbrush work and the bracelet is sparkling.

 

When a 'new' one arrives I normally boil it for 5 minutes with a little dish washing liquid.

 

Excellent, thanks for the recommendation.

 

I normally leave it overnight in a sealed container of WD40 and washing up liquid and then wash it in hot water, it helps to dislodge the majority of built up gunk.

It would be good to get a recommendation of a reasonably priced ultrasonic cleaner though

 

Related factoid: I saw on mythbusters where opening a microwave oven’s door too soon can cause the water inside to explode (I don’t recall the fabulous science terms behind it). Best to wait a count of 3 before opening the door

 

If you can spring for one with a heating element in it, that can also help with cleaning certainly. I typically use the heater when cleaning polishing compounds off parts, since the compounds are formulated with a wax type base, so the heat helps get rid of that.

Note that the power these units have varies wildly, so the more powerful it is the better it will clean. Mine's powerful enough that I've had loose bracelet pins work their way out in the tank.

As for fluids, there are specific cleaning solutions for these tanks, but on the advice of a friend who is a goldsmith, I simply use Mr. clean diluted in water, and it does a great job.

 

Sometimes when I drop the bracelet in the super heated water, the water bubbles like it has Co2 in it.

 

Do you tell your wife?

 

I agree ultrasonic is the gold standard and the Chinese made ones from Amazon aren’t expensive. I have always done the Dawn dish soap soak in warm water and scrub with old toothbrush and have been shocked with what comes out- but agreed-the nooks and crannies inside are the real hard spots to get.
Has anyone tried brake cleaner? This has always been the trick with gunked up firearms and it never damaged the delicate blued finishes and strips them clean of everything.

 

perchloroethylene - nasty stuff...

 

He's right for sure. Plastics-safe electronics cleaner is much safer.

My own method is ultrasonic on used bracelets I acquire and then a frequent scrub on the watch (for those water-resistant watches that retain their water resistance) with Dawn and a brush. Something about brushed stainless that an ultrasonic just can't do that a brush and Dawn does to get the surface bright as well as clean.

Tom

 

It is indeed- always wear gloves when using it, but always shocked that regardless of how much I clean with Hoppe’s, if I hit the action with brake kleen- more black crap comes off like it’s water and the surface is oil free

...but I heed your warning on watches.