By Dr Bob Sandor
Do you have a large collection of grimy and dirty CDs or DVDs? Are you dreading the thought of manually cleaning them? Trying to do it manually can also result in scratching or damaging discs’ surface.
This is where ultrasonic cleaning can help in reducing the time taken to clean them since several discs can be cleaned in a single cycle. Not only that, ultrasonic cleaning technology will strip away the dirt without the risk of damaging the disc surface with scratches.
Ultrasonic cleaner units are made up of a transducer that produces high frequency sounds, a heater to heat the cleaning solution and a bath that can accommodate a stack of CDs, and DVDs. Most units have different settings based on the extent of cleaning. For home use, you can opt for those units that are used for jewelry cleaning. These very same units can also be used to clean dentures, glasses, coins, lens and so much more.
Ultrasonic cleaning works through the process of agitating the cleaning liquid with high frequency sound waves that create microscopic bubbles. These bubbles implode releasing high energy. This process is known as cavitation. These cavitation bubbles due to the release of such high energy literally lift the dirt off the surface of the item being cleaned.
When you buy an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning discs, ensure that you get a CD rack along with it. This rack can be used to lower discs into the bath and will allow the free flow of the cleaning liquid between the discs. This will also ensure that the ultrasonic agitation that takes place is equally distributed to all areas of the discs’ surface.
Before immersing the discs in the ultrasonic cleaner’s bath wipe off any excess dirt from the discs. Nothing fancy just a quick wipe to remove any loose dirt that may come off. This will reduce the cleaning time and increase cleaning efficiency. For the cleaning solution, distilled water is preferred or regular tap water is also an option. If the discs are really grimy or dirty you can add a teaspoon of detergent powder to increase the ‘washing power’ of the liquid.
Before placing the discs, allow the unit to ‘degass’ the cleaning solution, if this option is available on your cleaning unit. Degassing will remove trapped gasses from the liquid. This is another trick that increases the cleaning effectiveness and reduces the time taken to clean the disc. After degassing lower the CD rack into the bath. Typically you would need only a minute or two. Once the cycle is done, remove the rack, rinse the discs in plain water, and allow them to drip dry. Finally, you can use a soft cloth to wipe off any residual water droplets and stack them back safely in their jewel cases.
Using an ultrasonic cleaner to clean your discs is a no-brainer if you have a large collection. The biggest advantage other than time is the minimally abrasive nature of the cleaning action. Ultrasonic cleaning will get rid of the dirt and grime without the risk of getting scratches on your disk,
About the Author: Dr. Bob Sandor is a Director at Tovatech, a leading North American supplier of
ultrasonic cleaner
units. He is fascinated by the many applications of
ultrasonic cleaners
amongst other things.
Source:
isnare.com
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