The aim of this post is to highlight the successes and failures I've exhibited when using the cleaner.
Some key points:
- Ultrasonic cleaners are noisy, please consider your neighbours
- Metal baskets can damage items; I created a kevlar basket liner after test 3 Spoiler:
- ABS shouldn't be heated too high; 40degC is ample
- Exercise caution if ultrasonically cleaning old (particularly coloured) items; see test 3
- Ultrasonic cleaning will restore texture where possible but cannot reverse shine
- After cleaning using an ultrasonic cleaner, ensure that you wash your items down with plain water (some advise de-isonised or reverse osmosis water though I use tap water) and dry them thoroughly
Test One - AT102W Caps
Article(s): AT102W pad printed ABS Alps keycap set
Conditions: One bath at 8 minutes, 40degC, 1 part Dentural denture cleaning solution to 10-12 parts ordinary water
Result: Caution!
Article(s): IBM 5140 dye-sub PBT Alps keycap set
Conditions: One bath at 8 minutes, 40degC, 1 part Dentural denture cleaning solution to 10-12 parts ordinary water
Result: Success!
Evidence:
Article(s): Various 25 year-old PBT, engraved keycaps
Conditions: One bath at 8 minutes, 40degC, 1 part Dentural denture cleaning solution to 10-12 parts ordinary water
Result: Failed!
Article(s): HEU292 doubleshot ABS Alps keycap set
Conditions: Two 5-minute baths at 20degC with a stir in between, 1 part Dentural denture cleaning solution to 10-12 parts ordinary water
Result: Success!
Evidence:
Article(s): 5 worn orange Alps top housings and sliders
Conditions: One bath at 6 minutes, 20degC, 1 part Dentural denture cleaning solution to 10-12 parts ordinary water
Result: Success!
Article(s): 26 worn orange Alps, all components
Conditions: One bath at 6 minutes, 20degC, 1 part Dentural denture cleaning solution to 10-12 parts ordinary water
Result: Success!
Article(s): Apple M0116 PBT Dye-Sub Keycaps (Japanese Sublegends)
Conditions: One bath at 7 minutes, 30degC, 1 part Dentural denture cleaning solution to 10-12 parts ordinary water
Result: Partial Success!