Why Liquids Other Than Water Should Never Go in Ultrasonic Cleaners

There’s a dangerous misconception circulating in the nail industry:

“If it’s sold with an ultrasonic cleaner, it must be safe.”

Unfortunately, that isn’t always true.

Some detergents and disinfectants marketed for ultrasonic cleaning are:

• Alcohol-based
• Solvent-heavy
• Contain flammable ingredients
• Contain ammonium chloride

The Science: Why Flammable Liquids Are Dangerous

An ultrasonic cleaner works using high-frequency sound waves that create cavitation.

When cavitation bubbles collapse, they create:

• Localised pressure spikes
• Localised temperature spikes
• Intense microscopic energy

These micro-hotspots can reach extremely high temperatures for fractions of a second.

Now combine that with:

• Low flash-point liquids
• Alcohol-based detergents
• Enclosed metal tank
• Electrical components

You increase the risk of vapour ignition.

What Is Flash Point?

Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapour to ignite.

Alcohol-based products have very low flash points.

Ultrasonic agitation:

• Increases vapour production
• Accelerates evaporation
• Raises solution temperature
• Creates vapour above the tank surface

That vapour can ignite if there is:

• Electrical fault
• Static discharge
• Overheating
• Spark

This is why most ultrasonic cleaner manufacturers explicitly warn:

Do not use liquids other than water.

What About Barbicide?

This is where confusion happens.

Is Barbicide Flammable?

Barbicide concentrate - yes.

It contains isopropyl alcohol, which is flammable and has a low flash point.

This is why the concentrate carries flammable warnings on its Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Is Properly Diluted Barbicide Flammable?

When diluted correctly according to manufacturer instructions:

• The alcohol concentration drops significantly
• It is no longer classified as flammable under normal salon conditions

That’s why diluted Barbicide is safe for temporarily immersion disinfection in a jar or tray.

So Why Not Use It in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

Even though diluted Barbicide is not classified as flammable:

Ultrasonic cleaners:

• Generate heat
• Increase evaporation
• Agitate continuously
• Are not explosion-proof units

Most ultrasonic manufacturers advise against alcohol containing solutions because:

• Vapour production increases under agitation
• Heat builds during cycles
• It may void warranty
• Internal components can degrade

More importantly:

Ultrasonic cleaning is designed for debris removal.

Barbicide is designed for chemical disinfection with stable contact time.

They are two completely different processes.

Why Ammonium Chloride Is Also a Problem

Many ultrasonic detergents contain ammonium chloride.

While marketed as effective cleaners, they present another issue for nail techs.

Ammonium chloride in solution:

• Is mildly acidic
• Can react with metal alloys
• Accelerates corrosion
• Strips protective coatings

Premium nail tools often have:

• Titanium coatings
• Gold finishes
• Black DCL coatings
• Plasma colour coatings

These coatings:

• Improve corrosion resistance
• Increase durability
• Enhance cutting performance

Ammonium chloride can:

• Dull coloured finishes
• Strip gold plating
• Cause pitting
• Reduce corrosion protection

Once coating integrity is compromised:

• Rust risk increases
• Tool lifespan shortens
• Performance declines
• Tools look worn prematurely

For professional nail technicians investing in premium e-file bits and scissors, this is a costly and unnecessary risk.

The Professional Cleaning Standard

For safe, compliant nail salon hygiene:

Step 1 – Ultrasonic Cleaning 

Use:

• Water

Purpose: Remove debris.

Step 2 – Disinfection

Use:

• Properly diluted Barbicide (in immersion tray)

• Follow exact contact time

Purpose: Kill bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Step 3: Dry thoroughly and store safely.

This separation ensures:

✔ Maximum cleaning efficiency

✔ Proper chemical contact time

✔ Machine longevity

✔ Tool longevity

✔ Salon safety

Just because a detergent is sold with an ultrasonic cleaner does not mean it aligns with:

• Scientific best practice

• Manufacturer safety guidance

• Professional nail tech standards

Avoid:

✖ Flammable liquids

✖ Alcohol-heavy solvents

✖ Ammonium chloride-based detergents

Protect your:

• Clients

• Tools

• Equipment

• Reputation