What to use in ultrasonic cleaner?

I just got a small, inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner. The instructions say use water. It doesn't seem to remove the old finish. What is a fluid that word work and be safe, rust buster for example?

What are you trying to clean?

Gun parts, for example, barrel bands etc.

You can use the Hornady case cleaner (not the gun parts cleaner) 2 fl oz to 40 fl oz of distilled water do not use tap water, after the clean I use the hose to wash down the shells till they stop frothing then rinse them in distilled water which I re use in the sonic cleaner for the next batch, sometimes they may take 2 sessions of 25 mins in the solution(only change it when is fairly dirty) I have the small Hornady sonic cleaner I use also ensure they are de-primed as well.
They will get slight ring marks on them no big deal just caused by the sonics action and rubbing against each other.

You can also use 2 table spoons of cloudy ammonia but be wary of the fumes for the same result with the same rinsing regime.
Another trick is to get a board say 12"x 12" put in dowels staggered pattern (we made a 100 shell board) or nails your choice so your rounds can be upside down to drain if you lay them on their side be prepared to wait a week for them to dry out (I stick our board in the sun whilst loading.)
Do not try to dry the shells in the oven will stuff them so they say on the Hornady instruction hope this helps. :wave:

Ok mis read your intent use the Hornady gun parts cleaner

The most effective formula to clean brass is very hot water(microwave 2cups) or whatever you need to fill the cleaner. A small amount of Dawn dish detergent and a tablespoon of Lemishine. It is pure citric acid Chrystals. You will find it in the dish washing supply isle at Walmart. Please DO NOT use any ammonia to clean your brass . It will create a chemical reaction that will break down and weaken the brass. I don't remember the specifics but I researched it about ten years ago when I first was searching for an effective brass cleaner. As for drying the brass after sonic cleaning a blow drier works well. I normally just tumble them for a few hours and they are good and dry. Just check the flash holes for any cleaning media if you are shortening the tumbling time. Hope this helps.

Attachment 49899Sodium bicarbonate, yes plane old box of Arm & Hammer.