"Mistral" Ultrasonic clock cleaner review

[clockboy]

As promised I would give review of this ultrasonic clock cleaner also can be used for cleaning carburettors.

Well it certainly cleans with remarkably good results. I cleaned a very dirty "Hermle" clock movement mixing this solution 7:1 in warm water. The parts come out of the cleaner spotless & shiny ,I rinsed with water and rinsed again with L&R rinse.
HOWEVER I was not aware that this solution has some sort of ammonia base and bearing in mind my workshop is a converted bedroom. The fumes were overpowering, windows opened doors shut & the wife was not happy to say the least. I will in the future have to use my garage when using this cleaner and perhaps apologise to the neighbours in advance. 

Conclusion: This cleaner gives excellent results and is very economical. However it must be used in a very well ventilated room. I recommend the wearing of a mask as well as the fumes are very strong indeed.  I will have to do some more research to find a good ultrasonic cleaner that I can use without the fumes. 

[oldhippy]

So this sort of attire should be worn.

[clockboy]

8 hours ago, oldhippy said:

So this sort of attire should be worn.

 

[Alastair]

Stardrops Floor-Cleaner....

Providing its just brass/steel, gilt, nickel etc, this works well, contains a small amount of ammonia and various ionic and non-ionic serfactants, with a little pine-oil.

Has sometimes the tendancy to 'blue' steel components or those coated with lacquer. Use in ultrasonic, a good squirt and at 50-80 degrees for 10 minutes.

Rinse well (4-5 times) then into Alc. and back in ultrasonic to de-water and dry.

 

[Lenj]

Hi All,

Try this one..

Product overview

• New double strength formula - increased effectiveness against tarnish!
• Ideal for use with or without an ultrasonic cleaner to return items to a shiny condition
• Assists in the removal of tarnish, carbon, rust and dirt from most metals to return items to a shiny condition
• Non-toxic, non flammable and bio-degradable
• Should only take a few minutes to clean when used with an ultrasonic cleaner
• Made from natural products; mixing seaweed, coconut oils and other fruit extracts to create a powerful cleaning solution
• Made in the UK

[p2n]

Apologies for resurrecting an old topic.

I know Horolene is the de-facto cleaner - does this remove the tarnish as well?

I've been working on a Smiths Empire 151 that's had a run in with 3-in-1 or WWII tank engine oil and despite using my best efforts still seems to retains a slightly greasy patina. So are in the case of restoring an old clock, is the aim to remove this patina and reveal a clean bright surface, or just to remove the excess gunk and emulsified oil?

I have tried my "silkolene fuchs wash off" which is designed to shift motorcycle chain grease (which is designed not to be shifted) and even after 6 mins in the ultrasonic in that the plates don't feel clean!

[StuartBaker104]

Yes, horolene will remove tarnish, as will any amoniated cleaner. I usually buy mine at the clock and watch fair at the motorcycle museum to save the postage hassles, but Cousins will ship it.

I’m sure there are many cleaning fluids which will give a good looking outcome, but I work on the basis that Horolene is not that expensive and being as it’s designed for the job will do what is required and not leave any nasty residues behind or do any unseen damage.