We’re back with another Technical Tip Tuesday. Welcome to week three of this month’s series focused on contents and packouts. Our special guest is David Gavilanes of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz.

In the first two episodes, we covered key fundamentals that include materials, labeling, and how to prioritize. This week, we’re focusing on the dos and don’ts of ultrasonic cleaning.

First, we’re focusing on a very important “do.” David shares why packing out items by material type matters. If the goal is to clean using ultrasonics, it starts with how you packout and label the items in the field. You should separate porous and non-porous materials placing them in their own boxes to avoid unnecessary slowdowns.

However, you can’t stop there. Not all non-porous items clean at the same rate, so you need to make sure you are separating by material type within those categories.

Next, we focus on a few key “don’ts” that help you avoid costly mistakes. The first is around what should and shouldn’t go into an ultrasonic system. There is a misconception that everything can be dipped and cleaned, but that isn’t true.

One great example David shares is electronics NEVER go into an ultrasonic bath. Instead, they require a completely different process that often involves deionized (DI) water and a specialized spray system.

Another consideration is temperature. Too much heat or improperly handling the contents can still cause damage.

A key takeaway is ultrasonic cleaning is not just a tool; it’s a highly controlled process that requires discipline, knowledge, and attention to detail.

At the core of contents, it comes down to proper sorting, understanding the limits of your systems, and streamlined operations.