Thoughts From Experience Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning

biokemist6 is dead-on once again. The ultrasonic "vibrations" will not affect a coin's surface, it's the soap or whatever you put the coin in that does the damage. All the ultrasonic bath does is vibrate the specimen at a very high frequency.

NEVER use ANY solvents in an ultrasonic bath. Not only do you risk a serious fire, but you will aerosolize fine particles which are hazardous to your health. Ultrasonic baths can get very, very hot....think of it like a microwave oven....that's why the all have timers on them.

I have no problem using an ultrasonic bath. It will greatly speed a reaction or cleaning process and, if done properly using the correct mediums, it can produce great results.

I think olive oil would be safe, the sonicator will just speed along the reaction. However, you don't want to do it so long it gets hot.....olive oil is combustible!