Don’t just vibrate—sweep: why Multi-Frequency Clean makes ultrasonic cleaning more consistent

The quick idea

Ultrasonic cleaning works by creating microscopic bubbles that form and collapse in water (cavitation). That bubble action lifts residue from micro-gaps that brushing can’t reach. Most home units run one fixed frequency. It’s effective—but in a real tank it can set up standing waves, concentrating energy in some places (hot spots) while leaving other areas weak (dead zones).

Multi-Frequency Clean takes a smarter route: instead of holding one tone, it sweeps through a narrow band of ultrasonic frequencies during each cycle. That small shift helps break up standing waves and spread cleaning energy more evenly across your appliance—wherever it sits in the basket.

Why sweeping the frequency helps (the science, simply)

• More uniform cavitation
  Small, continuous frequency changes disrupt the standing-wave patterns that cause hot and dead zones, so cavitation is more evenly distributed in the bath.

• Wider bubble activation
  Different bubble sizes respond best to slightly different tones. A narrow sweep excites a broader mix of bubbles, which helps lift different kinds of residue from complex surfaces.

• Real-world consistency
  Tanks, water levels and loads vary. By passing through each component’s “sweet spot”, a sweep averages out those variations for steadier performance cycle to cycle.

How Sonic Odyssey applies the research

Sonic Odyssey builds this principle into daily use with Multi-Frequency Clean across a focused ~45–50 kHz band:

• Even energy across the basket – designed to reduce hot/dead zones vs a single fixed frequency.

• Fast routines – 3-minute Quick (white ring) or 5-minute Deep (blue ring).

• Portable power – wireless with a 2000 mAh battery (about 8–10 cleans per charge) and a compact charging base; use it on or off the base.

• Premium build – 200 ml SUS-304 stainless tank, low-noise drive, soft-touch exterior.

Fixed frequency still works—sweep just aims to work more evenly

A well-designed fixed-frequency cleaner can do a good job (our Sonic Pro is a great countertop option). The case for sweep is about consistency: by gently moving through a tight frequency band, Multi-Frequency Clean aims to flatten the sound field so cleaning energy reaches more of the surface, more of the time.

What you may notice in everyday use

• Fewer “missed patches” across the basket

• Consistent results cycle after cycle

• Simple, fast habit you can keep—at home, at your desk, or on the go

Ready to try it?

If you want a portable ultrasonic cleaner that brings lab-backed frequency sweeping into a 3–5 minute daily routine, choose Sonic Odyssey in Pearl White, Onyx Black, or Sapphire Pink.

Citations (selected)

• Mason, T. J. “Ultrasonic cleaning: An historical perspective.” Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2016.

• Verhaagen, B., et al. “Cavitation intensities and cleaning efficacy in ultrasonic baths.” Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2016.

• Lee, J., et al. “Effects of frequency modulation on cavitation activity.” Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2020.

• Tangsopa, W., et al. “Dual/swept-frequency design to reduce standing waves in ultrasonic tanks.” Applied Sciences, 2021.

• Xu, B., et al. “Enhanced outcomes with multi-/swept-frequency ultrasound in cleaning/inactivation tasks.” Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2022.