Do You Still Need an Autoclave If You Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

April 24, 2026

Ultrasonic cleaners are widely used in clinics, salons, and studios to remove debris from reusable tools. But a common question is whether an ultrasonic cleaner alone is enough, or if an autoclave is still required.

The short answer is simple: an ultrasonic cleaner does not replace an autoclave. Instead, the two work together as part of a complete sterilisation process.

This guide explains the difference, why both are important, and how to use them correctly.

What Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Actually Do?

An ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to create tiny bubbles in a cleaning solution. These bubbles collapse rapidly in a process called cavitation, which removes dirt, debris, and biological material from instruments.

Ultrasonic cleaners are highly effective for:

Removing visible contamination
Cleaning hard-to-reach areas
Preparing instruments before sterilisation

However, they do not kill all bacteria, viruses, or spores.

What Does an Autoclave Do?

An autoclave uses pressurised steam at high temperatures to sterilise instruments. This process destroys microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, making instruments safe for reuse.

Unlike ultrasonic cleaners, autoclaves provide:

Full sterilisation
Compliance with infection control standards
Safe reuse of instruments in clinical environments

For most professional settings, a Class B autoclave is considered the gold standard.

Why You Need Both

Ultrasonic cleaners and autoclaves serve different purposes and are designed to work together.

A typical workflow looks like this:

Instruments are placed in an ultrasonic cleaner to remove debris
Tools are rinsed and dried
Instruments are placed into sterilisation pouches
Tools are sterilised in an autoclave

Without the ultrasonic cleaning stage, debris can remain on instruments, reducing the effectiveness of sterilisation. Without the autoclave, instruments are not fully sterilised.

Can You Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner on Its Own?

In most professional environments, the answer is no.

Using an ultrasonic cleaner alone may be acceptable for:

Non-critical tools
Items that do not come into contact with skin
Pre-cleaning before further processing

However, for any tools that:

Touch skin
May break the skin
Are reused between clients or patients

…sterilisation in an autoclave is strongly recommended.

Where This Matters Most

Using both ultrasonic cleaners and autoclaves is particularly important in:

In these environments, proper cleaning and sterilisation are essential for both safety and compliance.

Choosing the Right Equipment

If you are setting up or upgrading your sterilisation process, it’s important to choose equipment that works together.

A reliable ultrasonic cleaner can be used alongside a Class B autoclave to create a complete system. You can view suitable options on Excel Healthcare’s ultrasonic cleaners page, along with their range of autoclaves designed for professional use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some of the most common issues seen in clinics and salons include:

Assuming ultrasonic cleaning is enough on its own
Skipping the cleaning stage before autoclaving
Overloading the ultrasonic cleaner
Using the wrong cleaning solution

Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure that instruments are both clean and fully sterilised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an ultrasonic cleaner sterilise instruments?
No. Ultrasonic cleaners remove debris but do not sterilise instruments.

Can I skip the ultrasonic cleaner and just use an autoclave?
It is not recommended. Cleaning removes debris that could affect sterilisation.

Do beauty salons need both an ultrasonic cleaner and an autoclave?
In many cases, yes. Especially where reusable tools are used on clients.

What happens if instruments are not cleaned before sterilisation?
Debris can prevent effective sterilisation, increasing the risk of contamination.

Final Thoughts

An ultrasonic cleaner is an important first step in the cleaning process, but it does not replace sterilisation. For safe and compliant instrument reuse, both cleaning and sterilisation are required.

Using an ultrasonic cleaner alongside an autoclave ensures that instruments are properly prepared and fully sterilised, helping clinics and studios maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.