Which cleaning method is used to avoid overload during ultrasonic cleaning?

The correct choice is precleaning procedures. This method is vital because it helps to remove large debris and biofilm from instruments before they undergo ultrasonic cleaning. By reducing the amount of excess material that the ultrasonic cleaner has to process, precleaning prevents the unit from becoming overloaded. This ensures that the cleaning solution remains effective and that the ultrasonic waves can penetrate thoroughly, allowing for better disinfection of the instruments.

Thorough rinsing of instruments can be beneficial in removing residual cleaning solutions or contaminants after the cleaning process but does not specifically prevent overload during ultrasonic cleaning. Manual scrubbing can also be part of the cleaning protocol, but it typically precedes the ultrasonic cleaning phase to ensure that the instruments are as clean as possible before they are placed in the ultrasonic cleaner. Preventing rusting, while important for instrument maintenance, is not directly related to the cleaning process or avoiding overload during ultrasonic cleaning.