Ammonia, also known as ammonium hydroxide or alkali, is a chemical compound with a wide range of uses, and is particularly useful for cleaning.
Ammonia is highly effective on general dirt and stains. It can be used to clean virtually everything, from floors to ceilings, kitchens and bathrooms.
Ammonia (NH4OH) is not to be confused with ammonia (NH3). Ammonia is the basic aqueous solution of ammonia. It is obtained by dissolving gaseous ammonia in water.
Ammonia is a very powerful product, with properties similar to those of bleach. To find out more, here’s a complete guide to this under-used household cleaning product.
Ammonia, a multi-purpose cleaning product
Ammonia is a product with degreasing and descaling properties. This is one of the reasons why it can be used for so many different purposes, providing a thorough clean.
Ammonia can be used to clean floors and carpets, to scour pots and pans, and for many other purposes.
Like all household products, ammonia must be handled with care. Here are a few tips on how to use this compound optimally:
- Ammonia should preferably not be handled with the hands. Wearing household gloves is highly recommended.
- It’s important to use it in a well-ventilated room, as exposure to ammonia can cause severe respiratory reactions, as well as eye burns and, more seriously, discomfort. This is one of the disadvantages of ammonia.
- If possible, it is also advisable to wear a protective mask and, if necessary, goggles.
- Ammonia should always be kept out of the reach of children.
A few precautions for use must also be strictly observed. One of the most important is never to mix ammonia with anything other than water or soapy water, and especially not with bleach, as this can create a highly toxic chemical reaction.
Where can I buy cleaning ammonia?
Ammonia can easily be found in the household products section of supermarkets, but also in DIY stores and most drugstores.
What are the different applications for ammonia?
Ammonia is an excellent household product that can be used on a wide variety of occasions. One thing’s for sure: you’d be hard-pressed to imagine just how useful ammonia can be around the house. To find out, here’s a list of its main uses.
1. Cleaning all types of textiles
Ammonia is a powerful stain remover for all kinds of textiles in the home (curtains, carpets, sofas, clothes, mattresses, fabrics, etc.).
Ammonia can be used pure or diluted, depending on the nature of the stains to be removed. As well as acting as a cleaner, this product also deodorizes textiles, including those affected by mildew or dampness.
Ammonia is particularly effective on white linen, reviving its brilliant whiteness. But it also works on colors.
2. Cleaning silverware
Silver often loses its lustre over time and with repeated use. Sometimes, it can even be marred by unsightly dark stains.
With ammonia, it’s possible to restore silver to its natural nobility, simply by using a cloth soaked in the solution.
For best results, simply rinse the objects thoroughly and wipe dry. The result is impeccable!
3. Cleaning crystal
Ammonia is ideal for making crystal pieces sparkle. Once again, the principle is very simple: simply dilute ammonia in water and use this solution to polish the crystal before rinsing and wiping.
4. Cleaning windows and mirrors
To ensure optimum cleanliness of any glass surface, cleaning with ammonia is an ideal solution. To do this, create a solution based on water and a few drops of ammonia.
No trace or dirt will resist, and windows will regain their incomparable cleanliness and shine.
Good to know: ammonia is also formidable for removing traces of burnt-on material from the glass doors of fireplace inserts.
5. Bathroom cleaning
Ammonia is ideal for cleaning the bathroom and removing all traces of soap and grease from tiles, in particular. Ammonia also has a sanitizing action, removing mold and mildew from joints.
Bathroom walls regain their original shine and cleanliness.
6. Cleaning tiled floors
Ammonia is highly effective for scouring, cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining tiled floors. By adding ammonia to soapy cleaning water, not only will the floor be perfectly clean, but so will the joints, which tend to blacken and clog more easily.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to add ammonia to every wash, as its action is quite long-lasting.
7. Cleaning electric ovens
Over time, the oven often becomes clogged with grease deposits, as well as carbonized food residues that stick to the walls of the appliance.
Ammonia, however, is very difficult to remove, and effectively cleans the oven and restores its original appearance.
As a reminder, precautions must be taken in the case of gas ovens, where the pipes must be kept tightly closed throughout the cleaning process.
For best results, simply place a bowl of ammonia directly in the oven and leave overnight.
Thanks to the vapors released, the deposits will lift off easily, and all that’s left to do is scrub the walls with a kitchen sponge and soapy water.
The oven should then be rinsed with clean water and aired overnight before being used again.
Note: ammonia is also highly effective for cleaning gas burners. It’s also perfect for maintaining barbecue grills. This product is also ideal for degreasing worktops and ceramic hobs.
8. Brass cleaning
Ammonia is ideal for cleaning and polishing tarnished brass objects.
For stunning results, simply use a soft brush dipped in a few drops of ammonia.
Then wipe the brass object with a chamois or, failing that, a clean cloth. The result is impeccable and the shine incredible!
9. Absorbing paint odours
In a new or newly renovated home, paint odors can take a long time to dissipate.
By using small containers filled with 2 tablespoons of ammonia in several places in rooms that have been repainted, it’s possible to get rid of them quickly. Ammonia works within a few hours and eliminates odors for good.
10. Cleaning gold and silver jewelry
Soaking gold or silver jewelry in a cup filled with 50% hot water and 50% ammonia restores its natural shine and impeccable cleanliness.
11. Cleaning non-washable shoes
Ammonia effectively cleans all shoes that cannot be machine-washed. A mixture of water, soap and ammonia removes stains and dirt from shoes.
This trick is particularly effective on white shoes, which tend to get dirty very easily.
12. Cleaning leather bags
We never really know how to clean a leather bag, for fear of damaging it, and also because it’s impossible for this material to be machine-washed.
But there’s an excellent solution, and that’s ammonia. Simply use a soft sponge soaked in soapy water and a few drops of ammonia.
After drying, the second step is to rub the leather with a clean cloth soaked in lemon juice.
Finally, apply a neutral shoe polish to nourish and protect the leather. The result is incredible.
13. As a pest repellent
There’s nothing like spraying pure semi-strong ammonia on your outdoor garbage cans to keep pests out.
For greater effectiveness, we also recommend spraying the inside bags. This way, you can say goodbye to rat attacks and unpleasant odors.
14. An anti-scratching solution
There’s nothing like ammonia to stop itching caused by mosquito bites. We recommend applying a drop of the liquid to the pimple, provided it doesn’t have an open wound.
In a nutshell:
As you can see, ammonia is an essential product to have in your closet. Thanks to its many uses, you’ll need to use it at one time or another.
