What Is Ammonia and How to Clean With It Safely
Ammonia (NH₃) is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen that, dissolved in water, is used in many cleaners because it cuts grease and leaves glass streak-free. It's useful, but it irritates the eyes and lungs and must never be mixed with bleach.
What it is
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a very strong smell. The "household ammonia" sold in stores is a solution in water (usually 5% to 10%). Industrially it's made with the Haber-Bosch process and is mainly used for fertilizers, refrigeration and chemicals.
What it's good for in cleaning
- Glass and mirrors: many glass cleaners contain it because it evaporates fast and doesn't streak.
- Grease: helps with range hoods, oven exteriors and very greasy kitchen surfaces.
- Unwaxed floors and tile, properly diluted.
Where NOT to use it
- Glass ceramic cooktops and screens (TVs, phones): it can leave a haze or damage the coating.
- Natural stone (marble, granite): it dulls the shine.
- Varnished or waxed wood: it can stain or strip the finish.
- Delicate fabrics without testing first.
Never mix ammonia with bleach or products that contain it: it creates chloramine gases that can cause serious lung damage. Be careful with toilets too: many toilet bowl cleaners contain bleach, so don't use ammonia right after.
How to use it safely
- Ventilate the room: open windows or turn on the exhaust fan.
- Dilute as the label says (for glass, about 1 tablespoon per quart of water is usually enough).
- Wear gloves and avoid contact with your eyes.
- Store it closed, in its original container, away from heat, children and pets.
For professional cleaners
- Keep your products separated by type and clearly labeled: bleach-based on one side, ammonia-based on the other.
- Ask the client whether anyone has asthma or prefers products without strong smells, and note it on the quote.
- Use the AgendaQuote deep cleaning checklist to note which product you use in each area.