Vene though bleach always takes the first position when it comes to cleaning, household ammonia is probably one of the most powerful products that you have at home. It is efficient and versatile in terms of uses. Keep reading to see what you can use ammonia for around the house.
Make sure you never combine ammonia with bleach or any other chlorine-containing substance. The reaction produces hazardous fumes that can be fatal. Avoid inhaling the vapours by working in a well-ventilated area. Avoid getting ammonia on your skin or in your eyes by using rubber gloves and protective eyewear. Keep ammonia out of the reach of children at all times.
Ammonia for grease and soap scum
If soap scum and other build up collects on your porcelain tub, sink, or bathroom walls too often for your liking, try using a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 4 litres of water. Scrub them with this solution and rinse thoroughly using warm water.
Cleaning your electric oven can be made easy with ammonia
This is a practically effortless way to clean your oven if it’s greasy, covered in splatters and hardened greasy buildup. Turn on your oven on low, let it warm up, then turn it off. Grab an oven-safe bowl and pour 1⁄2 cup of ammonia in it. Place it on the top rack and place a broiling pan filled with water at the bottom rack. Close the oven door and let the oven sit overnight. In the morning, open the door, remove the bowl and the broiler pan and wipe everything clean. You will be able to effortlessly remove grease, splatters, hardened food and other grime by using a paper towel only.
Make bathroom tiles sparkling clean
Your bathroom walls will become dull and will collect grime, mineral buildup and mildew over time. To quickly clean them in the most efficient matter, make a solution of ¼ cup of ammonia and 4 litres of water. Use this to scrub your tiles. You will be able to remove mould, mildew, stains, and make them spotless again.
Make your crystal sparkle again
If your crystal glasses and plates are not as sparkly as you would like them to be, add a few drops of ammonia into 2 cups of water. Use a soft cloth to buff your crystal with the solution. Once you are done, rinse off with clean water and thoroughly dry them with a clean cloth.
Get rid of paint smell
If you just finished your renovations and painted a few rooms in fresh colours, the smell of the paint may be overwhelming. If you are about to move in but you find it unbearable, use this hack to reduce the smell. Place small bowls full of ammonia in each room that has been repainted. The odour should begin to go away and be completely gone in a couple of days. If it is taking longer, refill the bowls with fresh ammonia.
Clean your fireplace doors
Your wooden stove will cause the glass on the door to become black and prevent you from enjoying the beauty of the flames. If you usually use a blowtorch, save yourself the time and effort and try this trick instead. Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia, 2 tablespoons vinegar and 4 litres of water. Pour the solution in a spray bottle and use it to wipe away the black grime from your stove’s door. If there is a lot of buildup, repeat.
For your silver and gold jewellery
Soak your gold and silver trinkets for 10 minutes in a solution of ½ cup clear ammonia mixed with 1 cup warm water to brighten them. Wipe clean with a gentle cloth and set aside to dry. Do not attempt this with pearl jewellery because it may dull or damage their delicate surface.
Stain removal from clothing
Ammonia is great for stain removal on many fabrics.
Most non-oily stains can be removed with an equal mixture of ammonia, water, and dishwashing liquid. Shake it well in an empty spray container before applying it straight to the stain. Allow it to sit for two to three minutes before rinsing.
Before laundering, rub blood, and urine stains on garments by dabbing the area with a half-strength ammonia and water solution.
To remove pencil marks from clothing, apply a few drops of undiluted ammonia and then rinse. If that doesn’t work, dab some laundry detergent on the spot and rinse again.
You may even erase washed-in paint stains from clothes by soaking them several times in a half-ammonia, half-turpentine solution before throwing them in the wash.
Cleaning carpets and upholstery
To remove stains from carpets or upholstery at home, dab the affected area with a solution of 1 cup clear ammonia and 4 litres of water. Apply and let it completely dry. Repeat if needed.
Your windows shall shine
Dirty, grimy windows can make any home appear gloomy. However, removing the dirt, fingerprints, soot, and dust from your windows is simple. Just use a delicate towel moistened with a solution of 1 cup clear ammonia in 3 cups water to clean them. Your windows will be not only clear, but also streak-free.
Prevent mosquito bites from becoming super itchy
If you forget to apply insect repellent and are bitten by mosquitos, you can reduce the itching immediately by applying a drop or two of ammonia directly to the bites. However, don’t apply ammonia on a bite that has already been scratched open: the itch will be replaced by a painful sting.