What Is Ammonia Used For? 11 Surprising Ways to Use It Around the Home

One of the most powerful and inexpensive household cleaners, ammonia often gets overlooked. We asked experts how to use it safely in surprising ways all over the home.

A natural cleaner with an eye-watering smell, ammonia promises to cut through even the toughest stains. And while you may never have used the stuff, you’ve no doubt heard of it. Pro cleaners sing its praises—and suggest serious caution. So what is ammonia used for around the house?

Cleaning products containing ammonia will make old jewelry shine and lift pet stains from carpets, though that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also the active ingredient in original Windex and what makes the spray so effective at cleaning glass. And then there’s household ammonia, a solution you can use to whip up potent and inexpensive cleaners that’ll tackle a range of messes throughout the home.

It also poses some real health risks if used improperly. I’ve been writing about cleaning for over a decade, and I know well that you should never, ever mix ammonia and bleach (or products containing them) because the combination produces toxic fumes. Though I’ve used ammonia to clean a film of grime from some engineered hardwood floors, having young children in the house for over a decade made me too afraid to keep it on hand.

But as my kids are getting older, I’m getting more comfortable with cleaning products that have the potential to save me some time and elbow grease (never mind money!). To understand how to use ammonia safely, I spoke with Metin Karayilan, PhD, an assistant professor of chemistry at Case Western Reserve University, and cleaning expert Janet Thaeler of the popular cleaning YouTube channel Clean Freak & Germaphobe. Ahead, they explain what ammonia is used for, how to clean with it and ways to keep yourself safe in the process.

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About the experts

  • Metin Karayilan, PhD, is an assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University, where his interests include organic chemistry, green chemistry and chemical education. He completed his postdoctoral research at Duke University and has co-authored several papers.
  • Janet Thaeler is one of the cleaning experts behind the popular YouTube channel Clean Freak & Germaphobe. The duo shares cleaning tips, cleaning hacks and cleaning product reviews with an audience of over 260,000 subscribers.

Reviewed for accuracy by: Ann Russell, TikTok’s “cleaning auntie” and the author of How to Clean Everything.

Is it safe to use ammonia for cleaning?

making homemade glass cleaner with ammoniaTMB studio

Yes, household ammonia is safe to use for cleaning—if you take certain precautions. Avoiding health concerns when using the cleaner starts with an understanding of the chemical itself: Straight ammonia is a gas at room temperature, according to Karayilan. “Ammonia itself or at high concentrations is not safe for cleaning,” he says. “Liquid or gaseous ammonia should only be used for academic or industrial purposes under engineering controls.”

Household ammonia, on the other hand, is already diluted when you buy it. That goes for products simply called “ammonia,” “clear ammonia” or “ammonia all-purpose cleaner.” Confused? “Household ammonia is a 5% to 10% ammonia solution in water and partly in its ammonium salt form,” Karayilan explains. These products, he notes, are safe for cleaning.

Health-saving tips for cleaning with ammonia

While household ammonia is safe for cleaning, you still need to take safety measures. “[Ammonia] can be irritating to the eyes and mucous surfaces, such as respiratory and digestive tracts, and to some extent can be a skin irritant,” says Karayilan. To sidestep those issues, be sure you’re following this advice:

  • Don’t mix ammonia and bleach.
  • Avoid extended exposure to the chemical.
  • Make sure you’re using ammonia in an area with “decent ventilation.”
  • Be careful about how much you’re adding to your homemade cleaner.
  • Use safety goggles and rubber gloves while handling ammonia.

The most grave danger comes from mixing ammonia with bleach. “Household ammonia solutions should not be mixed with household bleach,” Karayilan says. “That would release toxic fumes.”

According to the American Chemistry Council, this toxic gas (known as chloramine) can cause issues like coughing; shortness of breath; throat, nose or eye irritation; chest pain; nausea; pneumonia; and fluid in the lungs. That’s why it’s so important to follow all instructions on the cleaning product’s label and to always wear eye protection and gloves when cleaning with ammonia.

You should use ammonia only in a well-ventilated area. As a study in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health points out, doubling up on two of these ammonia-cleaning no-nos—using a concentrated solution in a poorly ventilated area—leads to potentially hazardous airborne ammonia exposures in a matter of minutes.

Safety Tip
Never mix ammonia with bleach. The combination produces a toxic gas that can be harmful to your health.

What is ammonia used for?

Ammonia can be a powerful addition to any cleaning arsenal, cutting through tough messes in tubs, toilets and sinks, on stovetops and over glass surfaces. “Ammonia is a versatile and inexpensive cleaner that can be used for many cleaning jobs,” says Thaeler. “It’s an effective all-purpose cleaner for surfaces such as countertops, floors and bathroom fixtures, and it’s an ideal way to clean many hard surfaces.”

The reason the chemical is such a cleaning wonder has to do with its pH. “Ammonia is basic and usually removes relatively more acidic hydrogen atoms from grease [fatty acid] and makes them negatively charged and more soluble in water,” Karayilan explains.

Ready to start cleaning with this inexpensive and effective product? Keep reading to learn what ammonia is used for when cleaning the house.

1. Giving glass a streak-free shine

cleaning window glass with yellow rubber gloves, pink micro fiber cloth and ammoniaMima88/getty images

Ammonia is a favorite for cleaning windows because it evaporates so quickly. This means that your freshly washed windows won’t be marred by streaks. “Many commercial glass cleaners have a small amount of ammonia in them,” Thaeler points out. “Ammonia can remove hard water deposits on mirrors. It’s also a degreaser.”

Be sure to avoid one common pitfall when using ammonia to clean glass: “Sometimes people recommend mixing vinegar with ammonia,” she says, “but vinegar is an acid, and ammonia is a base, so they cancel each other out.” (Plus, we shouldn’t be mixing cleaning products or chemicals willy-nilly!) Instead, she recommends mixing 1 cup of ammonia with a gallon of water and spraying it onto the glass surface. To finish, “wipe with a lint-free cloth, such as microfiber,” she says.

Pro Tip

While you can use ammonia safely and effectively on many glass surfaces, including mirrors, don’t use it (or products containing it) when cleaning glass stovetops. Ammonia can damage the surface and void your warranty.

2. Brightening dull jewelry

jewelry in bowl of ammoniaKwangmoozaa/Getty Images

With the accumulation of hand soap, lotion and other daily dirt, jewelry can get grubby quickly. One of my favorite easy pick-me-ups is cleaning my wedding ring and other jewelry. And ammonia makes doing so a snap. Do not use ammonia on porous gemstones; white gold, gold or silver plating; or other delicate materials as it can damage the finish.

Here’s Thaeler’s process for using ammonia to clean jewelry:

  1. Add one-quarter cup of ammonia and one-and-a-half cups of water to a bowl.
  2. Soak jewelry in the solution for about 10 to 15 minutes to “help loosen dirt, grime and oils from the jewelry’s surface,” she says.
  3. Scrub items with a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to get into the grooves for a thorough clean.
  4. Rinse the jewelry and pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Pro Tip

Don’t use ammonia on pearls when cleaning your jewelry. It can dull and damage them.

3. Cleaning your stovetop and oven

electric coil stove topTMB studio

Cleaning the stovetop is a drag, but ammonia can make the job much easier. “Ammonia easily removes grease, grime and dust,” says Thaeler. “It’s also effective for cleaning the fan above your stove and any grease that splatters around your stove.”

Just keep the ingredient away from glass stoves—it can damage them. For other types of stoves, you can follow Thaeler’s lead: “Mix half a cup of ammonia with a gallon of hot water and use a sponge or microfiber cloth to clean surfaces,” she says. After applying the ammonia solution, rinse with warm water.

While you’re at it, clean stains in your oven with ammonia. Start by scraping off as much burnt food as you can and cleaning it out of your oven. “Saturate a paper towel or cloth in ammonia and put it over oven stains,” Thaeler instructs. “Next, cover with plastic wrap to keep it wet and in contact with the surface. Leave it on for at least an hour and then wipe it off. The stains will lift and wipe off easily. Repeat as needed.”

4. Cleaning oven racks

Chrome Elegance: Sleek Grill and Drip Tray Define the Allure of the Oven's Inner ChamberAlexander Donin/Getty Images

An often-forgotten step in the oven-cleaning process, cleaning oven racks is both necessary and easier when you use household ammonia. Thaeler’s go-to method requires large plastic bags (like kitchen trash bags) into which you’ll place your oven racks. “Pour 2 cups of ammonia inside and seal the bag,” she says. “You may want to use two bags and tie them at opposite ends so the ammonia doesn’t evaporate.”

A couple cups of ammonia may not seem like enough for bulky oven racks, but the goal isn’t to submerge the racks. “It’s not the ammonia that does most of the work,” Thaeler says. “It’s the fumes.”

Let the racks sit in the bag for several hours, ideally overnight. “Then use extra-fine steel wool (grade 0000) or a Brillo pad to remove any leftover mess,” she says, adding that most of it will wipe off easily. Still dealing with stuck-on stains? She suggests soaking paper towels in ammonia and covering the worst spots—or simply repeating the entire process.

Whatever you do, use caution when following these steps. “Be careful when you open the bag so the ammonia doesn’t spill and that you don’t breathe in the fumes,” Thaeler warns.

5. Melting stubborn soap scum

wet tileYarphoto/Getty Images

Soap scum is among the most stubborn types of bathroom gunk and can derail any bathroom-cleaning effort. When elbow grease alone isn’t getting the job done, use ammonia to make your tiles, tub and glass shower doors sparkle once again. Note: While household ammonia can be used to clean surfaces such as glass and porcelain, according to Karayilan, it should not be used on plastics or coated surfaces. Make sure your bathroom surfaces are compatible with ammonia before using.

“Use half a cup of ammonia with a gallon of hot water,” instructs Thaeler. Pull on some rubber gloves (safety first!), then use a sponge dipped in the solution to scrub troubled areas. Wait a few minutes and then rinse the shower clean with a showerhead or pitcher.

Be sure to open windows for ventilation. If you don’t have windows in your bathroom, at least ensure your bathroom doors are open and your bathroom fan is running. If at any point the fumes feel overwhelming, move to a more ventilated area.

6. Making crystal sparkle

wineglasses on black tableCCeliaPhoto/Getty Images

Any occasion to break out the fancy crystal is special, but cloudy crystal really puts a damper on the festivities. To restore crystal glasses and other items to their proper sparkle, mix about a tablespoon of ammonia with 2 cups of water. If the crystal is really greasy, Thaeler recommends adding a drop of dishwashing liquid to the solution. Wearing gloves, dip a lint-free cloth into the solution and wipe your crystal. Rinse clean.

7. Freshening laundry

laundry day.Washing machine full of colorful clothesCarol Yepes/Getty Images

You can use ammonia as a laundry additive to whiten whites, make colors brighter and remove stains and odors. It is especially good at getting rid of musty odors clinging to your blankets and woolens. Thaeler says that adding ammonia to a load of laundry “helps to remove grease stains and more, without the yellowing bleach can cause. It also acts as a fabric softener and can remove perspiration stains from deodorant.”

You can add a cup of ammonia to your wash cycle for extra cleaning power—just be sure there is no bleach in your detergent. Remember, ammonia and bleach do not mix! Follow the instructions on the ammonia bottle when washing with it. For hand-washing, add a quarter cup of ammonia to a quart of warm water before adding your clothes. Allow them to soak for a few minutes and then launder as usual.

8. Removing fabric stains

yellow rubber gloves and a clear spray bottle with ammonia on a carpet for cleaning stainsMoussa81/Getty Images

Thanks to its ability to break down dirt and oils, ammonia is a powerful stain remover. According to the American Chemistry Council, it effectively tackles wine stains and stains from animal fats or vegetable oils, such as cooking grease.

Remove oil and wine stains with ammonia

To treat wine- and oil-stained clothing and other fabrics, mix equal parts ammonia and water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle and spray it onto the stain. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection! Allow the solution to sit for up to half an hour. Rinse the area clean and then launder the garment as usual.

Remove blood stains with ammonia

“One of my favorite uses for ammonia is to clean blood stains off pillows, mattresses and sheets,” says Thaeler. “We tested it against other cleaners, and it was most effective.”

She suggests using a ratio of one-quarter cup of ammonia to a quart of water but says that a half-and-half ratio is also fine.

Remove rug stains with ammonia

You can also use this ammonia-based stain-removing spray to address stains on rugs, upholstery and even curtains. Vacuum rugs first and then add 2 cups of ammonia to a gallon of warm water. Always make sure to spot-test a cleaning product (even a DIY one!) in an inconspicuous area first to make sure the solution won’t damage your items.

Wearing gloves and eye protection, spray the solution onto your stain, allow it to penetrate and then blot the stain with a rag to lift the stain. Repeat as necessary. Rinse with clean water.

Pro Tip

Don’t use ammonia on wool or silk. It could damage the fibers.

9. Cleaning really dirty dishes

Woman washing plate at kitchen washbasinWavebreakmedia/Getty Images

Faced with a sink full of dishes that have dried-on or burnt-on food? Fill the sink with warm water and add half a cup of ammonia. Add a squirt of dish soap. This combination will “easily remove stuck-on food or grease,” Thaeler says.

10. Brightening white sneakers

A white sneaker next to a cleaning clothAna Belen Garcia Sanchez/Getty Images

White sneakers are a fashion statement … unless they’re dirty and dingy. Restore them to their former glory with a 50-50 mix of water and ammonia.

“Remove the laces and add them to ammonia,” says Thaeler. That’s your first step. After that? Safety check! You’re wearing gloves, right?

Use a cloth to apply the ammonia-and-water solution to the sneakers. “Use a laundry brush or toothbrush to loosen stains,” Thaeler adds. Finally, rinse thoroughly and air-dry. Air-drying in the sun will whiten sneakers further and eliminate the ammonia smell.

11. Keeping pests away from garbage cans

Two plastic garbage cans stand on clean asphalt against the background of flowering bushes on a sunny day. The concept of recycling garbage, city cleanlinessLari Bat/Getty Images

Ammonia is a powerful pest deterrent—if you’ve ever caught a whiff, you understand why. “The strong scent helps deter them, and the nitrogen can make them think another animal ‘marked’ the territory,” Thaeler explains.

Mix a solution of one part ammonia to one part water in a spray bottle. Spritz around trouble areas, such as in garbage cans or recycling bins. This will keep raccoons, bears and possums away … and keep you from having to clean up the messes they make!

That said, it bears repeating (pun intended): Always keep ammonia and ammonia-based cleaners away from pets and children.

FAQs

What is ammonia, exactly?

Ammonia is a naturally occurring chemical and a building block for a variety of household and commercial products. About 99% of the ammonia produced worldwide is used as fertilizer. But what is ammonia used for in most people’s homes? Cleaning, of course.

According to Karayilan, household ammonia is 5% to 10% ammonia solution in water. “These ammonia solutions can be used to clean surfaces such as glass, porcelain and stainless steel [but not plastics or coated surfaces or screens],” he says.

Is ammonia harmful to humans?

Yes, ammonia can be harmful to humans, which is why you must take safety precautions, such as wearing eye and skin protection and properly ventilating your space, when using it for cleaning. Used improperly, the chemical can seriously irritate your eyes, lungs and skin. “Liquid and gaseous ammonia are harmful and toxic to humans,” Karayilan says, noting that ammonia-and-water solutions (which is what home-use cleaners consist of) are not as dangerous as their undiluted counterparts.

That said, any ammonia cleaner becomes a danger when mixed with bleach or detergents and all-purpose cleaners that contain chlorine bleach. So avoid mixing ammonia with any product that contains bleach.

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on what ammonia is used for, Shifrah Combiths tapped her decade-long experience as a cleaning and organizing writer, and then Ann Russell, TikTok’s “cleaning auntie” and the author of How to Clean Everything, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

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Shifrah Combiths
Shifrah (SHEE-fruh) is a home expert whose lifestyle writing appears in Reader's Digest, Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Cubby and more. She's passionate about sharing how to create a clean, organized and efficient home in ways that leave time for what matters most. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her husband, five kids and two rambunctious Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Scarlett and Red.