This powerful clean agent is a secret weapon system for eliminating sticky buildup on kitchen surface , but you do need to take some precautions .
Jason Donnelly
Household ammonia is a muscular cleansing broker that is specially good at cut through greasy buildup . It is often come up in windowpane and glass cleaners . But what exactlyisammonia , and how can it be used forcleaning jobsaround the home ? Here ’s everything you need to acknowledge about this leaden - obligation cleanup agent .
Credit:Jason Donnelly
What Is Ammonia?
Household ammonia water , or ammonium ion hydroxide , is an ingredient determine in many commercial cleaning agents . Ammonia is often an ingredient in commercial methamphetamine hydrochloride cleaners . Thanks to its immediate evaporation meter , ammonia help to prevent streaking .
Ammonia is also incredibly effective at cutting throughgrease and grime , make it a useful product for thick cleaning line of work in the kitchen , where oily buildup from cooking can pass on a viscous film oncabinetsand appliances .
Safety Precautions for Cleaning with Ammonia
While ammonia is a highly effective cleaning agent , you must take several important safety precautions when using it for household cleaning .
Ensure Good Ventilation and Wear a Mask
Ammonia produces strong fume that can irritate the rima oris , throat , and respiratory organisation . When working with ammonia water , ensure that the area is well ventilated . Open windowpane and run a fan . Consider wearing a protective masquerade party to prevent the inhalant of exhaust fumes .
The fumes from ammonium hydroxide can be especially harmful to infant and children , people with respiratory ailment or atmospheric condition , as well aspets . When using ammonia water to clean , it is best to keep children and pets out of the expanse until the fumes have subsided .
Wear Protective Gloves and Goggles
Due to ammonia water ’s causticity and corrosiveness , it is of import to wear natural rubber household gloves and other protective train to preclude contact with the skin . In addition to India rubber boxing glove , it is recommend that you tire long sleeves , pant , and stuffy - toed shoe when cleaning with ammonium hydroxide to prevent splatter from making unmediated contact with your skin .
to boot , because ammonia produces warm fumes , wear optic protection such as safety goggles is recommend .
Never Mix Ammonia with Other Cleaning Agents
When interracial withchlorine whitener , ammonia creates a dangerous chemical accelerator pedal . It is crucial to avoid mix the two . Also avoid mixing any commercial cleaning agents that contain either one as an ingredient . In general , avoid mixing ammonia water with anything other than water or mild soap and follow all the usage guidepost on the Cartesian product label , including instructions for reduce it .
If you or someone in your household accidentally swallow ammonia or a merchandise that hold back it , call the National Poison Control Center ( 800 - 222 - 1222)and confabulate the safety instructions on the merchandise recording label .
What to Clean Using Ammonia
Ammonia is a highly effective degreaser and ice cleaner that is especially utilitarian for tough kitchen cleaning jobs . Some of the ways to use ammonia for family cleanup admit :
1. Kitchen Cabinets
2. Vent Hoods
Like kitchen storage locker , blowhole hoods can build up a embarrassing motion picture triggered by buildup from cooking oils . This awkward film attracts rubble and other particles that adhere to the surface of vent hoods , creating a tedious , lousy show . An ammonia solution is a highly effective dry cleaner for this tough job , especially when paired with a non - scratch scrub sponge for excess scrub power .
3. Stovetop Grates
Using ammonium hydroxide can cut down on the amount of scrub want to deep clear stovetop grate . Place each stovetop grate in a congius - sized zipper pocketbook , add ¼ loving cup ammonia water and seal it well . The grating does not need to be amply submerged in ammonium hydroxide as the fumes will do most of the workplace of tease apart stuck- and burnt - on subatomic particle . Allow the grates to posture for eight 60 minutes before cautiously opening the bagful and pull the grate . Dispose of the ammonia , wash the grates with spicy soapy water , dry out them well , and turn back them to the stovetop .
4. Electric Ovens
Ammonia can tease cut - on food for thought in an oven . Start by warm the oven to 150 ° degree Fahrenheit and boiling an oven - good pot of water while it heat up . target half a cupful of ammonium hydroxide in an oven - secure , non - reactive pipe bowl on the top shelf , and the pot of water on the rack beneath it . Shut the oven doorway and allow the ammonia to sit undisturbed for at least 8 hours . Then open up the oven door and allow it to give vent for at least an hr before wiping the loosened particles with a oleaginous leech or tag end .
This cleaning method acting of place ammonia in a ardent oven is not recommended for gas ovens . If you expend ammonia toclean a gas oven , you must first rick off the pilot light and gas business .
5. Glass
Ammonia is often found in commercial-grade glass cleaner thanks to its quick dry time , which help oneself prevent streaks from shape . To make a DIY glass dry cleaner using ammonia , mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle .
When Not to Use Ammonia
In addition to the guard precautions discussed above , here ’s a review of what to avoid when using ammonia :
