Is Ammonia Safe for Cleaning Microfiber?

Specific solutions, such as ammonia and those advertised to clean microfiber, are safe to use when cleaning.

Production and Purpose

Ammonia is a manufactured chemical that is also a natural component of the environment. When produced in the environment, it is the result of decomposition of animals and plants within the soil. When combined with water, ammonia becomes ammonium hydroxide and is less corrosive than its pure state. It is an effective cleansing agent on many surfaces, such as counter tops, windows, mirrors and furniture, including microfiber covered surfaces.

Application

To clean microfiber with ammonia, first create a combination of water and ammonia to create a less corrosive cleaner. Combine 7 cups of water with 1 cup of ammonia in a bucket. Mix the solution thoroughly for even distribution. Pour some of the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the area of microfiber you want to clean and gently blot the area to penetrate the stain. Only spray thin mists of the solution onto the microfiber to avoid creating water spots.

Extraction

Use a clean cloth to continue blotting the area until the microfiber is slightly damp. Once the microfiber completely dries, check the spot to see whether the fiber is stiff or hardened. If it is coarse, gently rub the area with a clean cloth to soften the fibers to their previous state.

Other Solutions

To eliminate smells in the microfiber, add 1 cup of baking soda to the ammonia solution before applying. Mix it thoroughly to dissolve the baking soda entirely before application. If the ammonia scent is too overwhelming for use, rubbing alcohol is another solution that is effective in removing stains and spots on microfiber materials. However, if you do not remove all of the alcohol from the microfiber, a water ring will result in the area the solution was sprayed.