What Is the Formula for an Ammonia Cleaning Solution?
Inexpensive household ammonia is the basis for homemade formulas that can be valuable weapons in your arsenal of cleaners. Syndicated Hints from Heloise columnist Heloise recommends ammonia solutions for a variety of uses.
Types of Ammonia
Non-sudsy (regular) ammonia is an all-purpose cleaner that doesn't leave streaks. Sudsy ammonia contains detergent and is good for greasy or grimy surfaces. Scented formulas help tame the strong chemical odor.
Formulas
Blend 1/4 cup sudsy ammonia with water to make 1/2 gallon of solution. Make a non-sudsy mix by combining 1/4 cup non-sudsy ammonia with 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/2 tsp. dishwasher detergent in a half-gallon container. Add water to fill.
Safety
Prevent chemical burns by using rubber gloves and goggles when mixing solution. Use in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling ammonia vapors.
Uses
Remove old wax from tile floors; use as a bathroom or kitchen cleaner; replace brand-name window cleaners with the non-sudsy formula; spray sudsy solution on stainless steel and wipe with paper towels.
Warning
Keep away from children and pets. Do not combine with bleach; mixing creates poisonous chlorine gas fumes. If solution gets in eyes, flush with water; call doctor.
References
- Kitchen Hints from Heloise; More than 1,527 Time-Saving, Money-Saving and Work-Related Hints for Cooking, Cleaning, Shopping, and Storing; Heloise, author and syndicated colmunist; 2005.
Writer Bio
Lynn O'Meara is a professional writer and editor with more than 18 years experience in the news business. She is a feature writer with specialties in the areas of fashion, beauty, food and gardening. Her background is journalism and communication for home economics.
More Articles
