Which Household Cleaning Products Contain Ammonia?

The effectiveness of store bought household cleaners comes from powerful chemical called ammonia. It is one of the most commonly used ingredients in almost all cleaning products to cut through stubborn stains, grease, soap residue, grease and gunk from surfaces. Made by both nature and humans, ammonia has one part of nitrogen (N) and three parts of hydrogen (H3). A colourless gas at room temperature and a strong, pungent odour are the key identifying characteristics of ammonia.

However, excess exposure to the environment can pose potential health hazards. According to experts, using higher concentrations of this hazardous ingredient can lead to respiratory disorders, breathing issues, eye irritation, skin infections and much more. In extreme cases, it can even lead to respiratory failure. From the environment's viewpoint, using chemically laden household cleaning products can cause water and air pollution, harming the entire ecosystem and wildlife. Thus, it becomes essential to opt for more sustainable, non-toxic and effective products for household cleaning.

Fret not! We have compiled a comprehensive list of traditional cleaning products containing ammonia. You can use them safely or choose better alternatives to create a healthy, harmonious, spotless home.

1. Glass Cleaning Sprays

Often used in the form of ammonium hydroxide, ammonia in storebought glass cleaners is a powerful surfactant to dislodge gunk and grime. It can leave glass surfaces gleaming and streak free if used correctly. Ammonia-based cleaning spray can easily remove stubborn smudges, fingerprints and sticky residues in no time. However, excess use could cause permanent damage. People with pre existing allergies also avoid using such products.

What to Use: White vinegar and warm water spray can clean your windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces. It is an acidic acid that works wonders in dislodging gunk and grease without releasing toxic fumes into the air.

2. Oven and Stove Cleaning Products

Are you using traditional oven cleaner to remove baked on grease, burnt food particles and gunk from your kitchen appliances? Unfortunately, ammonia is one of the most common chemical ingredients available in these products. It also contains other caustic chemicals that can be lethal if inhaled or ingested directly. That’s one of the reasons why it can cut through buildup grease and gunk in a breeze. The toxic fume and product leftover on your oven surfaces and stovetop can lead to various health concerns.

Here is a better way to clean your oven and stovetop using natural products

• Remove and soak racks in hot soapy water
• Prepare a thick paste of baking soda and warm water and apply it inside your oven
• Leave it for an hour
• Next, spray white vinegar solution. This will create a frizz. Gently scrub with a brush to remove gunk
• Wipe down with a clean cloth
• Degrease your stovetop using baking soda or vinegar solution.

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3. Drain Cleaners

If not treated well, clogged drains in your bathroom and kitchen can lead to water damage, condensation, unpleasant odours, and mould infestation. However, using commercial drain cleaners can pose serious health concerns. These products contain sodium hydroxide and ammonia, which are listed among hazardous chemicals if used frequently. The worst part is that using undiluted ammonia can lead to corrosive issues, causing costly plumbing damages when moving out of your rental property.

Best Alternative:

Pour a bucket of hot water, followed by a cup of baking soda and white vinegar. This will produce carbon dioxide gas or frizz to break down accumulated gunk, hair debris and food particles. Cover the drain for 10 minutes and flush with warm water. You can also use a drain snake to unclog the drains.

4. Store Bought Floor Cleaners

There is no denying that nitrogen and hydrogen components work wonders in maintaining the shine of your floor cleaners. However, these products often release toxic fumes that may trigger your allergies or cause breathing issues. Also, don’t use dish soap on hardwood floors.

Better Alternative? Always use pH-neutral cleaners on floors. However, it is always good to do a spot test to prevent permanent damage or discolouration, especially for hardwood and natural stone floorings.

5. Toilet Cleaning Products

If you have ever read the label, you will often find ammonia or ammonium hydroxide listed among the top of ingredients in store bought toilet cleaners. The robust alkaline substance effectively breaks down brown stains, hard water residue and limescale without much elbow grease. However, using such products frequently can wreak havoc on your porcelain toilet seat.

What to Use Instead? You can use hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to clean your toilet seat. Use baking soda to kill lingering germs, bacteria and unpleasant odours naturally. For tenants moving out soon can book end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts for attention to detail cleaning. They can help you secure full bond money without any dispute.

6. Carpet and Sofa Cleaners

Ammonia based carpet cleaners have strong alkaline properties that can dislodge protein based stains like food residue, pet stains in a breeze. The best part is that liquid ammonia solution can easily evaporate without leaving a white residue behind. However, if you want an eco-friendly option to clean your leather furniture, plush carpets and sofas, use vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.

Steam cleaning is also an effective method of preventing the use of VOCs in the home. It can freshen up carpets and upholstery without causing discolouration.

7. Safety Guide When Using Ammonia

Of course, ammonia is a highly used chemical in household cleaning products, but using it with caution is essential. Use it carefully around your home by following these instructions:

• Wear protective gear like a face mask, gloves and goggles to prevent direct contact.
• Keep doors and windows open for proper ventilation
• Never mix these products with other cleaning agents or vinegar, as it can produce toxic fumes or can be corrosive.
• Always store ammonia in a cool place, and away from pets and kids.

If you have existing allergies and asthma symptoms, leave the stressful cleaning tasks to the best end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals. They adhere to strict guidelines and use industry grade products to deliver spotless results.

A Guide on Common Cleaning Products That Contain Ammonia

Wrapping up

Eliminating ammonia from household cleaning products is quite impossible. It is available in almost all solvents. However, you can make sustainable decisions by reading the labels and opting for natural and affordable solutions for household cleaning. This will help you avoid toxic gases, indoor air pollution and potential allergies.