Household ammonia facts for kids
Household ammonia is a common cleaning product you might find in your home. It's basically ammonia gas mixed with a lot of water. This creates a "dilute solution," meaning the ammonia is spread out and not super strong. About 7% of the liquid you buy is actually ammonia. People use it to clean many things because it's very good at cutting through grease and grime. Sometimes, it's also called ammonium hydroxide, but it's really just ammonia dissolved in water.
Contents
What is Household Ammonia?
Household ammonia is a special type of solution made by mixing ammonia gas with water. Think of it like making juice from a concentrate: you add water to make it ready to drink. In the same way, ammonia gas is mixed with water to create the liquid cleaner we use. This makes it much safer and easier to handle than pure ammonia gas.
How it Works as a Cleaner
Ammonia is known as an "alkaline" substance. This means it's good at breaking down fats, oils, and grease. When you spray household ammonia on a greasy surface, it helps to loosen the dirt and grime, making it easier to wipe away. It's especially popular for cleaning glass because it evaporates quickly and doesn't leave streaks.
Common Uses for Cleaning
Household ammonia is a versatile cleaner used for many tasks around the house. It's often found in products designed for specific cleaning jobs.
Cleaning Glass and Mirrors
One of the most popular uses for household ammonia is cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. Because it evaporates quickly, it helps prevent streaks and leaves glass sparkling clean. Many window cleaning sprays contain ammonia for this reason.
Degreasing Kitchen Surfaces
Ammonia is excellent at cutting through grease and grime in the kitchen. It can be used on countertops, stovetops, and even oven interiors to remove stubborn food residues. Always make sure to rinse surfaces well after cleaning with ammonia, especially where food is prepared.
Cleaning Floors and Tiles
For tough dirt on floors and tiles, a diluted solution of household ammonia can be very effective. It helps lift dirt and leaves surfaces clean. However, it's important to check if ammonia is safe for your specific floor type, as it can damage some finishes.
Safety First: Using Ammonia Safely
While household ammonia is a great cleaner, it's very important to use it safely. It can be harmful if not handled correctly.
Ventilation is Key
Always use household ammonia in a well-ventilated area. This means opening windows or using a fan to let fresh air in. The fumes from ammonia can be strong and irritating to your eyes, nose, and throat. Good airflow helps to carry these fumes away.
Protect Your Skin and Eyes
It's a good idea to wear rubber gloves when cleaning with ammonia to protect your skin. If ammonia splashes into your eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water and seek help from an adult.
Never Mix Ammonia with Bleach
This is a very important safety rule: NEVER mix household ammonia with bleach (like chlorine bleach). Mixing these two common cleaners creates dangerous gases called chloramines. These gases can cause serious breathing problems and other health issues. Always use one cleaner at a time and rinse surfaces thoroughly before using another.
Keep Away from Children and Pets
Like all cleaning products, household ammonia should be stored safely out of reach of young children and pets. Always keep it in its original container with the lid tightly closed.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Hidróxido de amonio para niños
