Using cloudy ammonia for cleaning can be very effective, but it needs knowledge and respect. This guide walks you through what it is, where it works best, and how to use it safely around your home.
What exactly is cloudy ammonia?
Cloudy ammonia is a household cleaning solution made from water, ammonia (usually around 5–10% ammonium hydroxide), and a small amount of soap or detergent, which gives it that milky, “cloudy” look.
Compared with clear ammonia, it’s usually a bit milder but still strong enough to cut through heavy grime, grease and some stains when diluted correctly.
Ammonia itself is alkaline, which means it’s very good at breaking down fats, oils and some types of dirt that ordinary dishwashing liquid struggles with.
When does cloudy ammonia actually help?
Used properly, cloudy ammonia can save you time and elbow grease on several tough jobs around the house.
1) Greasy kitchen build‑up
Cloudy ammonia is excellent on baked‑on grease and oily films on:
- Stovetops and cooktops
- Rangehood filters
- Oven doors and trays (not self‑cleaning surfaces)
The alkaline solution helps break down fat and oil so they lift off more easily with a sponge or cloth.
2) Soap scum and bathroom film
On some bathroom tiles and glass, cloudy ammonia can loosen soap scum and body oils, especially in showers where normal bathroom spray isn’t enough.
3) Hard‑to‑shift floor grime
Diluted cloudy ammonia is sometimes used on sealed hard floors to break down stubborn grime and scuff marks, especially in entryways and high‑traffic areas.
4) Glass and some window cleaning
A weak solution can give glass a streak‑free finish because ammonia helps dissolve oily fingerprints and light residue.
5) Selected bond‑cleaning situations
Professional bond cleaners in places like Brisbane often use cloudy ammonia carefully on very greasy or neglected areas—such as old oven grease or rangehood filters—because it speeds up cleaning when time is tight.
How to dilute and apply cloudy ammonia?
Cloudy ammonia should almost never be used straight from the bottle on household surfaces. Dilution makes it safer and often more effective.
General preparation
- Wear gloves and, ideally, eye protection.
- Open windows and doors; turn on exhaust fans for strong ventilation.
- Never mix it with other chemicals (especially bleach or acid‑based cleaners).
Typical dilution ranges
(Always check the label on your specific product first.)
- Greasy kitchen surfaces: around 1 cup cloudy ammonia to a bucket (8–10 L) of warm water.
- Bathroom tiles/soap scum: ½–1 cup in a bucket of warm water, applied with a sponge or cloth.
- Hard floors (sealed): a small splash (¼–½ cup) in a full mop bucket; don’t overdo it because too much ammonia can dull finishes.
- Rangehood filters: soak in hot water with roughly 1 part cloudy ammonia to 10 parts water, then rinse thoroughly.
Simple application steps
- Test first on a small, hidden area to make sure there’s no discolouration or damage.
- Apply with a cloth, sponge or mop rather than spraying fine mist into the air, which you can easily breathe in.
- Give it a few minutes to loosen grime, but don’t let it dry on the surface.
- Rinse well with clean water, especially on food‑contact surfaces or in bathrooms.
- Ventilate until the smell has gone before closing the room.
Safety first: risks and what to avoid
Cloudy ammonia is powerful, but misuse can be harmful to you, your family and your surfaces.
1) Fumes and ventilation
Ammonia fumes can irritate your eyes, nose and lungs, especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms.
Always:
- Use it in a well‑ventilated area.
- Take breaks if the smell is strong.
- Avoid breathing directly over the bucket or cloth.
2) Never mix with bleach or acids
Mixing ammonia with chlorine bleach (or bleach‑based products) forms toxic chloramine gas, which can cause serious breathing problems and can be life‑threatening in high concentrations.
The same caution applies to strong acidic cleaners (like some toilet or descaler products), which can also react dangerously with ammonia.
3) Keep off certain surfaces
Cloudy ammonia is not suitable for:
- Unfinished or waxed wood
- Natural stone such as marble or limestone
- Some delicate or painted finishes
- Some electronics or screens
The alkaline solution can etch, dull or damage these materials over time.
4) Protect skin and eyes
Undiluted or strong solutions can irritate or burn skin and eyes. Safety data sheets recommend protective gear such as gloves, chemical goggles and appropriate footwear when handling larger quantities.
If splashed in eyes or on skin, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation continues.
5) Storage and children
Store cloudy ammonia in its original labelled container, tightly closed, away from children and pets.
Never pour it into drink bottles or unmarked containers where it can be mistaken for water or another liquid.
Cloudy ammonia vs. other cleaning options
You don’t need cloudy ammonia for every job. In many cases, milder products or specialised cleaners are safer and easier.
When cloudy ammonia makes sense
- Thick, greasy build‑up that normal degreasers can’t shift
- Old soap scum that resists standard bathroom sprays
- Stubborn grime in bond cleans where time and labour are limited
When to choose something else
- Everyday wipe‑downs: dish soap or an all‑purpose cleaner is usually enough.
- Disinfection: use appropriate disinfectants or bleach (but never alongside ammonia).
- Delicate or natural surfaces: use products designed specifically for those materials.
Thinking this way helps you reserve cloudy ammonia for the handful of jobs where it genuinely adds value, instead of using it everywhere out of habit.
Practical tips from professional bond cleaners
Professional end‑of‑lease and bond cleaners in Brisbane and other Australian cities often treat cloudy ammonia like a specialty tool rather than a default product.
Here are some simple habits they follow:
- Plan the job: they decide where cloudy ammonia is truly needed (for example, greasy rangehoods or stubborn soap scum) and use gentler products elsewhere.
- Use it in short bursts: apply, agitate, and rinse quickly instead of letting it sit for long periods inside closed rooms.
- Combine with mechanical action: good scrubbing pads, brushes or steam make cloudy ammonia more effective so they can use weaker dilutions.
- Finish with fresh air: doors and windows stay open until fumes are gone and surfaces are dry.
If you’re not comfortable handling strong chemicals or if you’re cleaning for a bond inspection bringing in trained cleaners can be safer and often more cost‑effective than experimenting on your own.
Key takeaways
- Cloudy ammonia is a strong but useful cleaner made from household ammonia plus soap, ideal for tackling heavy grease, soap scum and tough grime when diluted correctly.
- It must always be used with good ventilation, protective gear and careful rinsing.
- Never mix it with bleach or acid cleaners due to the risk of dangerous gas formation.
- It’s best reserved for specific hard jobs, while everyday cleaning and delicate surfaces should rely on milder, purpose‑made products.
Used wisely, cloudy ammonia can be a powerful ally in deep and bond cleaning. Used carelessly, it can damage surfaces and affect your health. Take the cautious route, follow the label, and don’t hesitate to call professionals when in doubt.
FAQs about Cloudy Ammonia
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1. What exactly is cloudy ammonia?
Cloudy ammonia is household ammonia (5-10% ammonium hydroxide) mixed with soap or detergent, giving it a milky appearance. It's milder than clear ammonia but still powerful for cutting grease and grime.
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2. Can I use cloudy ammonia straight from the bottle?
No! Always dilute it first. Straight cloudy ammonia can damage surfaces and irritate skin/eyes. Typical ratio: 1 cup per 8-10L warm water for most jobs.
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3. Will cloudy ammonia damage my surfaces?
It can damage natural stone (marble, limestone), waxed wood, and some painted finishes. Always test in a hidden spot first. Safe for sealed tiles, glass, stainless steel.
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4. How do bond cleaners use cloudy ammonia safely?
Pros use it only for heavy grease (rangehoods, old ovens), always with ventilation, gloves, goggles. They dilute precisely and rinse completely to pass inspections.
