Top 7 Surfaces You Can Clean Using Cloudy Ammonia
Okay, so you’ve probably walked past that bottle of cloudy ammonia in the cleaning aisle and thought, “What even is this stuff?” You’re not alone. Cloudy ammonia is a mixture of household ammonia, water and soap—a no nonsense powerhouse that can tackle the toughest household messes with surprising ease. While it may not have the flashy branding of modern sprays, it’s one of the most effective ways to cut through grime. However, because of its strong odour and potential hazards, it’s vital to use it in well ventilated spaces and always dilute it appropriately.
From windows and walls to ovens and tiles, cloudy ammonia can clean various surfaces. This article will explore 7 surfaces where cloudy ammonia does miraculous work and this will also provide smart and safe ways to make the most of this cleaning gem. Whether you’re doing a bit of spring cleaning or preparing for a budget End of Lease Cleaning Geelong job that even professionals would be proud of, these tips can help you save both time and effort.
1. Windows and Glass
Cloudy ammonia is a great substitute for shop bought glass cleaners, particularly for streak free finishes. Just combine a tablespoon of cloudy ammonia with a litre of warm water and use it to clean windows, glass doors or mirrors. Wipe it on using a sponge or cloth and finish off with a dry microfiber towel for a sparkling, polished finish. This remedy is especially useful for eliminating greasy fingerprints, insect marks and tough dirt that builds up over time. For those who have to carry out vacate cleaning, streak free and clean windows are important to making a lasting impression on your landlord or property manager.
2. Kitchen Benchtops and Cabinets
Sticky kitchen cabinets and benchtops can accumulate years of built up grease and dust, especially around the stovetops. Cloudy ammonia diluted with water makes short work of these messes. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down laminate, vinyl, or sealed wood surfaces but avoid using it on unsealed timber, as the moisture can cause damage to it. For areas prone to grime, such as near the rangehood, cloudy ammonia can cut through grease that ordinary cleaners fail to remove.
3. Floors and Tiles
Whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry area, tiled floors can benefit greatly from a cleaning session using cloudy ammonia. Add a few capfuls to a bucket of warm water and mop away. Not only will this solution lift the dirt, but it will also break down soap scum and hard water stains without leaving behind a sticky residue.
This method is highly recommended when preparing for a meticulous End of Lease Cleaning Geelong session that tenants often stress about. Using this method to clean the high traffic areas is especially important as landlords pay close attention to cleanliness here.
4. Oven and Rangehood Interiors
The grime inside ovens and rangehoods can be notoriously difficult to remove. Cloudy ammonia can help loosen burnt on food and grease with minimal scrubbing. For this, you need to place a small dish of undiluted cloudy ammonia in a cold oven overnight. The fumes will help soften the grime, making it easier to wipe away the next day. Always wear gloves and ventilate the area well when doing this.
As an added tip, combine cloudy ammonia with baking soda for tougher oven trays and racks – it’s a gentle abrasive that works beautifully alongside the ammonia’s degreasing action.
5. Bathroom Fixtures and Grout
Cloudy ammonia can be an effective solution for cleaning soap scum off shower screens, taps and tiles. It’s especially handy for restoring discoloured grout. A diluted mix applied with an old toothbrush can lift mould and grime from between tiles but be cautious with coloured grout, as ammonia can cause fading over time.
Pair this with a non scratch scrubbing pad for surfaces like porcelain sinks or ceramic basins for a “new like” sparkle. For renters facing a final inspection, this is a valuable tool to have in your comprehensive End of Lease Cleaning Geelong checklist.
6. Outdoor Furniture and Plastic Surfaces
Plastic garden furniture and outdoor bins often collect dust, bird droppings and stains that water alone won’t be able to lift. Mix cloudy ammonia with warm water in a spray bottle, spritz onto the surface and scrub with a stiff brush. This treatment can revive the look of aged plastic outdoor furniture and brighten up white items that have dulled over time. Remember to rinse thoroughly and dry the items in the sun for best results. Your outdoor area will look fresh and inviting, perfect for handover during lease transitions.
7. Walls and Doors
Scuff marks, fingerprints and mystery smudges on painted walls or doors can be lifted using a weak cloudy ammonia solution. Mix a small amount of it in water and apply with a soft cloth or sponge, gently wiping the affected area as you do so. Avoid scrubbing too hard on matte finishes or delicate paints to prevent removing the colour or leaving visible patches behind. This is particularly helpful for high contact areas like around light switches and door handles – often overlooked but highly visible during final inspections.
Surfaces You Can Clean Using Cloudy Ammonia
Wrapping up
Cloudy ammonia is a tried and true cleaner that makes it an essential part of any serious cleaning routine, especially for those looking to impress during inspections or transitions. Whether you’re tackling greasy surfaces in the kitchen, lifting grime from tiles, or refreshing outdoor settings, cloudy ammonia delivers. You simply need to use it properly and with the right safety precautions. Try incorporating it into your next big clean and experience the difference. Happy Cleaning!
