There is something very satisfying about walking into a clean and organised space after a long day of work or study. But behind this clean appearance lie tons and tons of effort exerted to maintain the space in a pristine condition. Sometimes it can feel like a never-ending job and can leave you wishing for a miracle solution to help solve your cleaning problems. If this is so, it might be time to switch your cleaning products and methods to ones that utilise cloudy ammonia.
Cloudy ammonia is a cleaning agent containing ammonia and soap which is very effective in dealing with a range of cleaning challenges. It is widely lauded as a "natural cleaner", but be warned, it has a very pungent odour, even when used in small quantities.
In this article, we will be talking about how you can use this product in cleaning your home, how to handle the product and what safety precautions to take for it. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or preparing for an end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, our tips will ensure that you are able to clean your home efficiently and are able to impress landlords, guests and even yourself.
1. What Is Cloudy Ammonia and How Does It Work?
Ammonia consists of nitrogen and hydrogen, and cloudy ammonia is simply ammonia with soap in it. This combo makes it an excellent cleaner as it is able to cut through the grease, remove stains and eliminate lingering odours. It is very versatile and can be used to clean various surfaces like glass, tiles or floors. Ammonia is alkaline, and hence, it is able to break down fats and proteins, and when mixed in with soap, it becomes even more effective.
However, it can be hazardous to your health if not handled properly as the fumes from it can cause your eyes to smart, cause skin irritations, respiratory infections, etc. So be very careful when using this.
2. Preparing to Clean with Cloudy Ammonia
Before you start cleaning, gather all your materials: a bottle of cloudy ammonia, a bucket or spray bottle, warm water, gloves and mask, cleaning cloths, sponges and mop. While using Cloudy ammonia for cleaning, you need to observe caution. Always wear gloves and a mask when using it to prevent exposing your skin and respiratory systems to its fumes. Ensure that the room you're using it in is well-ventilated to prevent build-up.
A few additional things to remember when using ammonia are:
- Avoid mixing it with bleach, as this produces toxic fumes.
- Test the surfaces before applying cloudy ammonia on it to make sure it does not get damaged.
- Store cloudy ammonia in a cool and dry place that is out of reach of children and pets.
3. How to Use Cloudy Ammonia for Cleaning
Now that you’ve taken the necessary precautions for handling this product, it’s time to get down to the business of cleaning. There are many ways in which you can use cloudy ammonia to clean:
Cleaning Glass and Windows
In order to get that streak-free finish on your windows and mirrors, mix one part cloudy ammonia with 10 parts water, in a spray bottle. Spray this solution onto the glass surface and wipe it with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. To get a more sparkling finish, buff the surface. This method is very effective in preparing your home for end of lease cleaning Melbourne as clean and gleaming windows can leave a great impression on the property inspector.
Degreasing Kitchen Surfaces
Cloudy ammonia can work miracles on greasy kitchen surfaces like the stovetops and exhaust fans. For this, all you have to do is mix a small amount of cloudy ammonia with warm water. Then dip a sponge or a cloth into it and scrub the grease away. After this, rinse that surface with water and dry it using a different cloth.
Caution: While doing this, make sure the room is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Removing Stains from Bathrooms
The tiles and grout in our bathrooms are one of those surfaces that get neglected during daily upkeep. They tend to accumulate soap scum and mould quite easily. To remove this, you can use a mixture of cloudy ammonia and water in 1:5 ratios. Apply it to the tiles and the grout using a scrub brush and let it sit for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing it out with water. This method is very useful when preparing for end of lease cleaning in Melbourne inspections, where clean bathrooms are the standard.
For Cleaning Your Floors
In order to get sparkling floor using cloudy ammonia add it to your mop water before you give your floors a wipe. Add half a cup of cloudy ammonia to a bucket of warm water. When using the mop, make sure you are applying it evenly to the entire floor. Then allow the floors to air dry to achieve that polished look especially on linoleum or tiles floors.
Getting Rid of House Pests
Because of the strong, pungent smell that ammonia has, many pests are unable to bear it and are repelled by it. You can use this tip to your advantage. Mix one part ammonia and one part water inside a spray bottle. Then, spray this solution to the inside of your garbage bins to prevent pests from getting into your trash. This step can greatly help you when preparing for end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, as a home free of pests is something to be lauded.
Best Cleaning Practices with Cloudy Ammonia for a Sparkling Home
Wrapping Up
If you follow these smart cleaning tips that make use of cloudy ammonia to clean the home, then you will be able to get a spotless finish in no time. Be careful when using the substance and always wear protective gear while you do so. Using cloudy ammonia properly will let you leave a lasting impression on your realtors and reclaim your bond hassle-free.