This week in Spring Cleaning for Less, I’m reviewing some of the benefits to using ammonia. Unlike the other super powers I reviewed, ammonia can be toxic. Some of you may opt out due to your decision to stick to natural cleaners. However, for those who are not going the natural route and are just looking to save on cleaning products, I cannot ignore the benefits and low cost of ammonia.
Most people know about using ammonia as a window cleaner but like my vinegar post, I’m trying to suggest off-the-beaten path tips:
Clean Your Oven!
There’s no need to purchase expensive oven cleaners when a little ammonia will do the trick. First, warm your ELECTRIC oven to 150°F, then turn it off. Place a small oven proof bowl containing 1/2 cup ammonia on the top shelf. Also, place a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf. Close the oven door and let it sit overnight.
In the morning remove the dish and pan and air out the oven for awhile. Then wipe it clean using the ammonia and a few drops of dishwashing liquid diluted in a quart of warm water. You may want to wear gloves for this task. But it should make even old burned-on grease easy to wipe off. Warning: Do not use this cleaning method with a gas oven!
Brighten White Shoes!
Are your white tennis shoes looking a little dingy these days? Rub them with a cloth dipped in a solution of 1/2 ammonia and 1/2 water. This should brighten them up to almost new shine! This is also a great tip if you bought your shoes at a thrift store and want them to look fresher.
Fight Stains!
Ammonia is great as a stain removal agent. I got a spray bottle and filled with 1/2 water, 1/4 ammonia and 1/4 laundry detergent. Spray this mixture on stains and let them sit a minute or two before throwing them in the wash. Especially good on perspiration, blood and urine stains. As always, if you aren’t sure about using it on a delicate fabric, use it on a test area that won’t show first.
Clean Carpets!
Lift out stains from carpeting and upholstery by sponging them with 1 cup clear ammonia in 1/2 gallon of warm water. Let dry and repeat as needed. Remember to try a test spot if you are unsure about your fabric or upholstery.
Eliminate Concrete Stains!
If your driveway looks like mine, there are stains all over it. To get rid of them, scrub with 1 cup ammonia diluted in 1 gallon of water. Hose it down when you’re done. Presto, it should look fresh and clean again.
Do you have any amazing uses for Ammonia?
Don’t forget to checkout the past Spring Cleaning for Less Agents:
Got Lemons? Don’t Make Lemonade!
Vinegar is Vine-Great!
Don’t Ditch Your Dryer Sheets
Super (Baking) Soda
Shellie loves to share her frugal living tips as well as deals and bargains to help you get more with less. A spender at heart, she balances her frugal lifestyle with the occassional splurge. 
Hi Shellie, Thanks. I’m going to try the mixture for laundry stains. Another ammonia hint: (Do this outside)Put the racks from your oven in a large trash bag with 1 cup of ammonia, tie the bag closed, let sit overnight, remove, rinse with hose, then use a mild soap to wipe clean. You can also do this with barbecue grates. This is if you have a gas grill or gas oven. I wonder if most people know that the oven door can be removed to make cleaning the oven easier?
Have a good weekend:)
Wow. I’ve never heard of the oven cleaner or the laundry stain remover! I am SO going to try this! Thanks so much.
Hi! Just stumbled upon your site! I had some ammonia under the sink and read that it would bleach whites so I tried it today–amazingly it cleaned my white towels BETTER than the bleach normally does! I put the two side by side and the bleached towels had a definite yellow cast to them compared to the ammonia washed ones… I used a cup of ammonia for the whole load of whites. I was pleasantly surprised!
Ammonia is an incredible jewelry cleaner. My uncle, a diamond cutter, recommended 50% ammonia and 50% hot water to clean my rings and they look spectacular. I’d stick to using it on precious metals and gemstones- this will probably kill pearls and such.