The Facts

• Ammonia is a compound formed when one atom of nitrogen binds with three atoms of hydrogen. The resulting chemical is a colorless gas with a strong odor. The symbol NH3 is used to designate ammonia. To form household ammonia, the chemical is diluted with water. The final mixture usually contains between 5 and 10 percent ammonia.
  
  

Uses

• Household ammonia can be used as an all-purpose bathroom and kitchen cleaner. Carefully follow the instructions on the packaging and dilute the ammonia with the required amount of water. Windows and other glass surfaces can be cleaned with ammonia mixed with water and rubbing alcohol. Soaking oven racks in warm water and ammonia makes removing grease and burned food easier. Washing out your cabinets with diluted ammonia repels moths.
  
  

Warnings

• Never mix household ammonia with chlorine bleach or cleaners containing chlorine bleach. Mixing the two produces toxic fumes that cause lung damage, coughing and choking. Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Protect your skin from the ammonia because it can cause irritation. Do not use household ammonia around pets, children or people suffering from respiratory problems.
  
  

Accidental Exposure

• If you inhale ammonia fumes while cleaning, immediately go outdoors into fresh air. Use plenty of water to wash away any ammonia that comes into contact with your skin. Ammonia can cause burns or other irritation if left on your skin. Seek medical attention if ammonia is swallowed because it is highly toxic. Also seek medical attention if you experience severe breathing problems or skin irritation.