Uses of Ammonia in Various Work

Ammonia or azane is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH₃. The simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. It is a common nitrogenous waste, particularly among aquatic organisms, and it contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to food and fertilizers. Ammonia, either directly or indirectly, is also a building block for the synthesis of many pharmaceutical products and is used in many commercial cleaning products. It is mainly collected by downward displacement of both air and water. Ammonia is named for the Ammonians, worshipers of the Egyptian god Amun, who used ammonium chloride in their rituals.

Although common in nature and in wide use, ammonia is both caustic and hazardous in its concentrated form. It is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States, and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities which produce, store, or use it in significant quantities.

Uses and Benefits

Ammonia in Fertilizer

About 90 percent of ammonia produced is used in fertilizer, to help sustain food production for billions of people around the world. The production of food crops naturally depletes soil nutrient supplies. In order to maintain healthy crops, farmers rely on fertilizers to keep their soils productive. Fertilizers also can also help increase levels of essential nutrients like zinc, selenium and boron in food crops.

Ammonia in Household Cleaning Products

On its own or as an ingredient in many household cleaning products, ammonia can be used to clean a variety of household surfaces – from tubs, sinks and toilets to bathroom and kitchen counter tops and tiles. Ammonia also is effective at breaking down household grime or stains from animal fats or vegetable oils, such as cooking grease and wine stains. Because ammonia evaporates quickly, it is commonly used in glass cleaning solutions to help avoid streaking.

Ammonia in Industrial/Manufacturing Uses

When used as a refrigerant gas and in air-conditioning equipment, ammonia can absorb substantial amounts of heat from its surroundings.

Ammonia can be used to purify water supplies and as a building block in the manufacture of many products including plastics, explosives, fabrics, pesticides and dyes.

Ammonia also is used in the waste and wastewater treatment, cold storage, rubber, pulp and paper and food and beverage industries as a stabilizer, neutralizer and a source of nitrogen. It also is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

Uses of Ammonia in Household Items

1. Use ammonia to clean your electric oven

Here’s a practically effortless way to clean an electric oven: First, turn the oven on, let it warm to 150° F (65°C), and then turn it off. Place a small oven-safe bowl containing ½ cup ammonia on the top shelf and a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf. Close the oven door, and let it sit overnight. The next morning, remove the dish and pan, and let the oven air out a while. Then, wipe it clean using the ammonia and a few drops of dish washing liquid diluted in a quart of warm water. Even old baked-on grease should wipe right off!

2. Use ammonia to remove bathtub soap-scum

To get rid of those unsightly soap-scum buildups in your bathroom’s porcelain enamel tub and sink, scrub them with a solution of equal parts ammonia and water.

3. Use ammonia to clean bathroom tiles

Make bathroom tiles sparkle again-and kill mildew while you’re at it-by sponging tiled floors, backsplashes and shower enclosures with ¼ cup ammonia in 1 gallon (3.7 litres) water.

4. Use ammonia to repel moths

Pesky kitchen moths seem to come out of nowhere! Banish them for good by washing your cupboards, drawers, and pantry shelves, with ½ cup ammonia diluted in 1 quart (1 litre) water. Leave drawers and cabinet doors open to thoroughly air-dry.

5. Use ammonia to make crystal sparkle

Has the sparkle gone out of your good crystal? Bring back its lost lustre by mixing several drops of ammonia in 2 cups of water and applying with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse it off with clean water, then dry with a soft, dry cloth.

6. Use ammonia to clean oven racks

Get the cooked-on grime off your oven racks by laying them out on an old towel in a large washtub. You can also use your bathtub, though you might need to clean it afterward. Fill the tub with warm water and add ½ cup ammonia. Let the racks soak for at least 15 minutes, then remove, rinse off, and wipe clean.

7. Use ammonia to eliminate paint odours

Your freshly painted home interior sure looks great, but that paint smell is driving you up the wall! There’s no need to prolong your suffering, though. Absorb the odour by placing small dishes of ammonia in each room that’s been painted. If the smell persists after several days, replenish the dishes. Vinegar or onion slices will also work.

8. Use ammonia to clean fireplace doors

Think you’ll need a blowtorch to remove that blackened-on soot from your glass fireplace doors? Before you get out the goggles, try mixing 1 tablespoon ammonia, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 quart (1 litre) warm water in a spray bottle. Spray on some of the solution; let it sit for several seconds, then wipe off with an absorbent cloth. Repeat if necessary—it’s worth the extra effort.

9. Use ammonia to clean gold and silver jewelry

Brighten up your gold and silver trinkets by soaking them for 10 minutes in a solution of ½ cup clear ammonia mixed in 1 cup warm water. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth and let dry. Note: Do note do this with jewelry containing pearls, because it could dull or damage their delicate surface.

10. Use ammonia to remove tarnish from brass or silver

How can you put that sunny shine back in your varnished silver or lacquered brass? Gently scrub it with a soft brush dipped in a bit of ammonia. Wipe off any remaining liquid with a soft cloth – or preferable chamois.