Why are windows washed with ammonia and is it possible to do it?

Ammonia, also known as ammonia, is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also in everyday life. It is used to remove stains on clothes and bleach discolored bed linen. It is also very effective to wash windows with ammonia. To do this, the pharmaceutical preparation is diluted with water and sprayed onto glass. After 1–2 minutes, dirt easily comes off the surface and can be easily removed with a soft cloth.

Ammonia for cleaning windows

Under normal conditions, ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, a chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. It is also called “alkaline air”. On the open market you can most often find a 10% aqueous solution of ammonia (ammonia). This is exactly what can be used for cleaning windows. One bottle is enough to clean 3-4 windows.

The main advantage of ammonia over household chemicals is that it does not form foam, which takes a very long time to wash off. At the same time, it effectively dissolves acids, fat, organic residues (pieces of leaves, cobwebs, traces of insects). When using the solution, the glass does not have to be rubbed; dirt can be removed with a slight movement of the hand.

How to dilute ammonia - 3 solution options

Several types of window cleaner can be made with ammonia. It is necessary to take into account the degree of contamination of the glass and the amount of debris on the frame, window sill and cornice.

Solutions options:

• For washing the entire window, including plastic, metal parts, cornices.If not only the glass, but also all window elements are dirty, it is better to dilute ammonia in a large volume of water - 5 ml per 5 liters.
  
• For cleaning heavy stains. For stubborn stains, use a concentrated solution - add 2 tablespoons of ammonia for every 1 liter of water. It not only removes dirt from the window, but also helps clean metal parts from rust and oxides.
  
• For cleaning and preventing dirt from sticking. To not only clean the window, but also to prevent its rapid contamination, glycerin is added to the solution. First you need to dilute it half and half with water, and then add a few drops of ammonia. The proportions are as follows: 150 ml of glycerin, 150 ml of water, 4 drops of ammonia. After washing, an invisible film forms on the glass, which not only repels dirt, but also prevents icing in the winter.
  

To ensure that the components of the solution mix well, it is recommended to pour it into a plastic bottle and shake well for 1-2 minutes. After this, you can screw the spray nozzle onto the neck and immediately start washing the windows. Or you can pour the solution into a basin and arm yourself with a rag - whatever is more convenient for you.

It is strictly forbidden to add chlorine, baking soda, or cleaning powders to a detergent containing ammonia!

Window cleaning instructions

The procedure for cleaning windows with ammonia is standard. You need to choose a cloudy day without rain so that the product does not dry out too quickly and has time to work. Next you should prepare your inventory:

• container with detergent composition (basin or spray bottle);
• broom;
• foam sponges, soft rags;
• newspapers;
• stepladder or stable stool.

Instructions for washing windows with ammonia solution:

1. Remove curtains and blinds.
2. Sweep away cobwebs and debris, starting from the top of the profile (window frame) and ending at the eaves.
3. Use a damp cloth to remove surface debris, working in the same manner from top to bottom.
4. Apply the solution to the window and leave for 1 minute, then rinse with water.
5. Polish the glass using newspapers or soft rags.

This is where the main work is done. All that remains is to wash the curtains and wash the blinds. If the ammonia solution still remains, it can be used to clean other glass surfaces: furniture facades, tables, mirrors, dishes.

Cleaning windows with ammonia is simple, profitable and safe for allergy sufferers. The product can be easily purchased at a pharmacy, and it costs a penny (about 35 rubles per bottle). The pungent odor is practically not felt during cleaning and disappears without a trace after it.