How to Make Soapy Ammonia Cleaning Solution

Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: March 3, 2025 Approved

A favorite cleaning product is "Sudsy Ammonia" - a pre-mixed cleaner readily available in most US supermarkets. It is not readily available elsewhere, or you might not be able to find it. Since "Sudsy Ammonia" is a trade name, this is called "Soapy Ammonia." You'll be able to make gallons of soapy ammonia solution from the one bottle of pure ammonia and save money over the supermarket price. Vary the concentration, depending upon the job. Use it without the detergent for windows instead of brand name window cleaners.

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It's readily available in supermarkets in the household cleaner sections of larger supermarkets in the US. Otherwise, try hardware shops and places that sell industrial cleaners. You will probably want to buy the smallest possible bottle since you won't need a lot.
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plastic bottle spray bottle. These are widely available in grocery stores, chain stores, hardware stores. Basic safety rules say never reuse old commercial cleaner bottles. Old labels or color schemes can be confusing, and new bottles are inexpensive.
Always add ammonia to water, not the other way around
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Do not mix with Bleach"^{[3]
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Write the US Poison Control number 1-800-222-1222 on the bottle.^{[4]
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Can I mix vinegar, water and ammonia together for cleaning countertops?

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Don't combine ammonia and vinegar in the cleaning solution. Ammonia is an alkali and vinegar is an acid, so the two cancel each other out and become neutral, losing all cleaning power.

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Do I need to rinse or do a water application after cleaning with the sudsy ammonia?

Randa Slater

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Yes. Soap attracts dirt, so if you don't rinse after using the solution, your newly cleaned area will become dirty again much faster.

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Is there any need to add perfume?

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The dish soap you use is probably scent enough. Plus, you never know how some ingredients combine, so I wouldn't add anything.

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Tips

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Clean jewelry that has hard precious stones, such as diamond, sapphire, or ruby rings. (Never use anything with water on an opal.)

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Always label homemade cleaners clearly and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

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Warnings

Never mix ammonia with bleach. It will form chloramine gas, which will kill you.

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Do not use on a car window with UV protection or tinting - ammonia will remove it. Just use water or a cleaning detergent for car windows.

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When marking as "poison", also clearly label what the ingredients are and to not mix with bleach. This should also be rinsed from areas where bleach could ever be used.

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