Ammonia – Common Household Chemical of the Month

What is it? A colorless gas with a very recognizable odor. It is known as a building block chemical and is used in many common household cleaners used every day.

Where is it found? Polishing agents, like you would use for bathroom fixtures, sinks, and jewelry. Also found in glass & window cleaner.

Why should I avoid it? Have you ever wondered why your common bathroom and window cleaner don’t leave any streaks after you’ve cleaned? It’s because ammonia is an ingredient – and it evaporates, making streaks vanish. While most of us love the thought of streak-less bathrooms and windows, it comes at a cost. After ammonia evaporates, guess where it goes? Right into the air you’re breathing! “Ammonia is a powerful irritant,” says Donna Kasuska, chemical engineer and president of ChemConscious, Inc., a risk-management consulting company. “It’s going to affect you right away. The people who will be really affected are those who have asthma, and elderly people with lung issues and breathing problems. It’s almost always inhaled. People who get a lot of ammonia exposure, like housekeepers, will often develop chronic bronchitis and asthma.” Ammonia is definitely not something you want to be breathing is every time you clean your bathroom or windows.

Safer Alternatives – The Window Cloth! One of my favorite products because it leaves NO STREAKS, with NO CHEMICALS! Seriously guys, I am constantly blown away by how wonderful of a job this cloth does on windows and polishing! The first time I used it years ago, I was skeptical and definitely expected a few streaks to be left behind, but it truly leaves nothing behind except a beautiful, clear window!