How to Use Ammonia in the Laundry
Ammonia is a mystery to some...and a trusted laundry aid to others. It smells horrible, but leaves your laundry smelling fresh and clean. It seems like it should eat through fabric, but is gentle enough for delicates and can even be used on silk, if diluted properly, and is safe for colored clothes.
This article walks you through using ammonia in your laundry.
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Instructions
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Use non-sudsy ammonia in your laundry.
Ammonia comes in two types: sudsy, which contains a small amount of detergent and non-sudsy, or regular. Non-sudsy is usually used in the laundry. Sudsy can be used in the laundry as well, although you may need to reduce the amount of laundry detergent if you find you have too much suds in your washer.
Ammonia also comes in unscented, lemon and pine. The scent doesn't make much difference in the wash, but may smell a little better out of the bottle.
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Use ammonia on stains that are acidic, like fresh perspiration or urine, or fatty or greasy stains. Because ammonia is alkaline, opposite of acidic, it works to neutralize and remove those stains.
It also works to freshen laundry by neutralizing odors, rather than masking them. Most unpleasant odors are either highly acidic (think spoiled milk) or highly alkaline (like ammonia). Using something that is the opposite neutralizes the odor. It also takes out latex paint, as it dissolves the latex (see warning below).
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Pre-soak heavily stained or really smelly clothes in equal parts water and ammonia in the washing machine for 30 minutes. Add detergent and another 1/2 cup to full cup of ammonia when you're ready to wash.
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Use ammonia in your regular laundry by adding a 1/2 cup with the recommended amount of detergent. Ammonia works in all temperatures of water and can be used with excellent results in cold water with delicate clothes.
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Use ammonia to remove perspiration stains from silk. Test a diluted mixture (one part ammonia and two parts cool water) on a hidden seam to make sure the fabric is color-safe. Then sponge the area with the solution, rinse and hang to dry. If any stains remain, repeat the process.
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Tips & Warnings
NEVER mix ammonia with chlorine bleach or any product containing chlorine bleach. The resulting fumes ARE fatal. If you accidentally mix the two, leave the area immediately. Try to open windows and doors to ventilate the area and remove pets from the area. If you inhale any fumes, call 911 immediately and explain the situation.
Don't use ammonia on latex fabrics or latex blend fabrics. Latex will dissolve in ammonia, which is why it's great at getting latex paint out of other fabrics!
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
This process works wonders. I've tried it after being given the tip by my Spanish friend. I never use hot water now in my machine either.
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I mix ammonia with other things to keep pests from eating my plants outside.
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hmmm...I just bought a bottle and will give it a try!! Thanks "Other Robyn"!
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I should be it, and closes shoudl be clothes....
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My girlfriend used ammonia on her laundry. She puts in in the fabric softner spot. I makes the front loading machines clean, takes out soap scrum of the machine, besides cleaning the closes. I brought her machine....it is going to feel weird to put that in.....old habits are hard to break.
