Ammonia gas is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used on a variety of surfaces, though it is typically used to fertilize crops. Having said that, the use of ammonia is also constrained due to its interactions with other chemicals and its potency against particular pollutants, like mold.
Although ammonia can effectively remove surface mold, porous surfaces shouldn’t be treated with it. Moisture can also be detected by mature mycelium growth (visible mold formations). Even when applied to non-porous surfaces, mold spores will inevitably come into contact with the surface once more, restarting the fungi’s life cycle.
It is best to first understand what ammonia is and how to safely use it before using it to treat mold-related issues. This includes any interactions (or lack thereof) with other chemicals as well as surfaces to stay away from.
Table of Contents
What is Ammonia?
Nitrogen and hydrogen atoms make up ammonia, also known as anhydrous ammonia (NH3). It is a colorless gas that is naturally created by humans and by the environment.
Ammonia is mostly utilized as fertilizer. Nitrogen makes up 80% of the atmosphere on Earth, but it cannot be used in this form. The Haber-Bosch method allows for the extraction of atmospheric nitrogen and the subsequent conversion of that gas into anhydrous ammonia.
Since ammonia is naturally renewed as part of the nitrogen cycle, it doesn’t stay in the environment for very long.
Its inclusion in cleaning agents is a significantly more minor use. Ammonium Hydroxide, also known as household ammonia, can be purchased separately or added to branded cleaning products alongside other detergents.
Does Ammonia Kill Mold?
Mold in the home can be eliminated using ammonia. But because it can harm porous materials like drywall or wood, it only works to kill mold on nonporous surfaces. It’s best to use a product containing sodium hypochlorite when killing mold on a porous surface.
On porous surfaces like clothes, ammonia is ineffective at eliminating mold. This includes bedding, cotton shirts, wool sweaters, towels, and other textiles like shirts. Soak the clothing in a suitable bleach and water solution to remove mold from it. But to prevent harming clothes, rinse thoroughly with clear water.
How to Kill Mold With Ammonia?
As was mentioned above, you need to keep your distance from the mouth, nose, and other related tracts as well as the eyes. When using it, personal protective equipment should always be worn.
To get started, you need:
• Gloves
• Ventilator
• Eye Protection
• Household Ammonia or “Clear Ammonia”
• Empty Spray Bottle
• Cloth/Sponge/Hard Bristle Brush
1. To begin, prepare a solution by mixing equal parts clear ammonia and water in a spray bottle. Most ammonium hydroxide or “Clear Ammonia” will already be mixed and should contain 3-5% Note: Because clear ammonia is already diluted, you could use it straight away, but because it’s so toxic, it’s best to further dilute it.
2. To allow fumes to dissipate, open the windows in the vicinity and activate the exhaust fans.
3. Spray the mold with ammonia liberally, then let it sit for one to three hours.
4. Rinse and clean the area. On tough areas, use a sponge, cloth, or hard-bristled brush.
5. Repeat as necessary.
Advantages of Using Ammonia to Kill Mold
1. There won’t be any debris or dangerous chemicals released into the environment.
2. You can use it yourself without having to call a professional because it is very simple to use.
4. Without fear of exposing other people to dangerous chemicals, you can use them in your home or office.
5. There is no need to be concerned about endangering anyone when using Ammonia in your home or office because it is safer for children and pets than other chemicals used to treat mold.
6. You won’t have to go out of your way to get the product if you want it badly enough because it is available in many stores.
Disadvantages of Using Ammonia to Kill Mold
- Ammonia isn’t always the best chemical to treat mold, though. The reason for this is simple: Some people are allergic to ammonia, which means that when they come into contact with ammonia, they may experience some allergic reactions.
- Mold cannot be effectively removed with ammonia from porous surfaces like wood or linoleum floors. Due to its capacity to dissolve the glue and other bonding agents found in wood flooring materials, this kind of cleaning agent may actually end up damaging these materials over time.
- It is relatively inexpensive to purchase and store, making it a cost-effective option for killing mold in many environments
Tips for Preventing Mold Growth
Keep a Clean Home and Dry the Air Regularly
Dust and debris can rapidly disperse mold spores. To stop moisture from building up in the air and leading to mold growth, you should also keep your home as dry as you can.
Enough Ventilation and Air Circulation
Make sure your home is adequately ventilated and has good airflow. Mold can grow much more quickly when there is an excessive amount of moisture in the air.
Do Not Dry Clothes on Doors
Clothes drying near windows or on doors can encourage the growth of mold inside your house, so avoid doing this. It’s best to get rid of mold right away if you notice it growing on surfaces like your walls or underneath your carpets before it causes more harm by remaining there for a longer period of time.
Check for Leaks
To stop mold from growing, check your home’s plumbing system for leaks and fix them as needed.
Make Sure Windows Are Properly Maintained
Make sure windows are kept in good condition, especially during the hot summer months when it might be simpler for the rain to seep into your home through cracks or holes in the window frames or casings (especially if you have older windows).
Can I Use Ammonia to Kill Mold on Clothes?
In a nutshell, yes, ammonia can be used to get rid of mold on clothing. However, because of the chlorine in the water source, washing clothes with ammonia has the same issues as washing clothes with ammonia and bleach.
As we learned above, chloramine gas is created when chlorine and ammonia react to produce it. Although some people’s water supplies do not contain chlorine, not all do.
Washing your clothes in ammonia is not advised unless you have a filter that completely removes chlorine from your water.
Conclusion
So, does ammonia kill mold? Yes, provided that the surface is non-porous. However, due to its toxicity, we do not advise its use as it may cause skin irritation, and breathing in the strong fumes may result in the nose, throat, and respiratory issues. There is an endless list of much safer mold-killing options available, including borax, tea tree oil, vinegar, and baking soda.
