A household staple since about 1908, Parsons’ Ammonia (now part of the Brillo family) calls itself the original all-purpose cleaner. Well known as an ingredient in glass cleaners, ammonia cuts through grime quickly and eliminates streaks, but there’s so much more it can do. Use it to dissolve grease on surfaces, even concrete, strip waxy build-up from floors, help remove stains—like blood or felt-tip marker—from fabrics and laundry, clean combs and brushes, and more.
Ammonia comes clear or cloudy (with detergent added), and Parson’s has a lemon scent to minimize ammonia’s signature pungent smell. You can’t beat it for value as a little goes a long way when diluted with water in a spray bottle, sink, or bucket.
For safety, be sure to keep ammonia away from natural protein fibers, like silk and wool, and delicate surfaces, like tech screens, and never, ever mix it with bleach or other bleach-containing cleaners, as it will produce toxic fumes.
