The ions NH+4 and OH− do not account for a significant fraction of the total amount of ammonia except in extremely dilute solutions.

It is good at removing grease and is found in products for cleaning ovens and for soaking items to loosen baked-on grime.

Experts also warn not to use ammonia-based cleaners on car touchscreens, due to the risk of damage to the screen's anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings.

These solutions are irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes (respiratory and digestive tracts), and to a lesser extent the skin.

Experts advise that caution be used to ensure the chemical is not mixed into any liquid containing bleach, due to the danger of forming toxic chloramine gas.

Mixing with chlorine-containing products or strong oxidants, such as household bleach, can generate toxic chloramine fumes.

This characteristic allows bakers to avoid both yeast's long proofing time and the quick CO2 dissipation of baking soda in making breads and cookies rise.

In furniture-making, ammonia fuming was traditionally used to darken or stain wood containing tannic acid.

Ammonia solution can dissolve silver oxide residues, such as those formed from Tollens' reagent.

It is often found in solutions used to clean gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, but may have adverse effects on porous gem stones like opals and pearls.