x
When I did route work back in the day (when the hell is back in the day?) I used to use sudsy ammonia always- no dishsoap as I did not need the glide becuase of the sudsy.
I did a lot of bars and restaurants that had smoked up windows, ammonia took it right off. It worked great on most everything.
I never noticed a longer shine from it. Windows were always dirty the next week.
it’s all about perceptions…
Kenny,
I used ammonia with Dawn for a whole season with excellent results, It was the clear stuff (not the cloudy ammonia). It truely does work as far as the shine goes. Its also slick as heck on the glass. I have since ran into another cleaner that I like just as well without ammonia in it.
As far as the guy with the Vette is concerned, sounds like he just wanted to chat with you about your solutions. Ive seen these “tire kicker” type people from time to time. Some just want to find out what magical solution you use.
Steve
Yeah something strange going on there, or he was just a talker who was bored. If he really felt that the guy who used only ammonia and water did such a great job, why’s he bothering you asking you what you use? Some people just like to talk.
If I wanted the job I’d ensure him that my solution was superior to plain ammonia and water.
I’ve found Publix brand sudsy ammonia to be the great. It’s potent, not watered down as other kinds I’ve used in the past. Ammonia is a must for half of my jobs.
Tell me a little more about the benefits of the ammonia, and how do you mix it/apply it.
I’ve never used it before and is good to know for future reference.
The ammonia will cut through the greasy fingerprints on windows like you see in restaurants. It also does well with smoke from both candles and cigarettes.
I’m not really scientific with the amount I use. If I’m doing a really greasy job I’ll add more then usual. I’ve been using it for so long I just pour in about the same amount every time I get fresh water.
I’d say start with half a cup to a gallon of water?
Will get some next time to keep in the van, just in case.
Any particular brand recommended ?
I started mixing my own all purpose cleaner awhile ago to save on expense, but I also wanted something that I could use on mirrors. My question is, I had heard somewhere, that dish soap may cause a film, but I see many of you use it in your glass cleaning. So is this true or not true? The last time I mixed my brew, I left out the dish soap, but I think it cleaned fine with it.
My All Purpose Recipe
1 cup of alcohol
1 cup of ammonia, (soap free)
1 T. dish soap, (I use Dawn)
10 cups of water
Joie - N. CA
Truth is, there is no right or wrong answer. Use whatever works for you. Almost any household cleaning substance can clean the glass. But a substance that can keep the window cleaner longer? I,m not buying it. If dirt or grease gets on it, it gets on it. If a bird dropping appears on the glass, no cleaner is going to prevent it.
I’m not trying to make fun of you by any means but I always laugh when I see these detailed window cleaning solutions. It looks so scientific yet if you go out there and clean a few windows, the proportions will probably change considerably depending on the glass conditions, weather etc.
I just fill my bucket to roughly the same height every morning and add a couple squirts of cleaner in and I’m ready to go. When my solution dilutes I just apply more cleaner to my scrubber.
Again, no offense Joie. I’m sure your solution kicks butt! 
I have heard that ammonia will damage tinted windows and wood work. So I would be hesitant to use it.
I’ve heard that too, and everybody should keep that in mind. But I’ve never had an issue with it.
I for sure would not use ammonia on any tint that was just installed, and I wouldn’t let a puddle of your solution containing ammonia sit on a hardwood floor, but that goes for non ammonia solution as well…
Also keep in mind that ammonia does have a very strong smell. The smell can irritate people with asthma especially.
( I should add for the benefit of others that I probably would not use ammonia on tinted windows where the tint actually looked good. I would use a tint-safe cleaner. But the jobs I have, the tint is in terrible condition from tape, scratchs, and old age. I don’t mind using ammonia to clean this tint, as it’s already past any point of “usefullness”. In years of cleaning this tint, I can not tell any damage caused by the ammonia though.)
People are very concerned about the envirornment these days. Go green they will love you.
That’s why I use GG4!
Sorry I couldn’t resist guys.
All great chefs, began with cooking basics. Eventually altering a little here, adding a bit of this and that, and wala, they’ve mastered a dish to their own perfection. Once you have prepared something a few times, have determined what works best for you, eyeballing your measurements come easy. I too eyeball the cleaning solution according to what I am using it for.
#1) It is a basic solution I shared to … (Originally Posted by puntadigital - Tell me a little more about the benefits of the ammonia, and how do you mix it/apply it. I’ve never used it before and is good to know for future reference.)
At which I do hope it helps with the basics. I use it on counter tops, bathroom fixtures, mirrors, windows, and my tile floors. Also as mentioned in later posts, ammonia products should never be used on wood. And … although I do believe ammonia is a great product for many uses, it is not a green product. If not being green is a problem, I would suggest not using it.
- I am delighted that my post raised your spirit to a higher level, as Laughter is Good for the Soul!
Joie - N. CA
I used ammonia for a bit, but decided to stop. It didn’t seem to make a big difference in cleaning results, and I didn’t like the harshness of using, and breathing in ammonia. When possible, I try to avoid the harsh chemicals.
Polmolive and lemon sented ammonia for me, using it for years. Customers seem to like the “fresh clean smell.”
Clean doesn’t have a smell, chemicals do.
1 Like
I was told not to use ammonia anymore because its hard on your hands, can’t be used on windows that have a film attached to it, and that over time it will eat away the stick on letters/numbers that are on the front doors or windows with the name of the business? Any truth to any of this? That is why I switched to just water/dawn or GG3.
If it does that to films & chemicals - think what it does to you.
