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If you've been on a building site or doing a renovation at home, you've probably come across ammonia-based products — those sharp, effective cleaners and chemical helpers that cut through grime, grease, and stubborn stains. Ammonia is a staple for builders, decorators, and DIYers because it works fast and can save you time and elbow grease. But it can also be hazardous if you treat it like just another bottle under the sink. This guide walks you through what ammonia is, where you can buy it from reputable UK suppliers, when to use it, and how to handle it safely — all in plain English, with practical tips you can use today.
Ammonia is a compound often sold as an aqueous solution (ammonium hydroxide) or in diluted forms known as household or cleaning ammonia. It acts as a powerful solvent and alkaline cleaner, breaking down grease, lifting dirt, and helping to dissolve deposits like salt efflorescence on brickwork. Think of it as a chemical sponge that loosens grime so you can wipe or rinse it away. Concentrations vary: household versions are milder, while builder-grade solutions are stronger and intended for industrial tasks.
Not all ammonia is created equal. Household ammonia is usually diluted and safe for routine cleaning when used with care. Builder or industrial ammonia is often more concentrated and comes in larger sizes for heavy tasks — ideal for contractors cleaning mortar or degreasing surfaces before paint. Always check the label for concentration and recommended use. If you wouldn’t pour it down a kettle, don’t use a builder-grade formulation without gloves and eye protection.
Builders and decorators use ammonia for several jobs where power and speed matter. It strips grease from metal and masonry, removes mildew and grime from tiles, helps clean mortar spills, and can be an effective pre-paint surface cleaner. It's also handy for degreasing engine parts or tools in a workshop. In short, if something needs a fast, alkaline lift-and-wash, ammonia is often the shortcut professionals reach for.
From removing cement slurry on bricks to cleaning cooker hoods and prepping metal for paint, ammonia’s versatility is its strength. One quick mop or rinse with the right dilution can turn a long scrubbing job into a short rinse — provided you use PPE and proper ventilation. It's like having a turbocharged sponge in a bottle, but with the responsibility to treat it carefully.
Several reputable UK retailers stock ammonia products suited to both home and trade use. Here’s a practical breakdown of where to look and what to expect from each store so you can compare options like a pro.
Screwfix is a go-to for trade customers and serious DIYers looking for a wide range of cleaning chemicals and site supplies. You’ll usually find both household ammonia and stronger industrial solutions in sizes that suit site work, from pints to larger multi-gallon containers. Screwfix often lists product specs and safety data sheets online so you can check concentration and handling advice before you buy.
Wickes focuses on building materials and home improvement, making it a solid choice for ammonia used in renovation tasks. They tend to stock cleaning ammonia suitable for tile, grout, and masonry cleaning, often in convenient sizes for DIY projects. Wickes is a good middle ground if you need trade-level performance but in smaller pack sizes.
B&Q is the high street's large-format option, offering household and cleaning ammonia for everyday jobs around the house. If you're renovating a kitchen or deep-cleaning tiles before painting, B&Q usually carries buyer-friendly sizes and recognizable brands. Their in-store staff are helpful if you want quick, practical advice on product choice.
Toolstation caters to tradespeople who need quick access to site chemicals and cleaning agents. Expect to find concentrated products in heavier-duty packaging, often priced competitively for regular on-site use. They’re a smart pick if you’re equipping a van or workshop and want a supplier that specialises in trade needs.
Homebase balances consumer accessibility with decent product range. You can often pick up cleaning ammonia in sizes aimed at homeowners but with enough power for tougher DIY tasks. Homebase is handy for weekend project shoppers who want a familiar brand and a quick in-store option.
Travis Perkins and Jewson are builder merchants that primarily serve trade contractors. They carry industrial-strength products and bulk sizes, which is ideal if you’re managing a large refurbishment or ongoing building project. Prices can be economy-friendly for bulk buys, and you'll often get access to technical data and trade-grade packaging suitable for site storage.
Picking the right ammonia is a mix of matching concentration to task, considering pack size, and checking compatibility with the material you’re treating. If you’re cleaning grout or tiles, household ammonia diluted per label instructions is usually enough. For removing mortar stains or heavy degreasing, consider stronger solutions sold to trades. Always read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and choose a product with clear dilution and PPE instructions.
Stronger isn't always better. Using a concentrated builder-grade solution on painted wood or certain plastics can damage the surface. Pick a size that fits your needs too — a 1 pint bottle is convenient for home jobs, while a multi-gallon container makes sense for repetitive trade use. If you're unsure, test a small area first — like a local patch on a tile or brick — before tackling the whole surface.
Ammonia works fast because it’s caustic. That’s great for cleaning, but it also means it can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. Treat it like any other potentially hazardous chemical: gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation are non-negotiable. If you work on enclosed sites, use respiratory protection and ensure there’s a fresh air route. And never mix ammonia with bleach — the reaction releases toxic chloramine gases.
Always use chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and protective clothing. Keep a spill kit available: absorbents like granules, water for dilution or rinsing, and a plan for disposing of contaminated materials according to local hazardous waste rules. If a spill occurs, evacuate the area and ventilate before attempting cleanup. Think of handling ammonia like handling an open flame — respect it, and it will do the job without turning the site into a hazard.
You’ll find dilution instructions on product labels but here are general pointers. For light cleaning, dilute household ammonia with water — a ratio often around one part ammonia to ten parts water works for many jobs. For heavier soiling, stronger ratios may be used but only when the product label permits. Apply with a sponge or soft brush, let it work for a short time, then thoroughly rinse. Remember, less is often more — overuse can damage surfaces and increase fume exposure.
Work in moderate temperatures; extremely hot conditions can increase fume production. Rinse treated areas well with water after cleaning, and dry surfaces to avoid streaks or residues. For sensitive materials like brass, nickel, or certain paints, perform a small, hidden test first. Think of ammonia as a short, sharp burst of cleaning power — use it, rinse it, and then let the surface breathe.
Ammonia isn’t the only cleaner in the kit. For acidic tasks like heavy mineral removal or rust, acids such as diluted muriatic acid (used with extreme caution) are better suited. For general-purpose cleaning, biodegradable detergents or citrus-based degreasers can be less aggressive and more environmentally friendly. In many cases, a two-step approach works best: use ammonia for grease and alkali soils, then follow with a neutral detergent for finish cleaning.
Disposing of ammonia responsibly matters. Don’t pour concentrated solutions into drains that lead to watercourses. Many local councils and trade waste services provide guidance and collection for hazardous liquids. On-site, keep chemical storage secure and labeled. UK regulations require appropriate labeling and SDS availability for trade purchases, and suppliers like the builder merchants mentioned earlier usually provide the necessary documentation.
Buy the right size for your job to avoid waste. If you’re a trade customer, consider bulk containers from merchant suppliers to reduce per-unit cost. Look for products with clear SDS info and compatible dosing tools (measuring caps or pumps). Also, keep spare PPE and absorbent materials in your van or workshop — a small investment that keeps your team working and reduces downtime from accidents.
Ammonia remains a powerful, practical chemical for builders and DIYers when used with respect and knowledge. From grease-busting and mortar cleaning to site degreasing and surface prep, it saves time and gets results — provided you pick the right concentration, use appropriate PPE, and follow safe dilution and disposal practices. UK retailers like Screwfix, Wickes, B&Q, Toolstation, Homebase, Travis Perkins, and Jewson offer a range of products to suit both one-off household jobs and heavy trade applications. Take your time to choose the right product for the job, treat it like a specialist tool, and you’ll get professional results without the drama.
