Cleaning Products That Likely Contain Ammonium (And Why It's Dangerous For Your Pets)

You've probably heard that ammonia-based cleaners are safe because they "evaporate quickly." However, here's the truth: Even after the smell fades, ammonia can linger in microscopic residues and fumes, which can irritate your pet's eyes, skin, and respiratory system. 

Ammonia is a common ingredient in household cleaning products like glass cleaners, multi-surface sprays, and pet stain removers, yet many pet owners don't realize its dangers. Inhaling ammonia fumes can cause coughing and difficulty breathing, while direct contact may lead to skin burns and eye irritation. If ingested — such as when a pet licks a freshly cleaned floor — it can burn their mouth and digestive tract, leading to GI upset and vomiting.

Luckily, avoiding ammonia is easier than you think. Many pet-safe cleaning alternatives exist, from vinegar-based DIY solutions to eco-friendly commercial products. This guide will help you identify which cleaning products contain ammonia, understand why they're harmful, and find safer alternatives to keep your home clean — without putting your furry friend at risk.

Ammonia is a powerful cleaning agent; but for pets, it can be a toxic hazard lurking in plain sight. Whether inhaled, touched, or ingested, ammonia can trigger serious health issues in animals, even at low exposure levels. Pets, especially cats, have highly sensitive respiratory systems, making them more vulnerable to airborne irritants. Inhaling ammonia fumes can cause symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. High-level exposure to ammonia may cause severe burns in the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Even at lower concentrations, ammonia can lead to chronic respiratory distress, particularly in pets with pre-existing conditions like asthma.

Many household cleaners leave behind invisible chemical residues on floors, countertops, and pet bowls. If pets step on or rub against these surfaces, ammonia can irritate their skin and eyes, causing redness, swelling, and excessive scratching. This is especially dangerous for pets that groom themselves frequently, as they may ingest toxic residue while licking their fur.

Ingesting ammonia — via licking recently cleaned floors, rolling in it and then licking themselves, or chewing on household items — can severely irritate a pet's digestive system. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, and stomach pain, and in more severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to internal burns. If you do notice any symptoms, it's best to seek veterinary care immediately. Luckily, the strong smell is likely to deter most pets from going near it. 

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic substance and you can't reach your veterinarian or an emergency clinic, please contact the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Many pet owners unknowingly use cleaning products that contain ammonia, assuming they are safe because the fumes dissipate quickly. However, even after drying, ammonia residues can linger on floors, furniture, and pet bowls, exposing animals to harmful chemicals. Many of these products are used in high-contact areas where pets walk, sleep, or eat. Ammonia fumes can accumulate in enclosed spaces, affecting small pets (like cats, birds, and rodents) the most due to their sensitive respiratory systems.

Ammonia is a common ingredient in many household cleaning products, often appearing in glass and window cleaners, such as traditional blue sprays, as well as multi-surface cleaners used throughout the home. Oven and stovetop cleaners frequently contain ammonia due to its grease-cutting properties, while toilet bowl cleaners and floor cleaners, including tile and wood polish, may also rely on ammonia for disinfecting and stain removal. Additionally, carpet and upholstery cleaners can contain ammonia, posing a risk to pets that spend time on treated surfaces. 

Many cleaning products don't explicitly list "ammonia" on the label, making it tricky to avoid. However, by learning how to spot ammonia-based ingredients, you can make safer choices for your pets. Manufacturers often use alternative names instead of listing ammonia directly. Even when ammonia isn't clearly labeled, it can still be present in cleaning agents under names like ammonium hydroxide or aqueous ammonia. Other variations include ammonium chloride, which is found in some disinfectants, and quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats"), which are common in antibacterial cleaners. If you see any of these ingredients on a label, it's best to avoid using the product in pet-friendly spaces.

Even without checking the ingredient list, certain warning signs can indicate that a product contains ammonia. A strong, pungent odor, similar to that of window cleaners, is a major clue. Additionally, labels that warn about ventilation requirements or instruct users to avoid mixing with bleach often suggest the presence of ammonia. If a label isn't clear, check for a website that provides a detailed ingredient list for the product you're interested in using.

Even if you use ammonia-based cleaners only occasionally, mixing them with other common household products can create toxic and potentially fatal fumes. One of the most dangerous chemical reactions occurs when ammonia is combined with bleach, forming chloramine gas, a highly toxic vapor that can cause severe lung irritation. Inhaling these fumes can lead to coughing, chest pain, and even fluid buildup in the lungs. This is especially dangerous for pets, as chloramine vapors tend to settle near the ground, right where animals breathe. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent respiratory damage.

Ammonia can also create harmful reactions when mixed with other common cleaning agents. Combining ammonia and vinegar releases irritating fumes that inflame the lungs, while mixing ammonia with hydrogen peroxide can produce peracetic acid, a substance that damages lung tissue and skin. Additionally, ammonia should never be mixed with quats (quaternary ammonium compounds), which are often found in disinfectants, as the combination can amplify toxicity in enclosed spaces.

To protect your pets and your household, never mix cleaning products unless you are certain they are safe together. If you must use an ammonia-based cleaner, make sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly before applying any other products to avoid unintentional chemical reactions. Keeping pets out of spaces when cleaning can help reduce their chances of exposure. Proper ventilation is also essential to reduce the concentration of fumes in the air. However, the safest option is to eliminate ammonia-based products altogether and switch to non-toxic, pet-safe alternatives.

Keeping your home clean shouldn't come at the expense of your pet's health. The good news? Plenty of pet-safe alternatives work just as well without the harmful side effects. If you're into DIY solutions like a homemade pet odor remover, you probably already have some of the best natural cleaners in your pantry. Everyday staples like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap can tackle most household messes without exposing your pets to unnecessary chemicals. A simple vinegar-and-water mix makes a great streak-free glass cleaner, while baking soda and lemon juice cut through grime without toxic fumes. Need to clean up a pet stain? A mix of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap can help break down odors — no ammonia required.

If DIY isn't your style, plenty of commercial pet-safe brands offer effective alternatives. Plant-based cleaners and essential oil-based disinfectants provide a thorough clean without harsh chemicals. Trusted brands like Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer's, Method, and Better Life offer non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solutions that are safe for pets — and the environment.

To keep your pets safe, start by checking the labels on your current cleaning products. If they contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals, consider making the switch to pet-friendly alternatives. Not only will this help protect your furry friends from harmful exposure, but it will also create a healthier, chemical-free home for everyone.