How to get rid of ammonia smell?: Comprehensive Guide to Neutralizing Odors

September 30, 2025 •

5 min read

The pungent, acrid smell of ammonia is a telltale sign of everything from pet messes to potential health issues. Understanding the source of the odor is the first step in successfully figuring out how to get rid of ammonia smell and ensure a fresh, healthy indoor environment.

Quick Summary

Neutralize persistent ammonia odors from various sources, including pets, body sweat, and household drains. Learn effective cleaning methods, from natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda to commercial products and preventive health strategies.

Key Points

Neutralize with Vinegar: Use a diluted white vinegar solution to effectively neutralize ammonia odor on hard, water-safe surfaces.
Absorb with Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on fabrics and carpets to absorb odors and moisture from pet accidents before vacuuming.
Ventilate the Area: Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air, which helps to dissipate airborne ammonia molecules quickly.
Use Enzymatic Cleaners: For pet messes, rely on enzymatic cleaners designed to break down the organic matter causing the deep-set odor.
Stay Hydrated: If the odor is from your body, increase your water intake to help your kidneys filter waste more efficiently and prevent concentrated sweat.
Clean Drains Regularly: Address persistent bathroom smells by cleaning drains with baking soda and vinegar to clear bacterial buildup.
Never Mix Bleach: Avoid combining ammonia with bleach, as this chemical reaction produces toxic chlorine gas.
Consider Air Purifiers: For a lasting solution to airborne odors, use an air purifier equipped with a carbon filter to capture and neutralize ammonia.

Understanding the Source of Ammonia Odor

Ammonia odor is an unpleasant and persistent problem that can originate from several places in your home or even your body. It is often a byproduct of the breakdown of organic waste, making it common in areas with pet messes, poorly maintained drains, and high humidity. Identifying the source is crucial, as the most effective removal method often depends on it. For example, the techniques for a cat litter box differ significantly from those used for an exercise-induced body odor.

Common Causes of Ammonia Smell

Pet Waste: The most frequent culprit is decomposing pet urine, especially cat urine, which is highly concentrated and notorious for its lingering smell. If left untreated, the urine can seep into carpets, padding, and subflooring, making the odor even harder to eliminate.
Body Odor: An ammonia smell from sweat can occur after intense exercise or due to a high-protein diet. This happens when the body, depleted of carbohydrates, starts breaking down protein for energy, producing urea that is then excreted through sweat. Dehydration can also concentrate waste products in urine, intensifying the odor.
Bathroom Drains: Clogged or rarely used P-traps in plumbing can lead to bacterial buildup that produces an ammonia-like smell. Additionally, dry traps in seldom-used showers can allow sewer gas to vent into your home.
Poor Ventilation: In closed-up spaces like basements, closets, or even tightly sealed homes, stagnant air combined with moisture can create an environment where mold or bacteria grow, sometimes producing an ammonia scent.

Effective Methods for Removing Ammonia Smell

Addressing the odor requires a two-pronged approach: neutralizing the source on surfaces and purifying the air. A combination of methods is often the most successful strategy.

Natural Remedies for Surface Treatment

Natural ingredients are often the first line of defense due to their safety and accessibility. They work by using chemical properties to neutralize the basic nature of ammonia.

Vinegar: As an acid, white vinegar is an excellent and environmentally friendly option for neutralizing ammonia. For hard surfaces, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the affected area. For carpets, dilute the vinegar significantly before testing a small, inconspicuous area. Always ensure the area is thoroughly rinsed after treatment. Important Safety Note: Never mix vinegar with cleaning agents containing bleach, as this can create dangerous chlorine gas.
Baking Soda: This is a powerful, non-toxic deodorizer that works by absorbing odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over a urine stain on a carpet or mattress, letting it sit for several hours before vacuuming it up. For litter boxes, adding a layer of baking soda can help control odors.
Enzymatic Cleaners: These cleaners are specifically designed to break down the proteins and organic matter in biological waste, making them highly effective for lingering pet urine odors. They are especially useful for porous materials like carpets, upholstery, and mattresses where the waste has soaked deep into the fibers.

Solutions for Air Purification

If the smell is in the air, cleaning surfaces alone may not be enough. You need to actively filter or neutralize airborne odors.

Ventilation: The simplest method is to increase fresh air circulation. Open windows and use fans to air out the space thoroughly. This is crucial for diluting the concentration of ammonia molecules in the air.
Air Purifiers: For a more permanent solution, a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter and a carbon filtration system can capture and neutralize airborne ammonia and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some systems use proprietary earth mineral technology to actively break down pollutants.
Odor Absorbents: Place bowls of white vinegar or baking soda in affected rooms to absorb airborne odors passively. Commercial products like AMMOSORB also offer reusable pouches that specifically target ammonia.

Addressing Specific Sources

Sometimes, the problem requires a more targeted approach.

Pet Messes: For carpets, blot up as much of the urine as possible. Follow with a vinegar solution or an enzymatic cleaner, ensuring you treat the padding beneath the carpet. For the subfloor, you may need to remove the carpet, clean the area, and then seal it with an interior-exterior primer like KILZ to prevent a lingering smell.
Drains: For a smelly drain, create a fizzing reaction by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before flushing with hot water. For a recurring issue, this may indicate a deeper plumbing or vent blockage that requires a professional.
Body Odor: Increase your water intake to stay hydrated and help your kidneys filter urea. Review your diet for very high protein levels and consider balancing it with more carbohydrates, especially before and during intense workouts. Daily hygiene with antibacterial soap can also help manage bacteria on the skin.

Comparison of Odor Removal Methods


Method	Surfaces	Airborne	Pros	Cons
Natural Cleaners (Vinegar, Baking Soda)	Yes	Indirectly	Inexpensive, non-toxic, readily available	Requires repeat application, less effective for deep-set odors
Enzymatic Cleaners	Yes	No	Targets organic waste effectively, powerful for pet messes	Can be more expensive, less suitable for airborne odors
Ventilation	No	Yes	Free, simple, immediately reduces airborne concentration	Not effective for surface odors, relies on weather conditions
Air Purifiers	No	Yes	Filters and neutralizes airborne pollutants continuously	Higher initial cost, requires filter maintenance
Odor Absorbents (e.g., AMMOSORB)	No	Yes	Long-lasting, reusable, effective for specific airborne odors	Less effective for concentrated surface spills

Conclusion

Effectively tackling an ammonia odor requires identifying its source and applying the right strategy. For immediate surface clean-up, natural and enzymatic cleaners are excellent choices, but always handle them with care and never mix with bleach. To clear the air, prioritize ventilation and consider an air purifier for consistent, long-term relief. For persistent smells from drains or body odor, address the root cause, which may involve simple lifestyle changes like hydration or calling a professional for plumbing issues. With these methods, you can ensure a cleaner, fresher, and healthier living space. You can learn more about industrial odor control solutions from sites like BioAir Solutions.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you suspect an ammonia smell is related to a health condition, consult a medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

First, blot up as much urine as possible with paper towels or a cloth. Next, apply an enzymatic cleaner, which is specifically formulated to break down the organic compounds in pet waste that cause the odor. For a milder approach, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum thoroughly.

Ammonia-smelling sweat often occurs during intense exercise when your body is low on carbohydrates and starts breaking down protein for energy. You can prevent this by consuming more healthy carbohydrates before and during workouts and staying properly hydrated by drinking more water.

While often harmless and related to diet or hydration, a persistent ammonia smell in urine can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue such as a UTI, kidney problems, or diabetes. If the smell is accompanied by pain, changes in urine color, or other symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional.

To prevent ammonia buildup, completely empty the litter box and wash it with hot, soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals. Some cat owners add a layer of baking soda to the bottom of the box before adding fresh litter to help absorb odors.

Yes, mixing vinegar and baking soda is safe for general cleaning and drain clearing, as it produces a fizzing reaction of mostly water and carbon dioxide. However, do not mix vinegar with cleaning agents containing ammonia, as this can produce harmful fumes. Pet urine contains ammonia, so be cautious about applying vinegar directly to a fresh pet mess.

An ammonia smell from a drain is often due to bacterial buildup. Try pouring a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. After the fizzing stops, let it sit for 15-30 minutes before flushing with hot water. For persistent issues, check for a dry P-trap or vent blockage.

Increase ventilation by opening windows and using fans to clear stagnant air. For a more active solution, place bowls of vinegar or baking soda in the room to absorb odor. A high-efficiency air purifier with a carbon filter is also very effective at neutralizing airborne ammonia.