How to wash the floor with ammonia to combat fleas?

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How to wash the floor with ammonia to combat fleas? - briefly
Mix a solution of one part clear ammonia with ten parts cold water, mop the floor thoroughly, and let it air‑dry without rinsing; the ammonia kills fleas and their eggs on contact. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid using the mixture on sealed or waxed surfaces.

How to wash the floor with ammonia to combat fleas? - in detail
Ammonia, when properly diluted, can kill flea eggs and larvae on hard flooring. Follow these precise steps to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Gather equipment

Protective gloves, goggles, and a mask.
A bucket large enough for the cleaning solution.
A mop or microfiber cloth.
A measuring cup or graduated cylinder.

Prepare the solution

Use household ammonia (5–10 % concentration).
Dilute with cold water at a ratio of 1 part ammonia to 10 parts water (approximately 100 ml ammonia per 1 L water).
Stir gently to avoid splashing.

Test a hidden area

Apply a small amount of the mixture to an inconspicuous spot.
Wait 5 minutes; if no discoloration or damage occurs, proceed.

Ventilate the room

Open windows and doors.
Activate an exhaust fan if available.
Keep the space free of pets and children until cleaning is complete.

Apply the solution

Submerge the mop or cloth, wring out excess liquid so the surface remains damp, not soaked.
Mop the floor in overlapping strokes, ensuring full coverage.
Pay special attention to grout lines, cracks, and baseboards where flea stages hide.

Allow contact time

Let the damp surface sit for 10 minutes. This duration is sufficient for the alkaline environment to disrupt flea eggs and larvae.

Rinse (optional)

If the floor finish recommends rinsing, mop again with clean water to remove residual ammonia.
Otherwise, allow the floor to air‑dry completely.

Dispose of the solution

Pour the remaining mixture down a drain with plenty of running water.
Clean the bucket and mop thoroughly with soap and water.

Safety reminders

Do not mix ammonia with bleach or any acid‑based cleaners; toxic gases may form.
Re‑apply the treatment weekly for three weeks, covering the full flea life cycle.
Store ammonia out of reach of children and pets.

By adhering to this protocol, the floor becomes an inhospitable environment for fleas, reducing infestation risk without compromising surface integrity.