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Its vapor is lighter than air and has the same pungent odor as household ammonia.

According to the products’ technical data sheets, 22 chemicals — including foods such as lemon juice and butter, as well as solvents such as household ammonia, 50 percent ethyl alcohol and turpentine — have no effect on the basic conversion varnish, which accounts for most sales, or on the low-formaldehyde version.

Just remember, however, to check the label before use — household ammonia is usually diluted with water, but you can also further dilute it with water before you use it.

Whatever brand you use, be aware that any cleaner with a pH around 11 is as caustic as household ammonia, so wear gloves.

While it can be difficult to interpret ingredient names, scan for the three you want to watch out for: sodium hypochlorite, isopropanol and ammonium hydroxide, which will tell you if a product contains chlorine bleach, isopropyl alcohol or household ammonia.