Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) is a solution of ammonia in water. Commonly called ammonia or ammonia water, the chemical is used as a cleanser and in manufacturing plastics, rubber, fertilizer and textiles. It’s a colorless, clear liquid with a pungent-to-faint ammonia odor. Ammonium hydroxide is also used as a sanitizer in many household and industrial cleaners. Ammonium hydroxide is naturally found in beef, other proteins, and virtually all foods. It is widely used in the processing of numerous foods, such as baked goods, cheeses, gelatin, chocolate, caramels, and puddings.