Universal Cleaner
Everything you need to know about Universal Cleaner in one place. Tap a question below for the answer. Surfaces, dilutions, ingredients, septic safety, shelf life, the bag-in-box, and more.
What are the ingredients in Universal Cleaner?
Two ingredients: potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water. Formulated at pH 12.5 with an 18-month shelf life from manufacture. GECA eco-certified, Sensitive Choice approved, Allergy UK certified, and made in Australia.
How long does Universal Cleaner last?
A 2L box lasts around 3 months in a typical 2 to 3 bedroom home, and the 4L stretches to roughly 6 months. It's used undiluted, so how long it lasts comes down to how many surfaces you clean and how often.
Does Universal Cleaner contain palm oil?
No. There's no palm oil or palm-derived ingredients in the formula. Just two ingredients: potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water. GECA eco-certified, vegan and cruelty-free.
Is Universal Cleaner safe for septic and greywater systems?
Suitable for standard septic systems, greywater reuse, and holding tanks when used as directed. The two-ingredient formula has no phosphates, no sodium, no chlorine, and no antibacterials. Greywater irrigation also depends on local council rules.
What can I use Universal Cleaner on?
Works on 20+ surfaces: kitchens, bathrooms, glass and mirrors, tiles and grout, sealed floors, chrome fittings with care, and soft furnishings after a spot test. Avoid soft metals, raw aluminium, aftermarket window tints and coated glass.
How does Universal Cleaner work?
Spray it straight onto the surface, wait 10 to 30 seconds, then wipe with a microfibre cloth. It's used undiluted, and the alkaline formula turns grease into soluble soap, so most surfaces need no rinse.
What chemicals are in Universal Cleaner?
Not technically. Two ingredients, potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water, and both are chemicals. What matters is which ones: no added fragrance, no phosphates, no parabens, no chlorine bleach, no nasties.
Does Universal Cleaner kill bacteria and viruses?
Lab-tested effective against salmonella, campylobacter and E.coli, but it is not a registered sanitiser or disinfectant and makes no virus claim. Clean with it first, then disinfect separately if you need to.
Do I need to spot test Universal Cleaner first?
Spot test in an inconspicuous area before using it on any new or unfamiliar surface, especially natural stone, sealed timber, soft metals, and soft furnishings. Three steps, about five minutes: spray, wipe, check for colour or sheen change.
What can't I use Universal Cleaner on?
Avoid raw soft metals like aluminium, copper, brass and zinc, plus aftermarket window tints and specialty glass coatings such as EnduroShield. These can discolour, etch or peel with alkaline cleaners. Spot test a hidden area when unsure.
Can I use Universal Cleaner on food prep surfaces?
Suits benchtops, splashbacks, wooden chopping boards, sinks, and the inside of the fridge. Two ingredients, fragrance-free, phosphate-free, paraben-free. Rinse with a damp cloth and let the surface air dry before food contact.
Is Universal Cleaner fragrance-free?
No added fragrance: the formula is two ingredients, so no perfumes, essential oils or masking agents. You may notice a very mild scent from the ingredients themselves. Add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil if you want a scent.
Is Universal Cleaner eco-certified and allergy-friendly?
Eco-certified by GECA since 2016, Sensitive Choice approved by the National Asthma Council, Allergy UK certified, and recognised by the Eczema Association of Australasia. Vegan, cruelty-free and made in Australia.
Is Universal Cleaner safe to use around pets?
Fragrance-free, phosphate-free and Sensitive Choice approved, which makes it a safer choice in pet homes than most conventional cleaners. Animals vary, so keep pets off surfaces while cleaning and let everything dry fully before contact.
Is Universal Cleaner safe for asthma and allergy sufferers?
Sensitive Choice approved, Allergy UK certified and Eczema Association recognised, with two ingredients and no added fragrance, dyes or parabens. Individual sensitivities always vary, so patch-test first if you have a reactive condition.
Can I use Universal Cleaner on stone, marble, or granite?
Many customers clean marble, granite and engineered stone benchtops with it. Finishes vary, so spot test first and buff dry straight away to avoid water marks. Check with your supplier before use on unsealed, honed or soft stone.
Can I use Universal Cleaner on TV, monitor, or laptop screens?
Not for screens. Alkaline cleaners can damage anti-glare and oleophobic coatings, so use a dry glass cloth on the display. It suits bezels, stands, and cases when sprayed onto the cloth and kept clear of ports and seams.
How do I clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery with Koh?
Dilute Sensitive Laundry Liquid for large areas, use Universal Cleaner on small spots. Not for wool or silk →
Can I use Universal Cleaner on a leather lounge?
Sealed or finished leather is fine with care. Spot test a hidden area, spray onto the cloth rather than the leather, wipe gently, then condition. Avoid aniline, nubuck and suede entirely.
Can I use Universal Cleaner in a robot vacuum or mop?
We have not tested Universal Cleaner with robot vacuums or mops, and there are too many machine and material combinations to confirm compatibility. Check your manufacturer's guidance first, or use the Koh-tested Spray Mop instead.
Are there any fabrics I shouldn't use with Universal Cleaner?
Avoid wool, silk, cashmere, mohair, alpaca and other protein-based fibres. Sensitive Laundry Liquid isn't suitable for them either. Use a wool-safe specialist cleaner, or call a professional for valuable wool or silk carpets and rugs.
Does Koh offer Universal Cleaner in bulk or larger formats?
The 4L bag-in-box is the largest retail format. Larger volumes go through our B2B platform, which needs a valid ABN. For home use, the 4L paired with loyalty points gives the best value per clean.
Can I use Universal Cleaner to wash fruit and vegetables?
No, not food-safe. Use running water or a certified produce wash. Fine for the benchtop the food sits on →
Can I use Universal Cleaner with a steam cleaner?
Spray it onto the surface, let it dwell, then steam over the top. Never pour it into the steamer's water tank, since prolonged contact with the alkaline formula could damage hoses or seals.