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Can I use Universal Cleaner on food prep surfaces and chopping boards?Updated 2 days ago

TL;DR: Yes. Universal Cleaner is safe for food prep surfaces including benchtops, splashbacks, wooden chopping boards, sinks, and the inside of the fridge. After cleaning, rinse with any clean damp cloth (a Swedish Dishcloth works well) and let the surface air dry before food touches it. Always spot test on unfamiliar surfaces first.


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Koh Universal Cleaner 20+ uses around the home
Koh Universal Cleaner safe for homes and surfaces

Is Universal Cleaner safe for food prep surfaces?

Yes. Koh Universal Cleaner is a two-ingredient, fragrance-free, phosphate-free, paraben-free formula that's safe for use on food prep surfaces. It's GECA eco-certified, Sensitive Choice approved, Allergy UK certified, and Eczema Association of Australasia certified, which means it has cleared independent thresholds for household and sensitivity safety. Use it on benchtops (stone, laminate, stainless), splashbacks, wooden chopping boards, sinks, tapware, the inside of the fridge, and stovetop areas. After cleaning food prep surfaces, rinse with a damp cloth and let the surface air dry before food contact for added peace of mind.

✓ Safe food prep surfaces

Benchtops (stone, laminate, stainless), splashbacks, wooden chopping boards, sinks, tapware, the inside of the fridge, and stovetop areas. Two ingredients, no fragrance, no phosphates, no parabens.

Benchtops Wooden boards Sinks Splashbacks Inside the fridge

✓ Independent credentials

GECA eco-certified. Sensitive Choice approved (asthma and allergy friendly). Allergy UK certified. Eczema Association of Australasia certified. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Made in Australia. No fragrance, no parabens, no phosphates, no chlorine, no bleach.

GECA certified Sensitive Choice Fragrance-free

How should I clean a food prep surface with Universal Cleaner?

Spray Koh Universal Cleaner directly onto the surface, neat with no dilution. Let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds (longer for heavier grime or baked-on food residue). Wipe clean with a clean microfibre cloth to lift the grime. Then rinse with a damp cloth, such as a Swedish Dishcloth, and let the surface air dry before food touches it. The rinse step removes any trace residue before food contact for added peace of mind. The four-step process works on stone, laminate, stainless steel, wooden chopping boards, and the inside of the fridge.

✓ Four-step food prep clean

1

Spray directly onto the surface. Neat, no dilution.

2

Let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds. Longer for heavier grime or baked-on food residue.

3

Wipe clean with a clean microfibre cloth to lift the grime.

4

Rinse with a damp cloth such as a Swedish Dishcloth, then let the surface air dry before food contact.

Can I use Universal Cleaner on wooden chopping boards?

Yes. Koh Universal Cleaner is safe for wooden chopping boards and butcher blocks. Spray, wipe, rinse with a damp cloth, and let the board air dry before use. For heavily seasoned or oiled boards, spot test a hidden corner first because alkaline cleaners can gradually lift oil finishes over time. For daily use, a quick spray-and-wipe is fine. Re-oil oiled boards as needed to maintain the finish. Avoid soaking wooden boards in any cleaner since prolonged moisture can warp the timber.

✓ Wooden chopping boards

Safe for everyday cleaning. Spray, wipe, rinse with a damp cloth, air dry. For oiled or seasoned boards, spot test a hidden corner first since alkaline cleaners can gradually lift oil finishes. Re-oil as needed. Avoid soaking the board in any cleaner.

Spray and wipe Rinse with damp cloth Air dry before use
Koh Universal Cleaner 2L

Universal Cleaner

Food-prep safe. Fragrance-free, phosphate-free, paraben-free. 20+ cleaning jobs in one box.

Koh Swedish Dishcloths 4pk

Swedish Dishcloths 4pk

Perfect for the rinse step on food prep surfaces. Cellulose and cotton, absorbent, hygienic, home compostable.

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Last reviewed: April 2026

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