Is Universal Cleaner a safer choice for asthma and allergies?Updated a day ago
TL;DR: Universal Cleaner is approved under the National Asthma Council of Australia's Sensitive Choice program, certified by Allergy UK, recognised by the Eczema Association of Australasia and Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certified. The formula is two ingredients: potassium hydroxide and laboratory grade purified water. No added fragrance, no dyes, no parabens, no chlorine, no ammonia. Triggers are personal and vary from one person to the next, so patch-test a small area first if you have a known reactive condition. For most households managing asthma, allergies or eczema it is a safer choice than a conventional fragranced cleaner.
What makes Universal Cleaner a safer choice for people with asthma?
✓ Sensitive Choice approved
Independently assessed by the National Asthma Council of Australia as a better option for people with asthma. No added fragrance, which is the trigger most often named in conventional cleaning products. No chlorine, no bleach, no ammonia, no added solvents.
Two ingredients only: potassium hydroxide and laboratory grade purified water. It's a higher alkaline solution, so it works by lifting soils rather than by masking them with perfume.
What makes Universal Cleaner a safer choice for allergies and eczema?
✓ Allergy UK certified, Eczema Association of Australasia recognised
The formula is made without the additives most often linked to reactions in cleaning products: synthetic fragrances, parabens, methylisothiazolinone, dyes and irritant surfactants. Certified by Allergy UK and recognised by the Eczema Association of Australasia.
Gloves are worth wearing if you have contact dermatitis, the same as you would with any alkaline cleaner, and patch-testing a small area first is the sensible start on a known reactive condition.
How do I know it will suit my own triggers?
✓ Triggers are personal, so start small
Asthma and allergy triggers vary from one person to the next. Two people with the same diagnosis can react to completely different things, which is why Sensitive Choice, Allergy UK and the Eczema Association of Australasia assess a formula against defined criteria rather than issuing a verdict for every household.
What those assessments give you is an independent read on the formula from bodies that specialise in asthma, allergy and eczema. Your own triggers are the part only you can test. Patch-test a small area, clean with a window open the first time, and talk to your doctor or specialist about your own history.
How can I reduce trigger exposure while cleaning?
✓ Three-step low-trigger clean
Ventilate. Open a window or door before you start, and leave it open for 10 to 15 minutes after you finish.
Spray the cloth, not the room. In small or enclosed spaces, spraying onto the cloth instead of misting the surface cuts airborne mist.
Use a Koh cloth. Universal Cloths trap dust, pollen and dander rather than flicking them into the air. Pair Universal Cleaner with Universal Cloths and wear gloves if you have contact dermatitis.
GECA certified, Allergy UK certified, Sensitive Choice approved, Eczema Association of Australasia recognised. Two ingredients, alkaline formulation, made in Australia. Runs about 3 months in an average home.
Pairs Universal Cleaner with Atomiser Spray Bottle and Universal Cloths Mixed 4pk. Everything you need to start.
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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Koh Australia