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Does Universal Cleaner kill bacteria and viruses?Updated 10 days ago

Quick version: Universal Cleaner lifts grease, food residue, and the organic matter where bacteria shelter. It has been lab-tested against salmonella, campylobacter, and E.coli. For virus removal or a specific disinfection requirement, clean the surface first, then follow with a disinfectant approved for that purpose.

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Koh Universal Cleaner box
Koh Universal Cleaner product features

Does Universal Cleaner kill bacteria?

Koh Universal Cleaner has been lab-tested effective against three common foodborne bacteria: salmonella, campylobacter and E.coli. Those are the organisms most often involved in household kitchen hygiene problems. That result is cleaning efficacy data against three named organisms rather than a disinfection claim. For everyday kitchen and bathroom cleaning it removes the grease, food residue and organic matter that bacteria shelter in. Where a regulated antimicrobial result is needed, a registered disinfectant is the right tool.

✓ Lab-tested against three named organisms

Universal Cleaner has been lab-tested against the three bacteria most often involved in kitchen hygiene problems. That is cleaning efficacy data against named organisms, which is a more specific thing to be able to say than a general hygiene claim.

It works mechanically. The alkaline formulation is what cuts through cooking grease and organic matter, making it easier to clean, and that soil is where bacteria shelter and feed.

Salmonella Campylobacter E.coli Alkaline formulation

Does Universal Cleaner kill viruses?

Koh Universal Cleaner is a surface cleaner rather than a virucide. For virus removal after illness, or before a vulnerable household member visits, clean the surface with Universal Cleaner first and follow with a dedicated disinfectant carrying approved TGA (Australia) or EPA (United States) virucidal claims. Disinfectants work most effectively on a surface that is already clean, because organic soil gets in the way of the active. Cleaning then disinfecting in that order gives a better result than disinfecting over grime.

✓ For viruses, clean first and then disinfect

Universal Cleaner cleans the surface first by lifting grease, residue, and grime. If you need virus removal after illness or before a vulnerable visitor, follow that clean with a disinfectant approved for the job.

Clean the surface first, then follow with a dedicated disinfectant carrying approved TGA (Australia) or EPA (United States) virucidal claims. Organic soil gets in the way of a disinfectant active, so a clean surface is what lets the second step do its job properly.

Clean first Then disinfect TGA or EPA virucidal claims

What's the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleaning physically removes grease, food residue, dirt and organic matter from a surface, including the soils bacteria shelter in. Disinfecting uses regulated antimicrobial actives to act on what remains on an already-clean surface. The two are complementary rather than substitutes. Use Koh Universal Cleaner first to clean and degrease, then follow with a registered disinfectant carrying TGA or EPA approval where virus removal, illness recovery or high-touch surfaces call for it.

✓ Clean first with Universal Cleaner

Cleaning removes the grease, food residue, dirt and organic matter that bacteria shelter in. Universal Cleaner handles that part and leaves the surface ready for disinfection if you need it.

Cleans Degreases Removes food soils

✓ Disinfect after with a registered product

Disinfecting acts on what remains once the surface is already clean. For virus removal or medical-grade hygiene, follow up with a dedicated disinfectant carrying approved TGA or EPA claims.

Virus removal Illness recovery High-touch surfaces

What should I do after raw meat or chicken?

Clear the bench, spray Koh Universal Cleaner across the whole working area rather than just the visible spot, leave it 10 to 30 seconds, then wipe with a cloth you keep for raw-meat jobs or a disposable one. Rinse with a damp cloth and let the bench air dry before food touches it. Wash boards, knives and tongs in hot soapy water separately. Campylobacter and salmonella are the two organisms Universal Cleaner has been lab-tested against, and both travel by cross-contamination rather than through the air, so the cloth you use next matters as much as the spray.

✓ Four steps after raw meat or chicken

1

Clear the whole area. Spray across the full working area rather than the visible spot. Splash travels further than it looks.

2

Give it 10 to 30 seconds. Long enough to lift the fat and protein residue that bacteria feed on.

3

Wipe with a dedicated cloth. Keep one cloth for raw-meat jobs or use a disposable. A cloth that goes back on the bench is how cross-contamination travels.

4

Rinse and air dry. A damp rinse with a clean cloth, then let the bench air dry before food touches it. Wash boards, knives and tongs separately in hot soapy water.

Koh Universal Cleaner

Universal Cleaner

Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certified, Allergy UK certified, Sensitive Choice approved, Eczema Association of Australasia recognised. Two ingredients, used undiluted, made in Australia. Runs about 3 months in an average home.

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Koh Universal Cleaner Starter Kit

Universal Cleaner Starter Kit

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

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