Can I add essential oils to Universal Cleaner?Updated 8 hours ago
TL;DR: Yes. Add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil to Universal Cleaner in your Atomiser Spray Bottle or Spray Mop tank. Swirl gently to combine. That's the limit. More than a few drops risks clogging the fine spray nozzle and won't clean any better. Avoid pure citrus oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot), which can break down the spray mechanism over time.
Last reviewed: April 2026
How do I add essential oils to Universal Cleaner?
Fill your Atomiser Spray Bottle or Spray Mop tank with Universal Cleaner as usual. Add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil directly to the bottle. Swirl gently to disperse. Don't shake vigorously. Spot test on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface before cleaning. Then wipe down as normal.
✓ Three-step method
Add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil directly into the Atomiser Spray Bottle or Spray Mop tank after filling with Universal Cleaner.
Swirl gently to disperse the oil. Don't shake vigorously.
Spot test on a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning the full surface. Then wipe down as normal.
⚠ Don't exceed 2 to 3 drops
Higher concentrations won't clean any better. Extra oil builds up inside the spray valve and clogs the fine atomiser nozzle, which can permanently damage the bottle. Stick to 2 to 3 drops per full bottle, every time.
Which oils work well with Universal Cleaner?
Koh sells three essential oils formulated to work with Universal Cleaner: Eucalyptus Oil (fresh and clean), Lemon Scented Tea Tree Oil (citrus-fresh, the most popular choice), and Lavender Calm Essential Oil (calming and light). All three are safe for the Atomiser. A few drops per bottle lasts the full refill.
Citrus-fresh scent. Most popular choice for Koh customers.
Calming and light. Great for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Which oils should I avoid?
Avoid pure citrus oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot) in the Atomiser Spray Bottle. Over time they can break down the spray mechanism. Also avoid thick, resinous oils like myrrh or patchouli, which clog the fine nozzle. Koh's own Lemon Scented Tea Tree Oil is fine despite its citrus name, because it's tea tree oil with a naturally-occurring citrus scent, not a pure citrus oil.
⚠ Oils to avoid
Pure citrus oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot). Thick or resinous oils (myrrh, patchouli). These can damage the spray mechanism over time. Koh's Lemon Scented Tea Tree Oil is fine because it's tea tree based, not pure citrus.
What if I prefer zero scent?
Just leave the oils out. Universal Cleaner is fragrance-free by design and performs exactly the same without essential oils. This is why it's Sensitive Choice approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia. For people with asthma, fragrance sensitivities, or anyone who just prefers clean-smelling-like-nothing, the base formula is already ideal.
✓ Fragrance-free by design
Universal Cleaner performs exactly the same without oils. Sensitive Choice approved. Ideal for asthma, fragrance sensitivities, and anyone who prefers no scent at all.
New at Koh?
Universal Cleaner Starter Kit has everything you need to get started in one box.
Fragrance-free. Scent it with 2 to 3 drops of essential oil, or leave it alone. Works the same either way.
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