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How does Universal Cleaner work?Updated 9 hours ago

TL;DR: Universal Cleaner is a ready-to-use alkaline, no-rinse surface cleaner. Do not mix it with water or any other product. Spray directly onto the surface, let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds, wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. Two ingredients: potassium hydroxide (alkali degreaser) and reverse osmosis water (ultra-pure solvent).

Last reviewed: April 2026

Koh Universal Cleaner product features
Koh Universal Cleaner before and after

Do I need to dilute Universal Cleaner with water?

No. Universal Cleaner is a ready-to-use product. Use it neat, straight from the box. Adding water dilutes the alkaline formula and reduces cleaning performance. Do not mix it with other cleaners either, the formula is designed to work on its own.

⚠ Do not dilute

Universal Cleaner is designed for neat use, straight from the box. Adding water reduces cleaning performance. Mixing with other cleaners can neutralise the alkaline formula or create unsafe reactions.

No water No other cleaners Ready to use

How does Universal Cleaner actually clean?

Universal Cleaner works by alkaline saponification. The potassium hydroxide reacts with fats, oils, and organic grime on contact, turning them into soluble soap that lifts away cleanly. The reverse osmosis water carries everything off the surface without leaving mineral residue or streaks. Formulated at pH 12.5, it's strong enough to cut grease but gentle enough to leave no residue.

Potassium hydroxide

The alkali that does the work. Reacts with fats, oils, and organic grime through saponification, turning them into soluble soap that lifts off the surface.

pH ~12.5 Saponifies fats

Reverse osmosis water

Ultra-pure solvent. Carries the soap-and-grime complex off the surface without leaving mineral residue, water spots, or streaks.

Ultra-pure Streak-free

Do I need to rinse after using Universal Cleaner?

Most surfaces don't need rinsing. Universal Cleaner lifts grime without leaving heavy residue behind, so a single wipe with a microfibre cloth is usually enough. For food prep surfaces (benchtops, cutting boards) or any surface that will touch food, follow up with a clean damp cloth to be thorough.

✓ Usually no rinse needed

Glass, tiles, sealed floors, bathroom surfaces, ovens, stovetops. Spray, wait, wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. Done.

No-rinse Streak-free

✓ Damp-wipe food surfaces

For food prep areas (benchtops, cutting boards, inside the fridge), follow up with a clean damp cloth after wiping. Peace of mind before food touches the surface.

Food prep Damp wipe

How do I use Universal Cleaner?

Decant Universal Cleaner neat into an Atomiser Spray Bottle, Foaming Spray Bottle, or Spray Mop reservoir. Spray directly onto the surface, let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds (longer for heavy grime), then wipe clean with Universal Cloths or any clean microfibre cloth.

Step by step

1

Decant into a spray bottle. Atomiser Spray Bottle for fine mist on glass and light surfaces, Foaming Spray Bottle for heavier grease and vertical surfaces, or the Spray Mop reservoir for floors.

2

Spray directly onto the surface. Neat, no water, no dilution.

3

Let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds. Longer (up to a few minutes) for heavy baked-on grime or soap scum. The alkali needs contact time to break down the grime.

4

Wipe clean. Use Universal Cloths or any clean microfibre cloth. Follow with a damp cloth on food surfaces if preferred.


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