Is Universal Cleaner safe to use around pets?Updated 8 hours ago
TL;DR: Yes. Universal Cleaner is fragrance-free, phosphate-free, and Sensitive Choice approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia, which makes it a safer option for homes with pets than most conventional cleaners. As with any cleaning product, keep pets off surfaces while cleaning and let surfaces dry fully before pet contact.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Is Universal Cleaner safe for dogs, cats, and other pets?
Yes. Universal Cleaner is a two-ingredient formula (potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water) with no fragrance, no parabens, no phosphates, no chlorine, and no bleach. It's Sensitive Choice approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia, which is a better indicator of pet safety than most "pet safe" marketing claims. Fewer irritants in the air and on surfaces means fewer triggers for pets with sensitive noses, paws, or skin.
✓ Why it works in pet homes
Two ingredients only. No fragrance (dogs and cats have far more sensitive noses than humans). No phosphates, parabens, chlorine, or bleach. GECA eco-certified and Sensitive Choice approved.
⚠ Standard cleaning-product caution
As with any cleaning product, don't spray it directly onto pets. Keep pets off the surface while you're cleaning. Store the bottle out of reach. Ventilate the room as you would with any cleaner.
How should I clean when pets are around?
Pop pets into another room while you're cleaning. Spray Universal Cleaner, let it sit 10 to 30 seconds, wipe clean, and let the surface dry fully before letting pets back. Drying time matters most for floors and low surfaces where paws land. For food and water bowls, follow up with a rinse using a damp cloth before refilling.
✓ Three-step pet-safe clean
Move pets to another room before you start. Closed door, separate space, no curious sniffing.
Spray, wait, wipe. 10 to 30 seconds contact time, then wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. Ventilate the room if possible.
Let surfaces dry fully before letting pets back. For pet food bowls, rinse with a damp cloth before refilling.
Can I use Universal Cleaner on pet accidents?
Yes, for the surface-cleaning part of the job. Universal Cleaner lifts urine and other pet mess from hard floors, tiles, and most sealed surfaces. For carpet and upholstery, spot test a hidden area first, then treat with a light spray and blot (don't scrub). For lingering odour on fabric, follow up with an enzyme-based odour treatment. Universal Cleaner is a surface cleaner, not an odour neutraliser.
✓ Hard surfaces
Tiles, sealed floorboards, vinyl, laminate. Spray, wait, wipe. Then rinse with a damp cloth and let dry before pets return.
✓ Carpets and upholstery
Spot test a hidden area first. Light spray, blot with a clean cloth, don't scrub. For lingering odour, follow up with an enzyme-based treatment designed for pet stains.
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Fragrance-free. Sensitive Choice approved. Better for pet homes. Two ingredients, no nasties.
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