Koh AU logo
Koh AU logo
All articles

Is Universal Cleaner safe for septic systems?Updated 9 hours ago

TL;DR: Yes. Universal Cleaner is safe for standard septic systems, grey water setups, and holding tanks. The two-ingredient formula (potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water) has no phosphates, no surfactants, no fragrance, and no additives that disrupt tank bacteria. A smart switch for rural and regional homes, caravans, camper vans, and boats.

Last reviewed: April 2026

Koh Universal Cleaner safe for homes and surfaces
Koh Universal Cleaner GECA eco-certified

Is Universal Cleaner safe for septic systems?

Yes. Universal Cleaner is safe for standard septic systems. It's a two-ingredient formula (potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water) with none of the additives that commonly kill the bacteria your tank relies on to break down waste. No phosphates, no surfactants, no fragrance, no antibacterial agents, no bleach.

✓ What makes it tank-safe

Two ingredients only. None of the usual culprits that disrupt septic tank bacteria. Potassium hydroxide breaks down in wastewater without leaving residues that build up over time.

No phosphates No surfactants No fragrance No antibacterials

⚠ What typically disrupts tanks

Phosphates (feed algal blooms), antibacterial ingredients (kill the good bacteria), strong surfactants (linger in tanks), bleach and chlorine (sterilise the tank), and heavy fragrance loads. None of these are in Universal Cleaner.

No bleach No chlorine

Which tank systems can I use Universal Cleaner with?

Universal Cleaner works with standard residential septic systems, grey water systems, aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), and holding tanks in caravans, camper vans, and boats. For any specialised or unusual tank setup, check with your system provider before switching products.

✓ Compatible setups

Septic systems Grey water Aerated wastewater (AWTS) Caravans Camper vans Boats Rural properties Regional homes

For non-standard or specialised tank systems, check with your provider before switching cleaners.

Koh Universal Cleaner Starter Kit

New at Koh?

Universal Cleaner Starter Kit has everything you need to get started in one box.

Browse all Universal Cleaner articles

Chat with ROS-E

Chat with ROS-E

ROS-E handles most questions in seconds, 24/7.

Prefer a human? Just ask. If ROS-E can't answer, it'll hand you over to our team. We usually reply within 1 to 2 business days.

koh universal cleaner septic safe, koh septic tank, koh universal cleaner septic system, is koh safe for septic, koh septic friendly, koh universal cleaner drain safe, koh universal cleaner bacteria, koh universal cleaner tank bacteria, koh universal cleaner grey water, koh universal cleaner grey water system, koh eco friendly cleaner septic, koh universal cleaner wastewater, koh universal cleaner awts, koh universal cleaner aerated wastewater, koh septic system safe cleaner, koh universal cleaner phosphate free, koh universal cleaner no phosphates, koh universal cleaner no surfactants, koh universal cleaner rural, koh universal cleaner regional, koh cleaner rural areas, koh septic rural home, koh universal cleaner country home, koh universal cleaner caravan, koh universal cleaner camper van, koh universal cleaner boat, koh universal cleaner holding tank, koh universal cleaner rv, koh universal cleaner motorhome, is koh safe for septic tanks, can i use koh in a caravan, does koh kill septic bacteria, is koh phosphate free

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No