Do I need to spot test Universal Cleaner first?Updated 11 days ago

Koh Universal Cleaner is a higher alkaline solution. Most hard surfaces handle it without issue, but porous and reactive materials can respond differently to an alkaline cleaner than they do to a neutral or acidic one. Natural stone such as marble, granite, travertine and limestone, sealed timber, soft furnishings such as carpet, upholstery and leather, and any vintage, hand-finished or unusual surface should be spot tested first. For oiled or waxed timber floors, fill your Spray Mop with plain water instead. Raw soft metals such as zinc, copper and brass, raw aluminium, aftermarket window tints and specialty glass coatings react with alkaline cleaners and should be avoided outright rather than tested. A five-minute test catches any issue before you apply Universal Cleaner to a full surface.

Spot testing Koh Universal Cleaner takes three steps and about five minutes. First, pick a hidden spot such as the back of a cabinet, the underside of a chair, the hem of upholstery, the wardrobe floor, or any corner that will not show if something goes wrong. Second, spray a small amount of Universal Cleaner onto the hidden spot, wait a few minutes so the alkali has full contact time, then wipe clean with a Koh cloth. Third, check for colour loss, discolouration, sheen change such as matte patches on a glossy surface, etching, softening or texture change. If the area looks unchanged, you are clear to clean the full surface. If anything looks off, stop and use a cleaner made for that surface.

During a spot test on a hidden area, watch for subtle changes that signal the surface is reacting to the alkaline formula. Colour loss or darkening is the most common sign. Sheen change shows up as matte patches on a glossy surface or shiny patches on a matte one. Etching or pitting is more common on stone. Softening, stickiness or tackiness suggests the sealant or finish is breaking down. Fabric texture change points to damage to the fibres or backing. Any discolouration on metal hardware near the test patch is a warning too. If any of these appear, stop and reach for a cleaner formulated for that surface type. If the area looks unchanged after a few minutes, go ahead and clean the full surface.