Koh AU logo
Koh AU logo
All articles

Can I use Universal Cleaner with a steam cleaner?Updated 6 hours ago

TL;DR: Pair Universal Cleaner with a steam cleaner by spraying it directly onto the surface, letting it dwell for a few minutes to lift the grime, then steam cleaning over the top. Don't pour Universal Cleaner into your steam cleaner's water tank. Steamers are built for plain water, internal hoses and seals vary by model, and prolonged contact with a higher alkaline solution can damage them. Spot test first on anything coated, sealed, or porous.

Read on ↓
Koh Universal Cleaner 20+ uses around the home
Koh Atomiser Spray Bottle

How do I pair Universal Cleaner with a steam cleaner?

Spray Universal Cleaner directly onto the surface using an Atomiser Spray Bottle, let it dwell for 2 to 5 minutes to lift dirt and grease, then run the steam cleaner over the area. The steam loosens what the formula has lifted, making it easier to wipe away. Wipe with an Ultra Pro Cloth to finish. Spot test on a small, inconspicuous area first if you're treating coated, sealed, or porous surfaces.

✓ Spray, dwell, steam, wipe

1

Spray Universal Cleaner directly onto the surface using an Atomiser Spray Bottle.

2

Let it dwell for 2 to 5 minutes. The formula needs time to lift dirt and grease before steam goes over the top.

3

Run the steam cleaner over the area as you normally would.

4

Wipe the surface dry with an Ultra Pro Cloth.

✓ Why this pairing works

Universal Cleaner does the chemistry. It lifts oils, grease and built-up grime through saponification and hydrolysis. Steam adds heat and pressure, which loosens what has already been chemically broken down. Together they handle ingrained dirt that either one alone can struggle with.

Chemistry first Steam second Ingrained dirt

Can I put Universal Cleaner in the water tank?

Don't put Universal Cleaner in your steam cleaner's water tank or reservoir. Steam cleaners are designed for plain water. Internal hoses, seals and fittings vary from model to model, and prolonged contact with a higher alkaline solution can damage them. Universal Cleaner stays on the surface, applied separately before the steam pass.

⚠ Never in the reservoir

Steam cleaners are built for plain water. Internal hoses, seals and fittings vary from model to model, and prolonged contact with a higher alkaline solution can damage them. Apply Universal Cleaner to the surface only. The steamer reservoir stays plain water.

Plain water only Surface application Protect hoses and seals

Should I spot test first?

Spot test on an inconspicuous corner before treating a full surface. Apply Universal Cleaner to a small area, let it dwell for a few minutes, then steam over it. Check that the surface, finish, and any sealant or coating respond the way you want before scaling up. This matters most on stone, grout, sealed timber, painted or coated surfaces, and upholstery.

✓ Spot test on an inconspicuous corner

Apply a small amount to a hidden area, dwell for a few minutes, then steam. Check the surface, finish, and any sealant or coating responds the way you want before scaling up to the full area.

Hidden corner Dwell, then steam Check before scaling

✓ Where spot testing matters most

Stone, grout, sealed timber, painted or coated surfaces, and upholstery. Anywhere the finish, sealant, or fibre could react differently than expected to chemistry plus steam.

Stone and grout Sealed timber Upholstery
Koh Universal Cleaner

Universal Cleaner

The pre-treat for steam cleaning. Spray, dwell, then steam over the top. Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certified, Allergy UK certified, Sensitive Choice approved, Eczema Association of Australasia recognised. Made in Australia, around 3 months of everyday use per box.

View productAdd to cartRead reviews
Koh Atomiser Spray Bottle

Atomiser Spray Bottle

The applicator for Universal Cleaner pre-treats. A fine, even mist so the formula has time to dwell before the steam pass. Refillable HDPE body.

View productAdd to cartRead reviews
Koh Perks rewards and ways to save

Koh Perks · earn points on every order

Earn points on every purchase, refer a friend, and redeem for discounts on your next order. Find all the ways to save in one place.

Join Koh PerksSee all ways to save

Browse all Universal Cleaner articles

Last reviewed: September 2026 · Koh Australia

koh universal cleaner steam cleaner, koh uc steam cleaner, koh universal cleaner steamer, koh uc steamer, koh universal cleaner with steamer, koh uc with steam, koh universal cleaner pre-treat steam, koh spray then steam, koh universal cleaner steam mop, koh uc steam mop, koh universal cleaner steam clean floors, koh universal cleaner steam grout, koh universal cleaner steam upholstery, koh universal cleaner steam tiles, koh in steam cleaner, koh in steamer water tank, koh uc in reservoir, koh uc in water tank, koh universal cleaner in reservoir, koh universal cleaner in steam reservoir, can i put koh in my steam cleaner, can i pour koh into my steamer, can i put universal cleaner in steam cleaner, can koh go in steam tank, koh uc damage steamer, koh universal cleaner damage hoses, koh universal cleaner damage seals, koh universal cleaner plastic hoses, koh uc alkaline steamer, koh universal cleaner ph steamer, koh universal cleaner ph, koh universal cleaner alkaline, koh universal cleaner higher alkaline, koh universal cleaner spray bottle steam, koh atomiser spray bottle steam, koh atomiser steam cleaner, koh universal cleaner pre-spray, koh universal cleaner ingrained dirt, koh universal cleaner deep clean steam, koh uc with bissell, koh uc with karcher, koh uc with shark, koh universal cleaner spot test, koh universal cleaner stone grout, koh universal cleaner sealed timber, koh universal cleaner upholstery test, koh universal cleaner saponification, koh universal cleaner hydrolysis, koh universal cleaner geca certified, koh universal cleaner good environmental choice australia, koh universal cleaner allergy uk, koh universal cleaner sensitive choice, koh universal cleaner eczema association of australasia, koh universal cleaner made in australia, how to use koh with steam cleaner, can i mix koh with steam, is koh suitable in a steam cleaner, where do i put koh in steam cleaner

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No