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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. On floors, skip the wait and go straight over it. 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 ↓

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. On floors, skip the wait and go straight over it. 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. On floors, skip the wait and go straight over it. 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. On floors, skip the wait and go straight 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

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Last reviewed: October 2026 · Koh Australia

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