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Can I use Universal Cleaner with a steam cleaner?Updated 11 hours ago

TL;DR: Yes, you can pair Universal Cleaner with a steam cleaner. Spray Universal Cleaner directly onto the surface, let it dwell for a few minutes to lift the grime, then steam clean. Don't pour Universal Cleaner into your steam cleaner's water tank. We can't be sure what plastic parts your steamer uses internally, and prolonged contact with the alkaline formula could damage hoses or seals. Spot test first on anything coated, sealed, or porous.


Read on ↓

Koh Universal Cleaner 4L
Koh Foaming Spray Bottle

How do I pair Universal Cleaner with a steam cleaner?

Spray Universal Cleaner directly onto the surface using a Foaming 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 a 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's already been chemically broken down. Together they handle ingrained dirt that either alone can struggle with.

Chemistry first Steam second Ingrained dirt

Can I put Universal Cleaner in the water tank?

No, don't put Universal Cleaner in your steam cleaner's water tank or reservoir. Steam cleaners are designed for plain water. We can't be sure what plastic parts your specific steamer uses internally, and prolonged contact with an alkaline formula could damage hoses, seals, or other components. Universal Cleaner stays on the surface — applied separately, before the steam pass.

⚠ Never in the reservoir

Steam cleaners are built for plain water. We don't know what plastic parts your specific model uses internally, and prolonged contact with Universal Cleaner's alkaline formula could damage hoses, seals, or internal components. Apply Universal Cleaner to the surface only. Steamer reservoir stays plain water.

Plain water only Surface application Protect hoses + seals

Should I spot test first?

Yes, 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 a chemistry-plus-steam combo.

Stone + grout Sealed timber Upholstery
Koh Universal Cleaner 4L

Universal Cleaner

The all-purpose pre-treat for steam cleaning. Spray, dwell, then steam over the top. Eco-certified by GECA. Made in Australia.

Koh Foaming Spray Bottle

Foaming Spray Bottle

The applicator for Universal Cleaner pre-treats. Even foam coverage so the formula has time to dwell before the steam pass.

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Last reviewed: May 2026 · Koh Australia

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