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Can I use Universal Cleaner to wash fruit and vegetables?Updated 5 hours ago

TL;DR: No. Universal Cleaner isn't suitable for washing fruit, vegetables, or any other food. It's formulated for hard surfaces only and isn't a food-safe product. For washing produce, use clean running water or a certified food-safe produce wash. Universal Cleaner is safe for food prep surfaces like benchtops (with a damp rinse after).


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Koh Universal Cleaner 20+ uses around the home
Koh Universal Cleaner safe for homes and surfaces

Can I use Universal Cleaner on fruit, vegetables, or any food?

No. Koh Universal Cleaner is formulated for hard surfaces such as benchtops, splashbacks, glass, tiles, floors, and sealed stone. It isn't a food-safe product and isn't intended for contact with anything that will be consumed. The pH 12.5 alkaline formula is designed to cut grease on surfaces, not to be ingested. The same applies to anything that will hold consumable items, including baby bottles, water bottles, drink containers, brewing equipment, fermenting vessels, and pet bowls. Always rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning any surface that will touch food.

⚠ Not for food contact

Not on fruit, vegetables, herbs, meat, seafood, or any other food. Not in cooking, brewing, or fermenting. Not for washing baby bottles, pet bowls, or anything else where trace residue could be ingested. Universal Cleaner is a hard-surface cleaner, full stop.

Not food safe Hard surfaces only No ingestion

What should I use to wash fruit and vegetables?

Clean running water is enough for most produce. Rinse under the tap, scrub firmer produce (potatoes, apples, carrots, root vegetables) with a clean produce brush, and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. For leafy greens, rinse in a colander or use a salad spinner. If you want something more thorough, use a produce wash that is specifically formulated and certified food-safe. These are widely available at supermarkets and health stores. Avoid using any household cleaning product on food, even diluted. Soap residue on produce can cause stomach upset, and most household cleaners aren't designed to be safely consumed in any quantity.

✓ Safer options for produce

Clean running tap water. A clean produce brush for firmer fruit and vegetables. A colander or salad spinner for leafy greens. Or a certified food-safe produce wash from the supermarket. Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel after washing.

Running water Produce brush Certified produce wash

Can I use Universal Cleaner on food prep surfaces?

Yes. Koh Universal Cleaner is safe for kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, wooden chopping boards, stainless sinks, stovetops, and the inside of the fridge. The key rule is to follow the clean with a damp rinse. Spray the surface, let it sit 10 to 30 seconds, wipe clean with a microfibre cloth, then wipe over with a damp Swedish Dishcloth or any clean damp cloth, and let the surface air dry before food touches it. The cleaner is approved for food prep areas because the residue is removed before food contact, but the cleaner itself remains a hard-surface product, not a food-safe one.

✓ Safe on food prep surfaces

Benchtops, splashbacks, wooden chopping boards, stainless sinks, stovetops, and the inside of the fridge. Always rinse with a damp cloth and let the surface air dry before preparing food. The cleaner is approved for food prep areas, but the food itself is a different story.

Benchtops Splashbacks Sinks Damp rinse after
Koh Universal Cleaner Starter Kit

Universal Cleaner Starter Kit

Pairs Universal Cleaner with Atomiser Spray Bottle and a Universal Cloth. Safe for hard surfaces, not for food contact.

Koh Universal Cleaner 2L

Universal Cleaner

Hard surface cleaner. Safe for food prep areas with a damp rinse. Not for washing food itself.

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Last reviewed: April 2026

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