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Is Universal Cleaner chemical-free?Updated 3 days ago

TL;DR: Not technically. Universal Cleaner isn’t chemical-free, because water and potassium hydroxide are both chemicals. But it’s free from the harsh chemicals, fragrances, phosphates, parabens, bleach and additives found in most conventional cleaning products. Just two simple ingredients, and Allergy UK certified.


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Koh Universal Cleaner safe for homes and surfaces
Koh Universal Cleaner product features

Is Universal Cleaner chemical-free?

Not technically. Everything is made of chemicals, including water (H2O). The more useful question is which chemicals a product contains and whether they're safe. Koh Universal Cleaner contains just two ingredients: potassium hydroxide (the alkali degreaser that does the cleaning work) and reverse osmosis water (an ultra-pure solvent). It's free from fragrances, phosphates, parabens, chlorine, bleach, harsh surfactants, dyes, preservatives, and animal-derived ingredients. The common nasties found in most conventional cleaning products are not in the formula.

✓ What’s in the box

Everything is made of chemicals, including water (H₂O). The more useful question is which chemicals a product contains and whether they’re safe. Universal Cleaner contains just two: potassium hydroxide (alkali degreaser) and reverse osmosis water (ultra-pure solvent).

Potassium hydroxide Reverse osmosis water

⚠ What’s not in the box

No fragrances, phosphates, parabens, chlorine, bleach, harsh surfactants, dyes, preservatives, or animal-derived ingredients. The common nasties in conventional cleaners are not here.

No fragrance No phosphates No parabens No bleach

Is Universal Cleaner safe for homes with kids, pets, and sensitivities?

Yes, when used as directed. Koh Universal Cleaner is Allergy UK certified. The reason it suits sensitive households is the formula itself: with only potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water on the ingredient list, there is no added fragrance, no dye, no preservative and no phosphate to react to. Fragrance and dyes are among the most common triggers in conventional cleaning products, and neither is present. It is also vegan and cruelty-free, and it rinses away without leaving a chemical residue on surfaces. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, as you would any cleaning product, and let surfaces dry before pets walk on them.

✓ Why it suits sensitive homes

Allergy UK certified. Fragrance and dyes are two of the most common triggers in conventional cleaners, and neither is in the formula. Fewer additives means fewer irritants to react to.

Allergy UK certified Fragrance-free Dye-free No preservatives

✓ Around kids and pets

Vegan and cruelty-free. Universal Cleaner rinses away without leaving a chemical residue. Store it out of reach and let surfaces dry before pets walk on them, as with any cleaning product.

Vegan Cruelty-free No residue Family-friendly
Koh Universal Cleaner 2L

Universal Cleaner

2L bag-in-box refill. The same two-ingredient formula in our most popular size. Approximately 3 months of cleaning for the average UK home.

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Last reviewed: August 2026 · Koh UK

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