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Is Universal Cleaner safe for asthma and allergy sufferers?Updated 3 days ago

TL;DR: Yes. Universal Cleaner is certified by Allergy UK. The two-ingredient formula (potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water) is fragrance-free, phosphate-free and paraben-free, with none of the additives that commonly trigger asthma, allergic reactions or eczema flares.


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

Is Universal Cleaner safe for people with asthma?

Yes. Koh Universal Cleaner is certified by Allergy UK, the UK's leading allergy charity, whose certification programme covers respiratory allergens that overlap heavily with asthma triggers. The reason it suits asthma households is the formula. It is just two ingredients, potassium hydroxide and reverse osmosis water, so there are no fragrance compounds, no chlorine, no ammonia, no bleach and no solvents added to carry a scent. Perfumes and harsh solvent fumes are among the airborne triggers most often associated with asthma symptoms during cleaning, and neither is present. Ventilating the room while you clean is still worth doing with any cleaning product.

✓ Allergy UK certified

Certified by Allergy UK, the UK’s leading allergy charity. The certification programme covers respiratory allergens, which overlap heavily with the triggers people with asthma try to avoid.

Allergy UK Independently tested Respiratory allergens

✓ Nothing in the air to react to

Two ingredients only, so there is no perfume, no chlorine, no ammonia, no bleach and no solvent added to carry a scent. Perfume and harsh fumes are the airborne triggers most often reported during cleaning.

Fragrance-free No harsh fumes No chlorine No bleach

Is Universal Cleaner safe for people with allergies and eczema?

Yes. Koh Universal Cleaner is certified by Allergy UK, the UK's leading allergy charity, as a better choice for allergy sufferers. The two-ingredient formula avoids the most common cleaning-product allergens: synthetic fragrances, preservatives such as parabens and methylisothiazolinone, dyes, and harsh surfactants. That makes it a sensible option for households dealing with skin allergies, hayfever triggered by fragrance, eczema, contact dermatitis and chemical sensitivities. If you have a known reactive skin condition, patch-test on a small area of skin before extensive use, and wear gloves if you have contact dermatitis. Universal Cleaner is a surface cleaner rather than a skincare product, so avoid prolonged direct skin contact with the concentrate.

✓ Common allergens are not in the formula

The simple formula avoids the allergens most often found in cleaning products: synthetic fragrances, parabens, methylisothiazolinone, dyes and harsh surfactants. A sensible option for skin allergies, eczema, hayfever or chemical sensitivities.

No synthetic fragrance No parabens No dyes No harsh surfactants

✓ If your skin is reactive

If you have a known reactive skin condition, patch-test on a small area before extensive use and wear gloves if you have contact dermatitis. Universal Cleaner is a surface cleaner rather than a skincare product, so it is worth avoiding prolonged contact with the concentrate.

Patch-test first Gloves if reactive Surface cleaner

How can I reduce trigger exposure while cleaning?

Even with an Allergy UK certified cleaner, simple routines help minimise exposure for asthma, allergy and eczema sufferers. Ventilate the room by opening a window or door for airflow. Where practical, ask someone else to clean heavily affected spaces such as bedrooms before you return. Wipe rather than over-spraying in small or enclosed rooms; spraying onto the cloth instead of the surface reduces airborne mist. Pair Koh Universal Cleaner with Koh cloths, which trap dust, pollen and dander rather than flicking them into the air. Wear gloves if you have known contact dermatitis. Keep windows open or a fan running for 10 to 15 minutes after finishing.

✓ Three-step low-trigger clean

1

Ventilate. Open a window or door. Good airflow helps disperse any trace airborne particles during and after cleaning.

2

Wipe instead of over-spraying. In small or enclosed rooms, spray onto the cloth rather than misting the surface generously.

3

Use Koh cloths. They trap dust, pollen and dander rather than flicking them into the air. Pair Universal Cleaner with General Cloths 3pk for best results.

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Last reviewed: August 2026 · Koh UK

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