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Does Universal Cleaner kill bacteria and viruses?Updated 5 hours ago

TL;DR: Universal Cleaner is lab-tested effective against common foodborne bacteria including salmonella, campylobacter, and E.coli. It isn't a sanitiser or disinfectant and won't kill viruses. For virus elimination after illness or for medical-grade hygiene, use a dedicated disinfectant carrying EN 14476 virucidal certification.


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

Does Universal Cleaner kill bacteria?

Yes, for common foodborne bacteria. Koh Universal Cleaner has been validated under scientific lab testing against salmonella, campylobacter, and E.coli, the bacteria most commonly implicated in household kitchen hygiene issues. The alkaline pH 12.5 formula denatures bacterial cell walls on contact. Koh Universal Cleaner isn't a registered sanitiser or disinfectant under the UK Biocidal Products Regulation, so for clinical-grade bacterial kill claims, a dedicated disinfectant carrying EN 1276 certification is the right tool. For everyday kitchen and bathroom cleaning, Universal Cleaner removes the grease, food residue, and organic matter that pathogens shelter in.

✓ Lab-tested effective against

Yes, for common foodborne bacteria. Universal Cleaner has been validated under scientific lab testing against the bacteria most commonly implicated in household kitchen hygiene issues. The alkaline pH 12.5 formula denatures bacterial cell walls on contact.

Salmonella Campylobacter E.coli

Does Universal Cleaner kill viruses?

No. Koh Universal Cleaner is a surface cleaner, not a virucide. It hasn't been tested or registered as a sanitiser or disinfectant under the UK Biocidal Products Regulation and won't kill viruses such as colds, flu, or COVID-19. For virus elimination after illness or before vulnerable household members visit, follow up your cleaning with a dedicated disinfectant carrying EN 14476 virucidal certification (the European standard for virucidal activity, used by Dettol, Zoflora, Domestos, and other registered disinfectants). Disinfectants work most effectively on a pre-cleaned surface, so cleaning with Universal Cleaner first and disinfecting after is the correct sequence.

⚠ Not a sanitiser or disinfectant

No. Universal Cleaner is a surface cleaner, not a virucide. It isn't registered as a sanitiser or disinfectant under the UK Biocidal Products Regulation and won't kill viruses like colds, flu, or COVID-19. For virus elimination, reach for a dedicated disinfectant carrying EN 14476 virucidal certification.

Not a virucide Not a disinfectant Not a sanitiser

What's the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleaning physically removes grease, food residue, dirt, and organic matter from surfaces, including the soils that pathogens shelter in. Disinfecting chemically kills the remaining pathogens on a pre-cleaned surface using regulated antimicrobial actives. The two are complementary, not substitutes. Use Koh Universal Cleaner first to clean and degrease the surface (which is also lab-tested effective against common foodborne bacteria like salmonella, campylobacter, and E.coli). For virus elimination, illness recovery, or high-touch surfaces, follow up with a registered disinfectant carrying EN 14476 virucidal certification. Disinfectants work most effectively on a clean surface, so the order matters.

✓ Clean first with Universal Cleaner

Cleaning removes the grease, food residue, dirt, and organic matter that shelters pathogens. Universal Cleaner is lab-tested effective against common foodborne bacteria and leaves surfaces ready for disinfection if needed.

Cleans Degreases Kills common bacteria

✓ Disinfect after with a virucide

Disinfecting chemically kills remaining pathogens on a pre-cleaned surface. For virus elimination or medical-grade hygiene, follow up with a dedicated disinfectant carrying EN 14476 virucidal certification (the European standard used by registered UK disinfectants). Disinfectants work best on a clean surface.

EN 14476 Virus elimination High-touch surfaces
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.

Browse all Universal Cleaner products →

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Koh UK

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