Vinegar, lemon, and a dash of joy: Social media cleaning star Mbali Nhlapo shares her secrets

If you’ve been putting off your spring cleaning, South Africa’s own social media "cleaning queen" says it’s never too late to start. 

Mbali Nhlapo, the spirited force behind Sisters at Work, has turned everyday cleaning into something fun, fabulous, and completely achievable.

Nhlapo's influencer journey began with a simple nudge from her son, who encouraged her to post her DIY cleaning routines online. 

She has built a loyal following with her clever do-it-yourself cleaning hacks and infectious enthusiasm. 

"What makes us be overwhelmed and think cleaning is hard is that we're working hard, not smart.

"Take it day by day."

Here are some of Nhlapo's favourite go-to cleaning hacks:

All-Purpose DIY Spray

1 cup warm water

1 cup vinegar

1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid

5 drops essential oil (any scent you love - lavender, lemon, neroli, etc.)

Use it for: cleaning surfaces, wooden furniture, appliances, and even white sneakers.

Tip: Always spray onto a cloth first, rather than directly onto your TV, wooden tables, or devices.

Pillow and bedding refresh

Deep-clean pillows every three months in the washing machine or bathtub.

Once a month, disinfect by sealing pillows in a black plastic bag with bicarbonate of soda and essential oil for a few hours.

Removes sweat, odours, and stale smells.

Stain Solutions

Sweat stains: Rub with a lemon to lift the marks.

Blood stains:

On dark fabric - cold water + salt.

On white fabric - mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide, bicarbonate of soda, and dishwashing liquid.

Always use cold water - hot water can set the stain permanently.

Mould and mildew fix

Mix vinegar, dishwashing liquid, and lemon juice to kill mould (not just remove it).

Treat the root cause of damp to stop it from coming back.

Forgotten spots to clean

Chopping boards: Scrub weekly with salt and lemon to lift grime and kill bacteria.

Shower heads: Soak in a bag of vinegar to remove scale and water marks.

Remote controls & electronics: Wipe with your DIY spray on a damp cloth - never spray directly.

Sneaker TLC

Deodorise sneakers by sprinkling bicarbonate of soda mixed with essential oil inside overnight.

For scuff marks: dip a cloth in bicarbonate of soda and rub gently.

Avoid soaking sneakers - less water means a longer lifespan.

Smart cleaning habits

Clean one area per day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Spray as you go to prevent grease or grime build-up.

Wipe TVs and screens using an S-shaped motion to avoid streaks and lint.

Nhlapo will be taking her sparkle offline with a Housekeepers’ Conference and High Tea at Cape Town’s Protea Hotel on 8 November.

The event celebrates the hard work and pride of housekeepers, encouraging them to take pride in their craft.

For more information, you can contact 079 305 6951.

To listen to Nhlapo in conversation with CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson, use the audio player below: