All-Purpose Cleaner
This all-purpose cleaner is a really easy recipe that can also be adapted quickly to accommodate your needs and favourite scents. I use this cleaner for basically everything. If I was Gus Portokalos from My Big Fat Greek wedding, then this would be my “windex” when it comes to cleaning, it might not be the best cure for poison ivy, or so I don’t think. This all-purpose cleaner cleans anything from glass, kitchen benchtops, wooden outdoor table, shower, fridge. Basically, any regular cleaning needs a wipe. If there is something that it does not remove immediately, I would then rather call in the big guns “hard water remover or my scrubbing paste” and that gets the job done.
If you love a zesty lemony fragrance then I would recommend creating a zesty vinegar and use that for the recipe, instead of the essential oils. You can always play around with your mix too, if you feel you want it to be stronger, maybe add less water to your mix.
Ingredients for zesty vinegar:
- 250ml White vinegar
- Citrus peels from 3-4 citrus fruits
Method for zesty vinegar:
- In a mason jar or anything similar, pour your white vinegar.
- Before adding your citrus peels, make sure that you just have the peels and that it does not contain any fruity bits. Now cut the peels into large chunks and add to your vinegar.
- Close the container and leave for 2-3 weeks. You might have to burp your container every other day by opening it, give the peels a stir and close again.
- After 2-3 weeks your vinegar will have a yellow or orange tint to it. Strain the vinegar to remove all the peels and if you want you can add the peels to a muslin cloth or milk bag and squeeze them even more to get every drop.
- Store the vinegar in a container and use it as needed. You can use the mixture as is for a kitchen cleaner but I prefer to dilute it a bit like in the instructions below.
Ingredients:
- 125 ml white vinegar or zesty vinegar
- 125ml filtered water
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (If you have used zesty vinegar and like the citrus smell you do not have to add any essential oil. My favourite essential oils to use are tea tree oil, basil or grapefruit)
Method:
- Mix your vinegar and water together in a container. I like to mix it directly into my glass bottle with a trigger spray.
- Once the mixture is mixed well add your essential oil. I love for mine to smell fresh and the tea tree oil also has some antibacterial and antifungal properties and I like to add a second scent to make it smell amazing.
- Now you can start using it and cleaning up a storm. I would recommend that if you have shinny surfaces where you will use the spray, maybe just wipe it down with a microfibre cleaning cloth and make sure to give your bottle a good shake before you use it.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.