Hard Watermark Cleaner

This spray is my go-to, to remove tough watermarks from our shower screen, tiles and also to give the faucets a good clean as well as around the toilet. It works wonders, but I have found that sometimes it can be a little sticky afterwards, therefore I recommend after you have cleaned the surface with the hard watermark remover to just give it a wipe with a water damped clean cloth. This will take the stickiness away and leave your surface shinning. I often dry the area with a microfibre cloth, especially for the faucets and they sparkle like new. What I love about this recipe is that it is so easy to make from only three ingredients.  

Ingredients:

  • 125ml hot water. (I like to boil water and let it cool a bit down and then use it.) 
  • 60g Citric Acid  
  • 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (I love to mix a few oils together my favourite is tea tree and grapefruit oil but I sometimes also combine tea tree and lavender as well.

Method:

  • Add your citric acid and water together in a glass container, make sure all the citric acid has dissolved and mixed in well.  
  • Once your mixture is cooled, pour your water citric acid mix into a container of your choice, I prefer to use a glass bottle with a trigger spray.  
  • Add essential oils to the water citric mix, close the bottle and give it a good shake.  
  • Now you are ready to tackle all the hard water stains by spraying the surface, leaving the spray on the surface for a few minutes and then wipe it down and rise either with water if it is your glass screen or use a damp cloth. If the stains are a bit more tricky to remove, you can give it a little scrub with an old toothbrush or dish brush. Afterwards, wipe dry with a microfibre cloth.  
  • Remember the give your mix a little shake before each use.  

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.

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