
Mbali Nhlapho, the Diepkloof-born housekeeper who rose to fame through savvy home hacks on TikTok, dropped a new one that had South Africans divided the other day. Armed with everyday pantry items, she shared a spray recipe for cockroach control that was budget-friendly and clever, yet the internet was quick to push back.
Kitchen Science or Short-Term Fix?
Mbali’s concoction was simple: she mixed one cup of vinegar with cloves, lemon juice, dishwashing liquid, bicarbonate of soda, and boiling water. She let it steep overnight before using it to spritz around areas where roaches lurked. The idea was accessible to anyone with a kitchen, but the reactions were not unanimous.
Social Media Reaction Was Immediate
Some people chimed in with praise, claiming they sprayed once and saw results. Others were blunt, commenting that the remedy only offered a short-lived reprieve from pests. One user joked the roaches might view the spray as slimming juice. That mix of memes and scepticism is uniquely South African, witty but real about what works long-term.
@mbalinhlaponhlapho Replying to @nkamodira_hore #diy #diywithmbali ♬ original sound – Mbali Nhlapho housekeeper
Why It Resonated (and Frustrated)
In a country where dealing with household pests can be a daily struggle, the appeal of a quick solution is undeniable. Mbali isn’t just a content creator; she’s the woman who offers hope between stale bread and cheaper options. Yet the same community knows that without professional pest control, roaches tend to come back.
Moving Beyond the Comments Section
Most of Mbali’s viral tricks offer a spark of ingenuity. This latest one does the same: simple, home-based, and empowering for those on a budget. The follow-up shouldn’t be a random spray but patience, consistency, and maybe waiting to see who still appears tomorrow night.
Source: Briefly News
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