Emalahleni Water Crisis: How to Stay Fresh and Hygienic When the Taps Run Dry
Brought to you by Zitholama Cleaning & Hygiene Services – Proudly Based in Emalahleni
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of the many people in Emalahleni currently feeling the pinch of the ongoing water shortages. We see you. We’re in this with you.
At Zitholama, we know how frustrating it is to wake up, turn on the tap — and nothing comes out. Whether you’re trying to get ready for work, keep your home clean, or run a small business, no water means everything takes longer, feels harder, and can start to feel overwhelming.
But don’t panic. Even without running water, there are still ways to keep yourself, your family, and your space clean and hygienic. Here’s a few things we’ve learned — and that we’re using ourselves — during this tough time.
🖐🏾 1. Keep Those Hands Clean (Even Without a Tap)
We all know that handwashing is the first line of defence against germs. But what do you do when there’s no water?
✅ Use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol — it’s quick, easy and doesn’t need water.
✅ Keep one in your bag, in the car, at the door — anywhere you normally wash hands.
✅ No sanitiser? Wet wipes or disinfectant wipes are great backups (just don’t flush them).
Pro tip: Teach the little ones to sanitise regularly, especially after using the toilet or playing outside.
🚽 2. Let’s Talk Toilets (Because We All Need to Go)
Toilet time gets tricky when flushing isn’t an option — but there are safe and manageable workarounds.
✅ Use greywater from washing dishes or laundry to pour into the toilet bowl and flush.
✅ Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda or a bit of bleach into the toilet to keep smells under control.
✅ If you’re using a bucket or alternative toilet setup, line it with a plastic bag and dispose of it properly.
👕 3. Stay Fresh Without Constant Laundry
We get it — daily laundry is already a chore, and now it feels nearly impossible. But you can still feel fresh without running a full load every day.
✅ Hang your clothes in the sun for a few hours to air them out.
✅ Mix a bit of white vinegar with water and use it as a spray to freshen up fabrics.
✅ Stick to loose, breathable clothes — they stay cleaner for longer and keep you comfortable.
🧼 4. Wipe Down What Matters
When there’s no water, it’s even more important to keep surfaces germ-free, especially where people gather or eat.
✅ Use a spray bottle with vinegar + lemon juice + water to clean countertops and tables.
✅ Focus on high-touch areas: phones, remote controls, doorknobs, taps, light switches.
✅ Disinfectant wipes are a lifesaver right now — stash a few in every room if you can.
🚛 5. Zitholama Can Help (Yes, Even Now)
We’re more than just a cleaning company — we’re part of this community. If you’re running a school, clinic, business or even a household that needs extra help during this time, we’ve got solutions designed for water-scarce conditions:
✅ VIP mobile toilet rentals — clean, convenient and water-efficient
✅ Water-smart deep cleaning services for homes, events, or businesses
Just give us a call and let’s talk about what you
We’re All in This Together, Emalahleni
We know how deeply South Africans value staying clean — it’s part of who we are. So even when the water isn’t flowing, let’s find ways to keep our dignity, our health, and our standards intact.
At Zitholama, we’re here to support our neighbors
Zitholama – No Water in Emalahleni.
— not just with products and services, but with real, workable solutions for the challenges we’re all facing.
📞 Call us on 013 007 1382 / 081 410 1905
🌍 Visit: www.zitholama.co.za
📍 17 Westdunes Road, Klipfontein, Emalahleni, 1039
📧 Email: marketing@zitholama.co.za
Zitholama – We are solutions.
