We've spoken to Ellinor Sirén, the woman behind the incredibly successful Instagram account Ekotipset and now also the author of the book Cleaning sustainably with Ekotipset. Read on if you want the recipe for the famous so-called miracle spray or want to get Ellinor's tips for avoiding weekly cleaning at home! 
Hi Ellinor! Who are you and what do you do? - Hi! My name is Ellinor Sirén, I live in Stockholm with my partner and our two children and dog and I run the Instagram account Ekotipset , where I share tips for a more environmentally friendly everyday life. How come you started your Instagram with that particular focus? - When my children were small, I became more and more aware of how harmful chemicals affect us and our surroundings and collected tips to avoid this. Then I wanted to share these with others who might be interested. I have always been interested in housewife tips so many of the tips consist of just that! 
Photo: @ekotipset Your before and after pictures are like magic! But do eco-products really work? What do you say to skeptics who are holding on to the chlorine bottle? - It often works better than conventional products, I would say! Alcohol is absolutely incredible for many purposes, as is bicarbonate. To those who are skeptical, I would say check out the before and after pictures on my account or in my book Cleaning sustainably with Ekotipset. I too am constantly surprised by the miracles that can happen with things you really think are done! What is your best tip for those who want to start cleaning more environmentally friendly? Do you perhaps have a "starter kit" of eco-products that you recommend having in the cleaning cupboard at home? - Alcohol, bicarbonate and linseed soap will go a long way. Use the bottle from the alcohol and attach an old spray nozzle from a regular cleaning spray or flower sprayer. Pour in 2 dl alcohol, 3 dl water and 5 drops of dishwashing detergent. This miracle product works brilliantly to get dingy balconies and outdoor furniture like new, or to use in everyday life as an "all around" spray and on shiny surfaces such as mirrors, stovetops or as window cleaner. However, remember to avoid contact with the eyes because vinegar is corrosive. Do not use the spray on natural stone for the same reason . If you have small children at home, it can often feel unworthy/overwhelming/like you don't have time to do a big clean every Saturday... Do you have to?! How often do you clean your home yourself and do you have any personal recommendations? - No, you don't have to! But something that I really think is worth it is to have it carefully cleaned at home so that you don't accumulate a lot of unnecessary mess. I try to clean every corner twice a year, then it doesn't take that long. (And in between really avoid accumulating crap). As well as investing time in thinking up storage solutions for what you have. Then it will be SO much easier to keep your home organized, even for the children. When your home is tidy, it's easier to keep up with vacuuming and cleaning. If you don't feel like cleaning once a week or don't have time, you can vacuum every now and then when you have the time and inclination. Alternatively, hire a cleaning service just for the cleaning! 
Photo: @ekotipset You actually also talk about a lot more than cleaning. On your blog ekotipset.se you can find recipes for your own deodorant, dry shampoo and hairspray, vegan recipes, everyday hacks and much more. If you could inspire the entire population of Sweden to change to a new climate-smart habit, what would it be? - It would probably be cleaning in an environmentally friendly way because it is not a sacrifice, unlike, for example, giving up shopping, air travel and eating meat. Then I think that environmentally friendly cleaning (which can actually be really fun!) can help you feel more encouraged to think more climate-smart in general as well. 
Photo: Caroline Andersson Renaud How do you get your book? - My book Cleaning sustainably with the Ecotip can be ordered online from, for example, Bokus and Adlibris or in physical stores such as Akademibokhandeln.
