The Finnish brand SINI has earned a permanent place in many Norwegian cleaning cupboards. Perhaps not so strange when the products are simple, smart and make it surprisingly satisfying to rescue everything from dirty sneakers to tired kitchen surfaces. But are we really going to write about cleaning? Yes, because this is too good not to.
Let’s be honest: cleaning products are rarely the most exciting thing we talk about, or spend money on. Even so, there are certain products that suddenly have you scrubbing the kitchen sink on a Tuesday evening, simply because the result is so satisfying. And if there’s one thing every home has, it’s exactly this.
SINI is one of the brands that has managed just that. The Finnish cleaning brand has been available in Norway for a while, and has become a favourite among many who like things to be easy to use and to actually deliver what they promise.
Because that’s where we think SINI hits the mark best. The products don’t necessarily look like little miracles at first glance, but they get the job done. And at a time when social media is overflowing with exaggerated cleaning hacks, it’s refreshing to find solutions that don’t require seven ingredients, safety goggles and an entire Sunday.
Old sneakers can get a new lease of lifeA good example is the cleaning stone, which can be used for much more than making the kitchen and bathroom shine. It can also give a pair of dirty trainers a much-needed refresh.
Start by brushing off loose dust and dirt from the shoes. Then moisten a sponge with water, rub it against the cleaning stone and work gently over the stains. Finally, wipe the shoes with a damp cloth.
You’ll then have one (preferably two) trainers that look far more presentable, and that may not need to be replaced by a new pair any time soon.
If the shoes have also started to smell a little less “new shoes” and a little more “long day on the go”, cleaning baking soda can be the solution. Sprinkle a little into the shoes, leave it for at least half an hour, then shake or vacuum it out again. Simple, inexpensive and surprisingly effective.
A little tip: always test the cleaning on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially if the shoes are made of suede, nubuck or other delicate materials.
Simple is often best
SINI has more than 35 years of experience in Nordic cleaning, and its range includes brushes, cloths, sponges and mop systems. That may not sound revolutionary, but the products are full of small, well-thought-out details that make everyday chores a little easier.
That’s also a big part of why consumers have fallen for the brand. You don’t need to set aside a whole day or buy an arsenal of different bottles. A good brush, a proper microfibre cloth and a product that works will often get you a long way.
Many of the products can be used again and again, and the brand has a clear focus on durability. SINI manufactures in its own factories in Finland, where solar panels contribute to production. The company describes the factories as carbon neutral.
But what perhaps makes the biggest difference in practice is that good cleaning products can help us take better care of what we already own. When white sneakers turn white again, bathroom tiles get their shine back and old favourites feel fresh once more, the need to buy new becomes a little smaller.
And that may be the most satisfying cleaning effect of them all.
You’d think they’d paid us to write all this, but it’s simply a good everyday tip from the editorial team! SINI products are available at Clas Ohlson and Jernia, among others. Happy cleaning!