New green cleaning rival for Ecover

Somehow, I never got round to clutching a lemon in one hand and bicarbonate of soda in the other: squirty bottles are too comforting when it comes to cleaning. My brand of choice is the ubiquitous, chemical-free and fairly cheap Ecover, bought in bulk to make my frugal side feel like I'm getting a bargain. There's now, however, a new contender for my money: Nest, whose team of botanists have created a grime-fighting range using plant power.

Typically, cleaning products don't get me too psyched - The How Clean Is Your House? girls are, to my mind, just OCD victims to be pitied - but these ones look good.

As well as the beautifully-designed bottles and useful replacement parts - such as the 50p spray, pictured - Nest promises to use no pollutants and chemicals, making its stuff completely biodegradable. Nothing's tested on animals, either.

Instead, they've employed fresh fruits, plants, essential oils and more to create a dozen products including laundry powder (washing-up powder in my idiom), washing-up liquid, bathroom cleaner and over cleaner. Should be interesting to see how effective the oven cleaner is; in my experience, only chemical-packed stuff like Mr Muscle is genuinely good for removing weeks of roasted squash.

Prices are noticeably higher than Ecover - 500ml's washing-up liquid costs £4.35 - but until I've tried any of the range I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. You can order and try for yourself from Nest's online store.