If you’re a devil with the dishwashing, a demon with the duster or a harpie with the Harpic, you may be doing the dirty on Mother Nature. Research has shown that more chemical pollution of the environment comes from domestic use of household products such as detergents and cosmetics than from the industries that produce the chemicals in the first place. So think before you flush — and try out these greener, cleaner products.

VEGGIE WASH, FROM CITRUS MAGIC; £2.50 for 59ml

Use this natural, citrus-based rinse for cleaner, safer fruit and veg. The manufacturer claims water doesn’t remove pesticides from the skins because they are designed to be water-resistant — good news for farming but not for your insides. This wash removes the residues without leaving an aftertaste. Stockist www.citrusmagic.co.uk

DISHWASHER GEL, FROM CLEAR SPRING; £3.85 for 1l

This one cleans the dishes while keeping its nose clean; polluting chemicals are out, as are artificial fragrances. Which is good news for those allergic to them. An added feel-good factor comes from its “leaping rabbit” badge, symbolising that the maker avoids animal testing. Stockists www.faithinnature.co.uk

LAUNDRY LIQUID, FROM BIO-D; £3.85 for 1l

Love the land, not just your laundry, with this eco-friendly washing liquid. It is free from phosphates, the chemicals that cause lakes and rivers to clog with algae. It is also non-biological, so it doesn’t have enzymes that can cause skin irritations and allergies. The packaging is recyclable too. Stockists Bio-D, 01482 229950

SQUIRT ECO, FROM ECOVER; £1.99 for 500ml

An all-purpose cleaner designed for use around the home, inside and out. Employing a pump action spray, it cuts through grime without resorting to the usual environmental-bogey ingredients, such as toxins, petrochemicals and foaming agents that are used in many household sprays. Its active agents are plant-based, making them safe to use in the kitchen, and are also more biodegradable when they find their way out into the wider world. Ecover products are endorsed by the Vegan Society, so rest assured: no animals will have been harmed during the making of this product. Stockists www.ecover.com