SWARFEGA NATURAL
Quantity 400ml
Price £4.49a Tel 01773 596700
Web www.deb.co.uk
Comments We get the feeling that Swarfega introduced this product to woo back those who defected to Manista. The natural formulation relies much more on rub assisters than solvents for its cleaning power – these coarse granules in the formula scrub dirt from your skin. And the chemical whiff has gone in favour of a more pleasant citrus scent. Compared to Manista, more effort was needed to scrub away our paint stains – it removed oil residue just as well, though. Our biggest bugbear here is the product's relatively high price.
Verdict Good, but a bit too expensive for the quantity supplied.
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SWARFEGA ORIGINAL
Quantity 500g
Price £3.88
Tel 01773 596700
Web www.deb.co.uk
Comments A tweak to the formula of this test's best-known hand cleaner apparently gives 25 per cent more cleaning power. On opening the tub, the green goo looks and smells exactly as it always has – Swarfega makes no attempt to disguise the distinctive aroma. Thanks to the lack of any rub assisters, it's definitely one of the smoothest products to use. But while the solvents within soon ate through our oil marking, removing the paint proved to be more of a challenge.
Verdict Smooth to use and excellent against oil-based grime.
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COMMA MANISTA
Quantity 700ml
Price £2.79
Tel 01474 564311
Web www.commaoil.com
Comments Manista is the number one alternative to Swarfega and yet the two products are very different. Comma has gone easy on the solvent content but it has boosted cleaning power by adding Polychip rub assisters. In our test the oil and paint stains were removed equally easily, but this doesn't have the smooth oil-melting ability of Swarfega. Arguably, this is a nicer product to have by your sink, though, as it benefits from a citrus scent.
Verdict A low-cost cleaner that works well, smells pleasant and is kind to skin.
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*** BUDGET CHOICE ***

CLARKE ORANGE BEADED HAND CLEANER GEL
Quantity 4.5 litres
Price £18.75
Tel 01992 565300
Web www.clarkeinternational.com
Comments With the rather plain, trade style tin, we expected this to be a no nonsense formulation that, in true Clarke style, works out as excellent value for money. But after doing our sums, it seems you get little discount for buying in bulk. Fortunately, the product dealt well with our oil and paint stains, and the rub assisters didn't feel uncomfortably harsh against the skin. The smell of oranges is quite refreshing but has too much of a chemical tang to be pleasant.
Verdict Performance doesn't justify the premium price.
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SOLENT LIME
b 5 litres
Price £8.57
Tel 0116 288 8000
Web www.cromwell.co.uk
Comments Naming this cleaner after a river and colouring the packaging bright green make this product instantly recognisable. This cleaner represents excellent value for money and works really well, too. So why no award from us? Well, the rub assisters Cromwell uses are harsh, especially if you really work them into your skin. The green dye seems to stain a little as well. Don't worry, though, you won't look like the Incredible Hulk, but you will see a green shade in the rinsing water next time you wash your hands! For the rather useful dispenser pump add £2.12 to the £8.57 quoted above.
Verdict Great value and superb cleaning ability, but slightly harsh on the skin.
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BILT HAMBER HEAVY DUTY CITRUS
Quantity 4kg
Price £11.00
Tel 01277 658899
Web www.bilthamber.com
Comments Bilt Hamber may only be a small, Essex-based, company but it has eclipsed the giant corporations with this winning formula. The solvent-free mix feels cool and soothing against the skin. And while rub assisters helped with our oil and paint stains, they were not harsh in any way. The product smells nice, too, and has a strong citrus aroma. We're not sold on the white bottle but the free dispenser means you will never have to touch it with grimy hands.
Verdict Phenomenal cleaning ability. Very skin and wallet friendly.
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*** EDITOR'S CHOICE ***