Easy Homemade Non Toxic Fruit and Vegetable Wash

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In today’s world, where the grocery store shelves are stocked with conventional produce, the concern for pesticide residue and cleanliness of our fresh produce is ever-growing. The good news is that with a few simple ingredients and easy methods, you can create your own homemade non toxic fruit and vegetable wash at home. Not only is this a cost-effective solution, but it also ensures that your leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables are free from unwanted chemicals and dirt.

Why Choose Homemade Produce Wash?

The Concern of Pesticides and Bacteria

The Environmental Working Group highlights the presence of pesticides on many conventional produce items in the United States. Moreover, concerns about bacteria like E. coli and other contaminants make it essential to properly clean your produce. While organic foods may have fewer pesticide residues, they too require proper cleaning.

The Benefits of Natural Ingredients

Crafting Your Own Produce Wash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients and Supplies

• 1 cup of vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• A few drops of lemon essential oil or fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups of water
• Large bowl or salad spinner
• Clean dish towel or paper towel
• Glass spray bottle (for storing your homemade wash)

Basic Vinegar and Water Solution

1. Mixing the Solution: Combine one part vinegar to three parts water in a large bowl. This solution is effective for most produce items, including the ‘Dirty Dozen’ highlighted by environmental groups.
2. Soak and Scrub: Soak produce in the mixture for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a clean cloth, especially for items with thicker skins or more grooves.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the produce under cold or cool tap water to remove any vinegar taste.

Baking Soda Method

1. Creating the Wash: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda into a large bowl of water.
2. Soak Produce: Submerge your fruits and vegetables in the solution and let them soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. Rinse Well: Rinse under cold water and dry with a clean dish towel.

Lemon Essential Oil Blend

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a glass spray bottle, combine water, a few drops of lemon essential oil, and a tablespoon of castile soap or plain water.
2. Spray and Sit: Spray the mixture generously on the produce and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the produce under cool water and pat dry.

Tips for Specific Produce Types

When it comes to washing fruits and vegetables, one size does not fit all. Different types of produce benefit from tailored approaches to ensure they are cleaned effectively while maintaining their quality. Here’s a deeper dive into how to handle various produce types with your homemade wash:

Leafy Greens

• Gentle Yet Effective Washing: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce can harbor dirt and bacteria in their crevices. Fill a salad spinner with the vinegar solution and submerge the greens, swishing them around gently to loosen any debris. The salad spinner not only makes washing easy but also helps dry the greens efficiently, keeping them crisp and ready for salads.

Berries

• Preserving Delicate Textures: Berries are fragile and can absorb water, leading to sogginess. For strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, a brief dip in the vinegar solution for 2-3 minutes is sufficient. Lift them out using a colander or a slotted spoon and give them a gentle rinse under cold water. Lay them out on a clean cloth or paper towel to air dry, ensuring they retain their firm texture.

Citrus Fruits

• Deep Cleaning for Skins: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits often come with a waxy coating that can trap pesticides. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste. Using a clean brush or cloth, apply the paste and give the fruits a good scrub. This method is effective at removing the wax and any surface residues. Rinse thoroughly with cool water afterward.

Root Vegetables

• Scrubbing Away Hidden Dirt: Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets often have soil attached to their skin, which can be a hiding place for contaminants. Fill a large bowl with water and add a sprinkle of baking soda. Submerge the vegetables and use a clean brush to scrub their surfaces gently but firmly. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, helping to dislodge soil and residues without damaging the vegetables. Rinse under cold tap water to remove any remaining wash solution.

Additional Tips

Soaking Times

Adjust soaking times based on the produce’s dirt level and how porous it is. More porous vegetables and those with more crevices may benefit from a slightly longer soak.

Drying Thoroughly

After washing, ensure all produce is dried thoroughly with a clean dish towel or air-dried. This step is crucial to prevent the growth of bacteria on the moisture.

Regular Maintenance

For produce that you consume regularly or in large quantities, consider making a larger batch of the wash and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week for convenience.

The Long-Term Benefits

Healthier Choice

By using your own homemade fruit and vegetable wash, you’re reducing the intake of chemicals found in commercial washes and produce.

Economical and Sustainable

Homemade washes are an inexpensive recipe, reducing your grocery bills and the need for store-bought washes. We also have an article on how to create your own All Purpose Cleaners!

Peace of Mind

Knowing exactly what you’re using to clean your produce provides a sense of control and peace of mind, especially important for those with sensitive immune systems or dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Making your own fruit and vegetable wash is not only an easy way to ensure your produce is clean, but it also contributes to a healthier lifestyle. With simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon essential oil, you can effectively remove traces of pesticides and dirt. Whether you’re shopping at the farmers market or the local grocery store, this DIY produce wash is a great idea for anyone looking to reduce their exposure to chemicals and save money in the long run. Remember, a little bit of effort in preparing your own cleaning products can go a long way in maintaining your health and wellbeing.

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