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Store-bought produce wash can have a surprising amount of chemicals and additives. Make your own to ensure that your produce is squeaky clean and safe for your family.
Featured with this Recipe
When you pick up an apple at the grocery store, do you ever wonder how many people have touched that same apple? Obviously the farmers and the grocery store workers have touched it, but what about all the other store patrons? How many other people have put their noses up against the bottom of those melons, or squeezed that avocado to see if it was ripe? Not to mention the wax and the pesticides added to commercial produce. I’m not trying to gross you out, I’m just trying to convince you that you should be washing your produce!
Ingredients in Produce Wash
- Vinegar
- Water
- Lemon Juice
What the FDA Says
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends rinsing all produce under cold water before eating. If the produce has firm skin, scrub it to remove dirt and debris. Then, dry fully with paper towels before storing. If you want to read more about the FDA’s suggestions you can click HERE. The FDA does not recommend using store bought produce cleaners. However, you can use natural ingredients to make a wash for your produce that can give you a little more peace of mind.
A Note About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We know that our readers have concerns about buying fresh produce at the stores right now – even though it is the one item that is always in stock. We know that the coronavirus is easily spread by contact. However, experts say that the virus typically only lives on surfaces for a few hours. If you wash your produce and let it air-dry completely, you can help reduce the risk. The ingredients in this produce wash are not able to kill the COVID-19 virus, but they can help break up debris on the surface of your produce.
Other precautions you can take:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your produce.
- Peel produce such as apples, carrots, cucumbers, etc.
- Cooking fruits and vegetables can help kill more germs.
Frequently Asked Questions
I like using vinegar because it is already in liquid form and it kills bacteria.
Store-bought fruit and vegetable washes have a lot of chemicals and additives. However, this natural, homemade produce was is just three simple ingredients! It is safe to use on produce.
Store produce wash in the fridge for up to a month.
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You can make a lot of household cleaners and other products yourself. You can feel good about knowing exactly what goes into the products that you use in your home. Try some of our other DIY recipes!
How to Make Your Own Produce Wash
Produce Wash
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
To Make the Wash
- Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to combine.
To Clean Your Produce
- Place your produce in a colander in the sink. Spray with produce wash and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water. If fruit has a firm skin or a peel like citrus or bananas, scrub with a produce brush.
- Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner, and let air dry completely before storing in the fridge.
Notes
- Wash is not recommended for some produce like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and leafy green veggies like kale and spinach leaves. For these items, wash with only diluted lemon juice. Omit the vinegar, as the berries and leafy greens will absorb the flavor of the vinegar.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your produce.
- Peel produce such as apples, carrots, cucumbers, etc.
- Cooking fruits and vegetables can help kill more germs.
When I mix this can I save what is left over
Yep!
This is such an awesome easy and cheap way to make produce wash, I love the simple and clean ingredients it’s made of.
This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you so much! For as often as I use it, the stuff in the store starts to get really expensive!
Can u use apple cider vinegar instead of white?
Yes!