Homemade Vegetable Wash: A Natural and Effective Way to Clean Your Produce

Learn how to make the best fruit and veggie wash.  This is a simple recipe to make, and it cleans both store bought and homegrown produce.  You can use this produce wash vinegar to clean both fruit and vegetable to remove dirt and debris.

Veggie Wash Spray

Whether I buy my produce or grow it myself, I clean it.  Cleaning produce removes germs, including bacteria, and dirt that's on the produce.  

While you could make a batch every time you need to wash your produce, it's easy to make a fruit and veggie wash spray that can stay on the shelf until you need it.

Keep reading to see how to make the best fruit and veggie wash and how to use it.

Why Do You Need to Wash Fruits and Vegetables?

Washing vegetables is a crucial step in food preparation that helps remove various contaminants and ensure the safety of your produce. While fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients, they can also harbor harmful substances such as pesticides, chemicals, dirt, and bacteria. 

By washing your vegetables properly, you can reduce the risk of ingesting these contaminants and promote a healthier diet.

Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables often undergo pesticide treatments to protect them from pests and diseases. These chemicals, although deemed safe within certain limits, can still linger on the surface of the produce. 

Raw fruits and vegetables can come into contact with harmful bacteria and pathogens throughout the production and distribution process. From contaminated irrigation water to improper handling practices, the risk of bacterial contamination exists. 

By washing your vegetables, you can effectively remove or reduce the presence of these microorganisms, minimizing the potential health risks associated with consuming unwashed produce.

Benefits of using a Homemade Vegetable Wash

Using a homemade vegetable wash offers numerous advantages compared to store-bought alternatives. Firstly, it allows you to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals commonly found in commercial produce washes. 

Secondly, it is a cost-effective and convenient option, as you can easily make the wash using simple ingredients readily available in your kitchen. 

Creating your own vegetable wash is not only cost-effective but also convenient. The ingredients needed for homemade vegetable washes are typically readily available in most kitchens, eliminating the need for additional purchases. 

Additionally, making your own wash allows you to prepare smaller or larger quantities based on your specific needs, reducing waste and ensuring freshness.

Finally, homemade vegetable washes can be customized based on personal preferences and specific needs, ensuring a tailored cleaning solution for your produce.

Natural Ingredients for Homemade Vegetable Washes

There are few ways to make a homemade vegetable wash.  Some use salt or baking soda, but I keep it simple with just two ingredients.

Lemon juice, with its high citric acid content, is a potent natural cleanser. The acidity of lemon juice helps break down dirt, dissolve wax coatings, and neutralize certain pesticides commonly found on produce. 

Vinegar, particularly white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, is an excellent ingredient for homemade vegetable washes. Its acidic nature aids in killing bacteria and removing pesticide residues from the surface of produce. 

Vinegar is known for its antimicrobial properties, making it a reliable and affordable choice for vegetable cleaning.

How to Use Fruit and Veg Wash

Each type of vegetable requires specific techniques to ensure proper cleaning without causing damage. Here are some guidelines for washing different types of vegetables:

Leafy greens: Removing dirt and debris without damaging delicate leaves

1. Separate the leaves and discard any wilted or damaged ones.
2. Immerse the leaves in a bowl of cold water.
3. Gently agitate the leaves with your hands to loosen dirt and debris.
4. Lift the leaves out of the water, leaving behind any sediment.
5. Rinse the leaves under running water to remove any remaining dirt.

Root vegetables: Thoroughly cleaning and scrubbing to remove soil

1. Rinse the vegetables under running water to remove loose dirt.
2. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface of the vegetables, removing any stubborn soil.
3. Pay extra attention to crevices and rough areas.
4. Rinse the vegetables thoroughly to remove any loosened dirt and residue.

Soft-skinned fruits: Gently washing to avoid bruising

1. Place the fruits in a colander or strainer.
2. Rinse the fruits under a gentle stream of cold water.
3. Use your hands to rub the surface of the fruits gently, removing any dirt or wax.
4. Handle the fruits delicately to avoid bruising.
5. Rinse the fruits again to ensure they are clean.

Berries: Rinsing delicately to prevent mushiness

1. Place the berries in a colander or strainer.
2. Rinse the berries under a gentle stream of cold water.
3. Swirl the berries around in the water with your hands, being careful not to crush them.
4. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and all dirt and debris are removed.

Additional Tips for Safe Vegetable Washing

In addition to using produce wash vinegar, here are more tips for eating safely.

• When possible, opt for organic produce. Organic farming practices often involve fewer pesticides, reducing the potential exposure to harmful chemicals. However, even organic produce should be washed to remove dirt and bacteria.
• For certain vegetables and fruits with thick outer layers or peels, such as melons, cucumbers, and onions, consider removing these layers before washing. This helps eliminate any surface contaminants that may be present.
• A vegetable brush can be a useful tool for removing stubborn dirt, wax, or residue from produce. Use gentle circular motions while brushing to avoid damaging the skin or flesh of the fruits and vegetables.
• After washing your vegetables, ensure they are thoroughly dry before storing them. Excess moisture can promote bacterial growth and lead to spoilage. Use clean, airtight containers or bags and store the vegetables in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
• Store washed fruits and vegetables in produce saver containers for longer freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Homemade Vegetable Washes

Are homemade vegetable washes as effective as commercial ones?

Homemade vegetable washes can be just as effective as commercial ones, provided they are used correctly. The key lies in the ingredients and techniques used. 

Natural ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and saltwater have proven cleaning properties, making them effective choices for homemade vegetable washes.

Can I use the vegetable wash on all types of produce?

Most homemade vegetable washes are suitable for a wide range of produce, including fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs. However, some delicate or porous items like mushrooms and berries may require a more gentle rinsing approach. 

Always exercise caution and adapt the cleaning technique to the specific needs of each type of produce.

Will the homemade vegetable wash alter the taste of the vegetables?

When used in recommended amounts, homemade vegetable washes should not alter the taste of your produce significantly. Rinse the vegetables thoroughly after using the wash to remove any residue.

However, certain ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice can leave a faint tangy flavor, which may not be noticeable in small quantities.

Fruit and Veg Wash Ingredients and Supplies

• 3 Tablespoons Distilled white vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 3 cups Water
• Measuring Cup
• Spray Bottle
• 1 Tablespoon measuring spoon

How to Make the Best Fruit and Veg Wash

Step #1

Combine 3 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice and 3 Tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and 3 cups of water in a bowl and mix together. Pour into spray bottle.

Step #2

Spray produce with wash and let sit for a few minutes and then rinse the produce with water.

I hope you enjoy this easy homemade vegetable wash recipe!

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