I was an early adapter of Fit Fruit and Vegetable wash product, but over the years, I figured there had to be a less expensive way to effectively clean fruits and vegetables.
Admittedly, I’ve tried several different concoctions with decent success. Most of them seem to work okay, but without scientific study I didn’t feel confident they did much more than just water. Of course, I hoped they did, but I had no real proof.
This article from Mother Nature Network sited a study that noted, “There was a difference between the unwashed produce and the ones that were rinsed in water or washed with a product. The unwashed produce had more pesticide residues.”
My other problem with some of the other DIY washes, it was hard to tell, especially on fruit like grapes, where the wash had actually covered the fruit.
This recipe more closely resembles the Fit Wash. Because there is a very small amount of all natural dish soap, you can see a little bit of suds action. I don’t know about you, but when I see suds, I think clean. The soap also feels like it removes more of the greasy, waxy substance on some fruits and vegetables, better than the others homemade washes I have tried.
The best part? You don’t need to buy some strange ingredient you don’t already have in your pantry.
Here’s the recipe:
1 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 of lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon all-natural or organic dish soap
Mix all ingredients in a four cup measuring cup. The baking soda with the acid from the vinegar and lemon juice causes it to bubble up. I have found adding the baking soda a teaspoon at time helps keep it under control.
Using a funnel, slowly pour liquid into a 12 oz spray bottle. I just use the Fit bottle. 😉 You may have to pour half in and let the suds settle and finish pouring a minute or two later, but that’s it! I give the bottle a little shake before I start spraying.
This recipe also smells really clean and not too vinegary.
I hope you enjoy this wash as much as I do! Hooray for clean fruit!
Be sure to check out my companion blog, Paper Daisy Kitchen for more recipes!
4 Comments
Nici @ Posed Perfection
August 30, 2013 at 1:38 pmThis looks like something I could do. Thanks for sharing. I'm pinning it. I'd love for you to link this up to our All Things Thursday Blog Hop. Links are randomized, so plenty of exposure time. Have a great weekend!<br />Blessings,<br />Nici
Kelly || Old Blue Silo
August 30, 2013 at 4:49 pmThis is such a great idea! I am always wondering if I should use more than just water to rinse my produce… hmmm… I will have to make this 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Melissa
September 2, 2013 at 10:34 pmI am just starting to discover the many uses for vinegar & baking soda as cleaners. I love this idea!
Diana - FreeStyleMama
September 4, 2013 at 9:00 pmI really need to use natural cleaners! (It's not like I do much cleaning anyway LOL!) Thanks for sharing at my Pin Me party!