Homemade Natural Veggie and Cleaning Spray

Sometimes we can’t always buy organic produce, and conventional farming methods can leave pesticide residue that a simple rinse with water does not remove.  Therefore, washing fruits and vegetables with an additional cleaning agent before consumption is always a good idea.  Surprisingly, a lot of the sprays sold to ‘clean’ your produce and rid it of dirt and bugs ironically contain a high amount of chemicals.  Not only is it more cost-effective (and better for you and your family) to make you own cleansing spray, it is also much easier than you might expect!  I have put together a few recipes using ingredients that are usually found in any kitchen, and this way you actually know that what is going on your fruits and veggies isn’t harmful.  These sprays also work effectively as a replacement to your everyday cleaning agent, for wiping down tables, spills, etc.

*note: If you have granite countertops, I do not recommend this recipe for cleaning purposes as vinegar and citric acid can cause permanent damage to these surfaces.

Directions: Just mix these ingredients in a spray bottle, spray your produce 2-3 times and let sit for 3 minutes.  Give them a final rinse and you’re all set!

Vinegar Rinse

• 2 cups of cold tap water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Baking Soda Alternative

• 1 cup cold tap water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp baking soda

Concentrate for Removing Critters

*This one is for serious cleansing, allow fruits and veggies to sit for a 30 min soak

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 tbsp salt