Vinegar-Based Fruit and Veggie Wash Recipe

Water: The base of the solution, used to dilute the vinegar and lemon juice.

White vinegar: A natural disinfectant that helps remove bacteria and pesticides from produce.

Lemon juice: Adds an extra boost of acidity to help break down residues and enhance the cleaning power.

Ensure that the water and white vinegar are well mixed before adding the lemon juice. This will help the acidic properties of the lemon juice to be evenly distributed throughout the solution, enhancing its effectiveness in removing dirt and pesticides from your fruits and veggies.

• water - Substitute with distilled water: Distilled water is free from impurities and chemicals, making it a cleaner option for washing fruits and vegetables.

• white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has similar acidic properties to white vinegar, making it effective for cleaning and removing residues from produce.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidic profile to lemon juice, providing the same cleaning benefits and a fresh citrus scent.

• To store your vinegar-based fruit and veggie wash, pour the mixture into a clean, airtight container. This will help maintain its effectiveness and prevent any contamination.
• Keep the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the lemon juice and vinegar, reducing their cleaning power.
• If you prefer to refrigerate the wash, it can extend its shelf life. The cold temperature will help preserve the lemon juice and vinegar, ensuring they remain potent for longer.
• Always label the container with the date you made the wash. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame.
• If you notice any changes in color, smell, or consistency, it's best to discard the wash and make a fresh batch. These changes can indicate that the mixture has lost its effectiveness or has become contaminated.
• For those who like to prepare in bulk, freezing the vinegar-based wash is an option. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• When you're ready to use the wash, simply thaw the desired number of cubes in a bowl or container. This method ensures you always have a fresh supply on hand without worrying about spoilage.
• Remember to rinse your fruits and vegetables thoroughly after soaking them in the wash, whether it's freshly made or thawed. This step is crucial to remove any residual vinegar and lemon juice, ensuring your produce is clean and ready to eat.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the water, white vinegar, and lemon juice.

• Measuring cup: This will help you accurately measure 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar.

• Tablespoon: Essential for measuring out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

• Timer: Set this for 5 minutes to ensure the fruits and veggies soak for the correct amount of time.

• Colander: Use this to drain the fruits and veggies after soaking.

• Running water: Rinse the fruits and veggies thoroughly to remove any remaining vinegar solution.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix water, white vinegar, and lemon juice ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a large bowl: Soak multiple fruits and veggies at once to save time.

Set a timer: Use a timer to ensure you soak for exactly 5 minutes, avoiding over-soaking.

Rinse efficiently: Use a colander to rinse all produce at once, speeding up the final step.