Question:
Hi there, I am looking for a homemade spray for
vegetables to remove pesticides etc. I heard
that vinegar and water are good for this, is
this correct? If so, would you know how much
vinegar to water? Are there other sprays to
wash veggies with that I can make myself?
Thanks a bunch...Linda
Answer: Great question! Since
many of the pesticides are sprayed on with waxy
substances, removing them is tough. You may not
get it all off, but you can reduce it with one
of the following ideas:
SCRUB:
Dampen the produce. Shake
baking soda on it and rub all surfaces with your
hands. Rinse well.
SOAK:
Mix a 50/50
solution of water and white
distilled vinegar. Let the
produce soak for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse well. (Never soak
mushrooms since they absorb
water).
SPRAY:
Mix 1 T. lemon juice, 1
cup water and 2 T. baking soda in a spray
bottle. Shake well, spray on produce and let sit
a few minutes. Rinse well.
WASH:
Consumer Reports suggests
scrubbing the produce with a drop of Palmolive
Dish Detergent and then rinsing well.
TIP: Don't wash produce before storing them.
This accelerates rot. Wash before
eating/cooking.
About the Author:Jonni McCoy is a leading
expert on shopping and frugal living. She has
written numerous books, including
Miserly Moms.
Visit her website at
MiserlyMoms.com