Produce Wash

Baking Soda & Lemon Juice

Two simple ingredients - lemon juice and baking soda! The ratio is as follows.
1 tsp lemon juice (need the acid) not essential oil
½ tsp. baking soda
gallon of water (distilled or filtered is always preferable - do not use fluoridated or water with chlorine)

During fresh strawberry and raspberry season it is tempting to eat as you pick, but these two fruits contain more natural parasites than any other fruit. WASH THEM - even organic!! Allow berries soak for 10 seconds in a gallon of water.
Always core the strawberries first. Essential oil will draw the parasites back in to the fruit, according to a friend who has a PhD in parasites. So although using a drop of essential oil is more convenient, please use lemon juice.

A tip for convenience. Spend 30 minutes squeezing juice from a bag of lemons into a ice cube tray, freeze and use as needed.

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

When used properly, hydrogen peroxide is reported to eliminate E-coli, listeria and salmonella bacteria.   The peroxide also helps remove extra dirt and pesticides.
Add 1/4 cup 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide to a large bowl or clean sink of water to wash vegetables and fruits. 
To make a produce wash spray – make a 50/50 3% H2O2 and distilled water solution, storing in a dark amber bottle as H2O2 is light sensitive.  Allow solution to sit on produce for several minutes and rinse.

You can also mist raw meats to kill pathogens known to cause food poisoning.

The same ratio can be used for both produce and cleansing countertops. You want to make a new batch monthly and store in a cool, dark location. If you do not believe you will be using the solution too much, make up a 4 oz. bottle, or even a 2 oz. spray bottle. It does take time and intention to switch habits of product use.