How to Properly Wash Fruits and Vegetables

If you're like most of us, your grocery haul probably includes a colorful mix of produce maybe some berries for smoothies, cucumbers for your lunch salad, or apples for a quick snack. But before you dive in, there’s one step that often gets skipped: washing.

Yes, even if that apple looks pristine, the invisible bacteria or residual pesticides might have other plans. So, what’s the best way to clean your fruits and veggies? Is that bottle of produce wash worth the shelf space? Here’s what science and food safety experts have to say.

Yes, You Do Need to Wash Your Produce

According to the FDA and microbiologists alike, washing fruits and vegetables is essential. Whether it’s conventionally grown or straight from a local farm stand, produce can harbor everything from pesticides to pathogens like E. coli and Listeria.

While pre-washed salad mixes are convenient, it’s still a smart move to rinse them again before eating, especially if the packaging has been opened.

Water Is Your Best Friend

Despite the TikTok trend of spritzing fruits with branded produce washes, experts say you can skip the hype. “Running water and a little friction are incredibly effective,” explains microbiologist Jason Tetro. Research backs this up rinsing produce under cool water while rubbing or gently scrubbing the surface can remove up to 90% of bacteria and pesticide residues.

Here’s a quick rinse guide:

• Soft produce (e.g., strawberries, grapes, tomatoes): Use your hands to gently rub under cool running water.

• Firm produce (e.g., apples, cucumbers, potatoes): Use a clean produce brush to scrub the surface.

• Leafy greens: Remove outer leaves and rinse individual leaves in a bowl of water, then rinse again under running water.

Do Fruit and Veggie Washes Work?

While they’re not harmful modern versions are usually made from safe, often plant-based ingredients they may not live up to the promise of total cleanliness. Research shows that many need 5–10 minutes of contact time to be truly effective at removing pesticide residues.

So, while a spritz-and-rinse approach with these products isn’t dangerous, it may not be worth the extra time and cost. If you’re really concerned, a homemade soak may do the trick.

DIY Produce Cleaning Solutions That Work

Want to give your fruits and veggies a little more attention? Try these expert-approved at-home soaks:

• For bacteria removal: Mix ½ cup white vinegar with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Let your produce soak for 5 minutes, then rinse well.

• For pesticides: Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 cups of water. Soak for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Just remember: no soap. Household soaps and detergents can leave behind residues that aren’t meant to be ingested.

Why Proper Produce Washing Matters

It’s not just about what you can’t see it’s about what you don’t want to experience. According to the CDC, nearly 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, and raw produce is a major contributor.

Foods like romaine lettuce, cantaloupes, and onions have all been linked to serious outbreaks in recent years. While organic and local options may have fewer synthetic chemicals, they aren’t immune to bacteria and should be washed with the same care.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're team water-only or love the ritual of a veggie soak, taking a few minutes to properly clean your produce is an easy win for your health. Skip the pricey wash solutions unless they make you feel more at ease, and stick to what science says works best: water and a little friction.

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