The Right Way to Clean Your Fruits and Veggies for a Healthier Meal

From supermarket fruits and veggies to farm-fresh picks or homegrown harvests, the next step after bringing them home is cleaning. But what’s the best method to ensure your produce is truly clean and safe to eat? And when’s the ideal time to wash them? Here’s your guide to enjoying fresh, clean produce every day.

Why Is It Important to Wash Your Produce?

Fruits and vegetables may carry pesticide traces or a protective wax coating, both of which should be removed. They could also be covered in dirt, dust, or small particles you don’t want to consume.

Your produce has likely traveled through multiple environments before reaching you, so cleaning helps eliminate any cross-contamination along the way.

The Best Time to Wash Your Produce

For the best results, wash your fruits and vegetables just before using them. This ensures freshness, as delicate items like leafy greens and berries can spoil more quickly with extra moisture. Some produce has a wax coating that helps it stay fresh until you're ready to enjoy it.

If you prefer the convenience of pre-washed fruit (like grapes you can snack on straight from the fridge), make sure to dry it thoroughly after washing before storing it again in the fridge.

How to Properly Wash Your Fruits and Vegetables

In most cases, a simple rinse under cold water will do the trick to remove dirt and residues. While trace amounts of residue are generally safe to consume, some fruits and vegetables need a little extra attention. Here's how to properly clean them:

• Leeks: Trim and slice, then place in a bowl of cold water and swish. Scoop them out with your hands (since turning into a colander would pour the grit right over the leeks).
• Raspberries and blackberries: Gently rinse in a colander, then gently spread on paper towels and blot dry. Do this right before eating.
• Delicate greens and herbs: Rinse and drain well in a colander (if gritty, follow the same method as the leeks). Dry in a salad spinner or spread in a single layer on paper towels.
• Mushrooms: Rub individually under running water to remove dirt, then wipe clean with a paper towel.

What Exactly Is a Vinegar Wash?

Soaking fresh produce in a vinegar solution helps prevent mold growth, extending shelf life. To prepare the solution, mix one part white vinegar with two to three parts water in a large bowl. Add the produce and let it soak for 10 minutes before draining. This method keeps bacteria and mold at bay without imparting any sour taste.

What Is a Baking Soda Solution for Cleaning Produce?

A baking soda wash provides a deeper clean by lifting dirt, pesticide traces, and other residues. It’s a great alternative to vinegar if you want to avoid any sour taste or don’t have vinegar available. To make the solution, dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in four cups of water. Soak the produce for 5 minutes, then drain, rinse, and dry. Keep a box of baking soda handy—it’s useful for all kinds of kitchen cleaning.

Is Store-Bought Produce Wash Worth the Investment?

Some commercial produce washes use organic ingredients like natural oils and glycerin, while others are essentially just vinegar solutions. Since a simple rinse in water is often sufficient and a homemade vinegar solution is more affordable, purchasing bottled produce wash is usually unnecessary.