6 DIY Methods to Wash Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Organic fruits and vegetables don’t have synthetic pesticides. However, it’s important to wash them properly before cooking or eating. This helps remove dirt and any potential bacteria.

They may have soil on them. Besides, there is always the chance of bird droppings landing on crops as they grow outside.

You can never be too careful; however, do not use soap to wash vegetables. Instead, explore these natural methods to disinfect fruits and vegetables. They effectively remove worms, parasites, bugs, bacteria, and more.

You can make your own fruit and vegetable wash using simple ingredients already at home. Moreover, it is safe, effective, and very easy to use.

How to Clean Fruits and Vegetables Naturally

Below are some natural home remedies that you can try.

1. Rinse Them Under Running Water

For those wondering how to get bugs out of vegetables, this is the most old-fashioned way.

I know it can be challenging to get critters and other stuff off your leafy greens. However, running each leaf or group of leaves under running water can remove some dirt and debris.

This method isn’t always the most effective way to clean produce, though.

A better way to sanitize leafy greens like lettuce and kale is to fill a large pot with cool water and place the leaves in it. Swish around a bit and allow them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

The dirt and parasites will settle at the bottom. Some might even float on top. You can then remove the leaves and run them under water quickly to ensure all the grit is gone.

2. Vinegar

You probably have some white vinegar lying around in your kitchen. It is not only great for sanitizing surfaces but also for washing food.

Vinegar contains acetic acid that kills certain bacteria and viruses. This means it can help remove germs from veggies, fruits, and berries.

Cook’s Illustrated magazine found that using vinegar and water to clean vegetables kills about 98% of germs and bacteria [1].

To use, make a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water.

Pour this homemade fruit-and-vegetable wash into a large mixing bowl. Allow your produce to soak for a few minutes. Then, rinse it under cool running water to remove any residue.

Vinegar is one of the best solutions for cleaning fruits and vegetables at home. It’s a great fruit wash for grapes and strawberries.

You can also use apple cider vinegar to remove wax from apples. Just wipe the apples with it until the wax is gone.

3. Salt Water

Salt can kill certain pests, and just about everyone has it in their kitchen.

Does soaking vegetables in salt water kill bacteria? It might kill some, but not all. Vinegar is more effective at handling that task.

Use 1 teaspoon of table salt for each cup of water to sanitize vegetables and fruits. Pour the water into a large bowl—whatever size you need for the produce.

Stir it up so the salt dissolves before adding your vegetables or fruits. After steeping in this homemade fruit-and-vegetable cleaner for a few minutes, rinse the produce with fresh water.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is also safe for washing produce. You’ll need one tablespoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water.

Next, let the vegetables or fruits soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse them with cold water.

This DIY veggie wash is great for cleaning fruits and vegetables. It can also kill bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella on countertops [2].

5. Lemon Juice

Another effective natural germ-killing substance is lemon juice.

Combine a tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 cup of cold water in a spray bottle.

Spray your vegetables with this homemade organic produce wash, then let them sit for a few minutes. Afterward, rinse with pure water.

6. Baking Soda

One study showed that a baking soda (NaHCO3) solution can effectively clean pesticide residues off apples [3].

Other online sources suggest that baking soda can remove 66.7% to 98.9% of pesticides from garden vegetables and fruits.

Therefore, make a homemade veggie wash by dissolving one tablespoon of baking soda in six cups of water. Soak your fruits and vegetables in the solution for about 20 minutes.

Finally, drain and rinse. Use the measurements as a guide for larger batches.

Other Cleaning Approaches

The recipes above are effective for the most part, but some vegetables require special attention.

Broccoli

You can use all the home remedies mentioned in this post to clean broccoli; however, it may still require additional attention. Here’s how to properly wash broccoli:

• Steep and swirl in cool water. Warm water may wilt the florets, so cool or room temperature water is best. Fill a sink or basin with water, then swirl the florets around to loosen them and remove any dirt residue.
• Hold under the pipe. Soak broccoli to loosen contaminants, then rinse under running water. You can hold it in a colander while doing so.
• Dip and rub lightly. While dipping in water, use your fingers to lightly scrub the florets and the stem to remove dirt and grime.

Shake off excess water before storing broccoli. However, be careful not to bruise the florets too hard, as they might break off.

Asparagus

Hold the stalks under the pipe and let the water wash off any grit.

Lightly rub the asparagus with your fingers. If you have the time, working it stalk by stalk is best.

Finally, snap off the tough ends of the stalks and lay your clean asparagus on kitchen towels on the counter. Pat it dry and store it.

Brussels Sprouts

Cut off the stems and throw them in your compost pile.

Next, peel off the outer layers of the sprouts, as these are the dirtiest parts. Remove any discolored leaves.

Place the Brussels sprouts in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, then rinse again. You can also use any of the above natural veggie wash sprays instead of pure water.

Mushrooms

Knowing how to clean mushrooms properly is vital, as they can harbor mold and other contaminants. Dirt splashes might also be on them.

Rinse mushrooms under cool, running water. To be extra careful, dip them in a vinegar solution to kill possible mold and bacteria.

Shake off excess water and place your mushrooms on paper towels. Cut off the parts with moldy-looking residue.

Takeaway

Rinsing organic fruits and vegetables under running water might seem enough since they don’t contain chemical pesticides. Still, it is important to use other cleaning methods for added safety.

There are other things to watch out for before preparing or consuming organic raw produce.

Worms, bugs, bird droppings, mold, and contaminated dirt can affect your health. Also, some of these contaminants can be very unsightly and disgusting on your dinner plate.

Using these natural methods to clean fruits and vegetables will help ensure they are safe to consume.