6 DIY Methods to Wash Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without most synthetic pesticides. However, they should still be washed properly before eating or cooking to remove dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants.

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 ways to wash fruits and vegetables. These methods can help remove dirt, insects, some bacteria, and other contaminants from fresh produce.

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

How to Clean Fruits and Vegetables Naturally

Below are some homemade produce washes 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 a 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 clean leafy greens like lettuce and kale is to fill a large pot with cool water and submerge the leaves. Swish around a bit and allow them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

The dirt and other debris will often settle at the bottom of the container, while some contaminants may float on the surface. 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, which has antimicrobial properties and may help reduce the growth of certain bacteria and viruses. This means it can help remove germs from veggies, fruits, and berries.

Some testing shows that vinegar solutions can significantly reduce certain bacteria on produce. However, results vary depending on the concentration used and the types of microorganisms present [1].

To use, make a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 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.

Apple cider vinegar may also help clean the surface of apples, although it may not completely remove commercial wax coatings.

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 per cup of water to sanitize fruits and vegetables. 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 soaking the produce in this homemade fruit-and-vegetable cleaner for a few minutes, rinse it with fresh water.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

You can use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to wash produce. Just remember to rinse it thoroughly afterward to remove any residue.

To use, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of 3% 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 help reduce the presence of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella when used for household cleaning [2].

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has natural antimicrobial properties [3]. It may help reduce some surface microbes when used as part of a produce wash.

To use, 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 natural produce wash, then let them sit for a few minutes. Afterward, rinse with pure water.

6. Baking Soda

Research has shown that baking soda can help remove certain pesticide residues from produce [4]. This is particularly true for the surface of fruits, especially apples.

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.

Special Cleaning Tips for Common Vegetables

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:

• Soak 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 to loosen them and remove any dirt.
• Hold under running water. 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

Rinse the stalks under running water.

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

Mushrooms can collect dirt and growing-medium residue, making proper cleaning important before use.

Rinse mushrooms under cool, running water. To be extra careful, dip them in a vinegar solution. This may help reduce some surface bacteria and mold spores.

Shake off excess water and place your mushrooms on paper towels. Discard mushrooms that show signs of mold, sliminess, or spoilage.

Why You Should Never Wash Produce with Soap

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends rinsing fresh produce under running water rather than using soap or detergent [5].

Produce can absorb soap residues, which may affect taste and could cause stomach upset if consumed. Thorough rinsing under running water, along with one of the natural cleaning methods described above, is usually sufficient for removing dirt and other surface contaminants.

Takeaway

Rinsing organic fruits and vegetables under running water might seem enough. However, organic produce can still carry dirt, bacteria, insects, and pesticide residues, making proper washing important.

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

Dirt, insects, bird droppings, and harmful germs can be on fresh produce. So, wash it well before eating. Also, some of these contaminants can be very unsightly and disgusting on your dinner plate.

Using these homemade produce washes can help make fruits and vegetables cleaner and safer to eat.