Fresh fruits and vegetables are a healthy staple, but they can also carry dirt, bacteria, pesticides, and other residues. All produce benefits from a thorough wash before eating*. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or store-bought sprays. With a few simple ingredients, you can make your own natural, inexpensive produce wash at home. Below, we’ll share 3 of the best DIY produce wash recipes to keep your fruits and veggies clean and safe. 

*We recommend washing produce right before eating or cooking. If you prefer to pre-wash your produce before storing in the refrigerator, it is essential to dry it thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible. Moisture on fruits and vegetables during storage increases the speed at which bacteria and mold grow.

1. Clean Running Water - Keep it Simple

Cool running water is considered the most effective method for removing dirt, debris, and pesticide residue from fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens. If you plan to cook them, you are ready to go. See #2 - 4, if you plan to eat them raw. 

A recent 2022 study titled “Effectiveness of Different Washing Strategies on Pesticide Residue Removal: The First Comparative Study on Leafy Vegetables” showed rinsing under cool water was the most effective method of the nine methods studied.

To keep your produce fresh longer, wash and cut it right before you plan to eat or cook it.

• Wash your hands with warm, soapy water.
• Clean your sink with hot soapy water. 
• Rinse vegetables and fruits thoroughly under cool running water for 20 seconds. Use a strainer or colander to facilitate rinsing your produce.
• Use a produce brush for scrubbing hard-skinned produce, such as apples, melons, avocados, cucumbers, and potatoes.
• Delicate leafy greens to be cooked should be rinsed thoroughly to dislodge dirt and debris. Since cooking kills bacteria and parasites, no further treatment is needed.
• Leafy greens and salad greens should be rinsed thoroughly with cool running water. If they to be eaten raw, consider #2-4 below. 
• Delicate berries should be rinsed thoroughly with cool running water.  If they are to be eaten raw, consider #2-4 below.
• Store cleaned and dried produce you do not use in the refrigerator.

2. Baking Soda

Using baking soda to reduce pesticide residues, remove waxes, and clean your produce is a food-safe, scent-free, economical option. Baking soda soaks are especially effective for tougher-skinned root vegetables and fruits, such as apples. More delicate leafy greens, salad greens, and berries may do better with the vinegar or hydrogen peroxide soaks described below. 

• Wash produce as described above to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
• Add produce to a clean sink or bowl.
• Add water to cover the produce, and add a ratio* of 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water or 2 T. baking soda per 12 cups water.
• Gently agitate the produce in the water.
• Soak for 10 - 15 minutes. 
• Agitate the produce in the water.
• Place produce in a colander.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool running water. 
• Spin-dry or air-dry produce on dish towels.
• Store cleaned and dried produce you do not use in the refrigerator.

*The ratio of baking soda to water varies across articles that recommend baking soda as a produce soak. 

 3. Food Grade 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

After following the FDA recommendation to clean produce with cool running water, many people choose to soak produce to be eaten raw in a hydrogen peroxide and water solution for its antibacterial properties.

• Wash produce as described above to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
• Add produce to a clean sink or bowl.
• Add water to cover the produce at a ratio of 1 cup* of hydrogen peroxide per 10 cups of water. 
• Agitate the produce in the water.
• Soak for 3-10 minutes. 
• Place produce in a colander.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool running water. 
• Spin-dry or air-dry produce on dish towels before storing.

*The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to water varies across articles that recommend hydrogen peroxide as a produce soak. 

4. Food Grade Organic Apple Cider or 3% Distilled Vinegar*

Like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar can be used as a produce soak to clean produce and reduce bacteria on produce to be eaten raw.   Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide have been shown to kill Salmonella and E. coli.

• Wash produce as described above to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
• Add produce to a clean sink or bowl.
• Add water to cover produce at a ratio** of 1 part vinegar to 3-4 parts water.
• Agitate the produce in the water.
• Soak for 3-5 minutes. 
• Place produce in a colander.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool running water. 
• Spin-dry or air-dry produce on dish towels before storing.

*Note: Individuals with CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) or chemical sensitivity may be sensitive to vinegar, especially when sprayed***..

** The ratio of vinegar to water varies across articles that recommend vinegar as a produce soak.

*** When vinegar is used as a soaking medium, it typically does not irritate the lungs. However, whenever we mention vinegar, we make sure to include that vinegar contains acetic acid, a lung irritant when sprayed. Use it in a well-ventilated area, and avoid inhaling aerosolized vinegar. Do not spray vinegar in the presence of children, individuals who are chemically or mold-sensitive, or those with lung or other chronic health conditions.

Why Wash Your Produce? 

Even the freshest fruits and vegetables can carry more than just nutrients. Here are the reasons you’ll want to give your produce a quick wash (and soak if eaten raw) before consuming!

• Pesticide residues: Conventional crops are often treated with chemical pesticides and herbicides. Rinsing and soaking help reduce these residues before they reach your plate.

• Bacteria and germs: From the farm to your kitchen, produce passes through many hands and surfaces. Washing helps remove bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella that may cause foodborne illness.

• Dirt and debris: Soil, dust, and tiny insects can cling to the surface of your fruits and vegetables. A quick rinse ensures you’re eating clean food.

• Organic doesn’t mean spotless: Even organically grown produce comes into contact with wildlife, soil, and pollutants, so it still benefits from a wash.

• Better taste and freshness: Clean, dry produce not only looks more appealing but also lasts longer in the fridge when dirt and bacteria are removed.

Toss the Toxins with Branch Basics

A few simple steps can go a long way. Enjoy your summer produce! Say hello to human-safe cleaning with our Starter Kit, specially made to keep you and your home safe from hazardous cleaning chemicals. Get started with the Trial Kit today.