For firm produce, you can mix baking soda with clean water and allow the fruits or vegetables to sit briefly in the solution.
Afterward, rinse them carefully under running water and gently rub the surface with clean hands.
There is no need to use extremely concentrated solutions. The goal is simply to help loosen dirt and residues on the exterior of the produce.
Remember that washing effectiveness depends on many factors, including the type of pesticide, how long it has been on the produce, the texture of the skin, and whether the chemical has penetrated below the surface.
Do Not Wash Produce With Bleach
Household bleach, disinfectants, detergents, and dishwashing liquids should not be used to wash food unless a product is specifically approved and labeled for that purpose.
Using household cleaning chemicals on fruits and vegetables may leave unwanted residues and can create unnecessary health risks.
Clean running water is generally sufficient for routine washing, while vinegar, salt water, or baking soda solutions may be used as optional additional steps for suitable produce.
Wash Produce Even If You Plan to Peel It
It may seem unnecessary to wash an orange, melon, avocado, mango, or other fruit when you plan to remove the peel. However, washing the exterior first is still a good practice.
When a knife cuts through an unwashed peel, dirt and microorganisms on the outside can be transferred to the edible flesh.
For this reason, rinse produce before cutting or peeling it.
What About Leafy Vegetables?
Leafy vegetables require slightly different handling because dirt can hide between the leaves.
Remove damaged or wilted outer leaves first. Separate the remaining leaves and rinse them carefully under cool running water.
For lettuce, spinach, cabbage, herbs, and similar vegetables, gently agitating the leaves in a bowl of clean water can help loosen soil. Replace the water if it becomes visibly dirty, then give the vegetables a final rinse.
Drying leafy vegetables with a salad spinner or clean paper towel can also help remove remaining moisture and surface debris.
How to Wash Berries
Berries are delicate and can spoil quickly when exposed to excess moisture. In many cases, it is better to wash them shortly before eating rather than immediately after bringing them home.
Place berries in a colander and rinse them gently under cool running water. Avoid aggressive rubbing.
After washing, allow them to drain and dry carefully.
Long soaking periods are generally not ideal for delicate berries because they can soften, absorb water, and deteriorate more quickly.
Peeling Can Reduce Some Surface Residues
Peeling certain fruits and vegetables can reduce some pesticide residues found on or near the skin.
However, peeling also removes part of the fiber and nutrients naturally concentrated in the outer layers of many foods.
Therefore, peeling is a personal choice rather than something that needs to be done with every fruit or vegetable.
If you prefer to eat the skin, washing the produce carefully is usually the more practical option.
Discard Damaged Outer Portions When Necessary
If a fruit or vegetable has visibly damaged, moldy, bruised, or spoiled sections, remove them before eating.
Produce showing extensive mold or decay may need to be discarded entirely, depending on the type of food and the extent of the damage.
