Our Members Asked:
Are fruit and vegetable “washes” or devices more effective than water for cleaning produce and removing pesticides? Are they safe?

Answer:
Fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens can harbor pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes (i.e. Listeria) that can cause food poisoning, as well as have pesticide residue on their surfaces.
Fruits and veggie "washes" and cleaning devices are often promoted by manufacturers as a safe and effective way to remove bacteria and pesticides, and in some cases, are touted as being more effective than rinsing with water alone although in many cases studies to back these claims are not available on the companies' websites and are not supporting by laboratory research.
Sign in as a member for tips for cleaning fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms and to learn:
- How produce washes (including vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide) compare to rinsing with water to removal of pesticides and bacteria.
- If use of bleach, sanitizers, and disinfectants is appropriate.
- Which produce is most likely to be contaminated with pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides), even after rinsing.
- Whether ethylene absorbers such as Bluapple Classic Produce Saver or OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Standing Crisper Drawer Insert extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
- If you need to remove Edipeel coating applied to some fruits and vegetables.
- If produce-washing devices remove bacteria and pesticides from fruits and vegetables better than rinsing with tap water. Devices discussed are those that use electrolysis (such as Garrnish or AquaPure), spray bottles that generate ozone water (such as O3waterworks Sanitizing Spray Bottle and the Ozone Clean Multipurpose Cleaner by Homedics), and a href="/newsubscriber.asp?FromSource=CLANSWERS&FromSourceId=fruit-and-veggie-washes">ultrasonic cleaners (such as Sonic Soak's Multi-Purpose Ultrasonic Cleaning Tool or MIRA Safety's DTX-1 Food Detoxifier).
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Margaretta P.
April 22, 2025Thank you for your excellent coverage of this topic.
Glad you've found it helpful!
Reply to this post…
gerald22433
April 04, 2025has food grade hydrogen peroxide at 3% strength been studied for washing fruits and vegetables?
Please see the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#hydrogen-peroxide-h2o2
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Kay22432
April 04, 2025Excellent article!!
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Ron22400
March 30, 2025Is there any benefit to spraying food with ozonated water (O-clean by Homedics) as opposed to any of the above methods? I have no financial interest in the company, but was recently gifted one.
We've added information about devices that produce ozone to clean produce to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#ozone-water
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B.22398
March 30, 2025Have you evaluated the “MIRA Safety DTX-1 Food Detoxifier?” Uses ultrasonic waves and rapid oxidation to release and dissolve toxins to cleanse both water and produce. Detoxification process uses ZERO chemicals, solvents, cleaning agents, or additives.
We've added information about ultrasonic cleaners to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#ultrasonic-cleaners
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Christine22366
March 26, 2025I bathe my produce in water with baking soda. 1 tsp per 2 cups of water.
Diana22396
March 30, 2025I soak produce in a baking soda and water solution, then rinse and rub under running water.
michael22479
April 08, 2025I do this also and wonder if it removes pesticides.
Please see the following section of our article for information about baking soda solutions for removing pesticides from produce: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#vinegar
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Ben22352
March 25, 2025Will you review Sonic Soak?
We've added information about Sonic Soak and other ultrasonic cleaning devices to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#ultrasonic-cleaners
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Bonny22335
March 25, 2025"A study conducted in the U.S. among 16 adults and children showed that switching from a conventional diet (that included non-organic produce) to an organic diet for 6 days reduced urinary levels of pesticides by 37% to 95% depending on the pesticide, with urinary levels of glyphosate reduced by 71%. "
This is the most persuasive reason for using organic produce that I've ever read!
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Margaretta P.
January 01, 2025Thank you for this valuable article, which includes information about Edipeel. There is so much misinformation floating around.
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DAVID19651
June 07, 2024Just reading this article for the first time today. I did not see a practice I have used for 45+ years when a friend told me to soak my produce in 1-2 quarts of water for (for two servings) with a drop or two of Basic H (Shaklee Corp) and a drop or two of (only) Clorox. I can't give any scientific findings or results, but I have had no detrimental results. One more comment: Had I employed the suggested method of running cool water for a
minute over produce while rubbing, during those past 45 years I would have filled a couple of swimming pools by now. My point is that this method seems like a waste of water. Finally, I do try to buy organic when available.
Thank you for sharing your experience, although as noted in our article, most experts recommend against using bleach or detergents to wash produce, as these compounds may be absorbed by fruits or vegetables.
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Shannon C
February 09, 2024I use citrus zest regularly, and limes are often muddled in drinks. I add a scrubbed, organic whole lemon to my green smoothie. So I would like to know how to totally remove the (supposedly inert) wax. I believe mono- and diglycerides are being studied in relation to unhealthy gut changes. Would very hot water help dissolve the wax?
We don't have an answer to your question, but you may want to choose a product that is not coated. According to the FDA, if a fruit or vegetable contains a coating, it should be included on the product label (if in package form) or displayed by the retailer: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/cpg-sec-562550-safety-and-labeling-waxed-coated-fruits-and-vegetables
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PAT18675
February 09, 2024I started using a splash of vinegar in the water I wash greens in...they even feel cleaner to the touch.
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Lynn18671
February 09, 2024As someone whose glyphosate levels are very high, I think it would be prudent to eat organic whenever possible.
Debra22397
March 30, 2025Lynn, Yes you are correct. Also, I only buy my produce at local farmers markets.
woodla
April 04, 2025To Lynn18671:
How does one know if their glyphosate levels are "very high"?
Ellice22475
April 08, 2025I agree wholeheartly.
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Julie18666
February 09, 2024A while back, Consumer Reports published a table which listed the risk level for various fruits and vegetables, based on whether they were organic or not, and which country they were from. The table included a check box for which items should always be purchased organically. It would be great if ConsumerLab could publish this table for its readers as part of this article.
Thanks for your suggestion. We've added this information to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#cr-organic-list
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milt
February 04, 2024Regarding coatings on fruits and vegetables, I've often noticed some type of coating on apples that makes them shiny compared to the skin of other apples of the same variety (almost as if they were polished), and that sometimes starts to come off after washing the apples. Sometimes rubbing apples with my fingernail scrapes off a layer of this coating, which I had heard was just wax/paraffin. Is this coating wax or Edipeel or some other coating? If it is just wax, should one try to remove it before eating the apples?
As noted in our article, both non-organic and organic produce can be coated with specific compounds, but none of these coatings need to be washed off. However, if you are concerned, the wax coating can always be removed by peeling the fruit or vegetable: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#coatings
Ellice22476
April 08, 2025It is very advisable to buy and consume organic apples. They are members of the dirty dozen vegetables. Also, asparagus is okay to purchase if it is not organic because that particular crop is not sprayed with pesticides.
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R18587
February 02, 2024I peel apples but don't wash them before. Please comment.
This is discussed in the answer above.
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Bill in Virginia
February 02, 2024So how confident are we that the "high-risk" types of produce that are labeled Organic are any safer? They all come from different farms. And I believe that some pesticides are still permitted with "organic" produce.
Although certain pesticides can be used on organic produce, switching from conventional to organic fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce levels of pesticides in the body, as noted in the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#switching-to-organic
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Benjamin18581
February 02, 2024Is the EWG really a reliable source on this kind of stuff? And doesn’t organic produce also use a lot of organic pesticides, so is that really better or just not tested?
As noted in our article, analysis of USDA data by researchers other than the EWG have also reported similar results about pesticides on non-organic product. In addition, other research has shown that switching from conventional to organic fruits and vegetables can reduce levels of pesticides in the body. See the following section of our article for details: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#pesticides-on-non-organic-produce
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caffeine
January 28, 2024I always rinse grapes, then soak in a combination of 1/2 white vinegar and water for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse quickly and drain on paper towels. I then put paper towel strips in a bowl and then fill bowl with grapes. I refrigerate usually for at least an hour before eating. What I Iove especially is the fresh taste and crunchiness of each grape and it lasts that way for days, in my refrigerator. Others are always surprised at the crunchiness especially.
RH
February 04, 2024I use Organic, no pesticides hopefully. Place in Very cold water. 1/4 cup Vinegar add quarter teaspoon baking soda, one minute soak then rinse well. Cover put in frig. No aftertaste or color loss.
Jean18625
February 04, 2024What do you attribute the crunchiness to?
Do you use bleached or unbleached paper towels?
caffeine
February 06, 2024I buy paper towels.. don’t see any mention of bleached or unbleached.
Ellice22477
April 08, 2025For vegetable handling, I buy unbleached paper towels for that purpose.
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Jennifer18407
December 04, 2023I use the baking soda method and usually soak 15-20 minutes. For some produce, I also soak with a citric acid solution. That removes the musty taste (from fruits like grapes) and makes them taste fresher. I always appreciate this kind of info from Consumer Lab - thanks!
Olive18621
February 04, 2024Me too!
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Anne18396
November 26, 2023Thanks! Much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
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liveto94
November 25, 2023For fruits such as grapes and strawberries, raspberries and cherries and cherry tomatoes etc- I've soaked them in a bowl for at least 15 minutes in 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. I cover with the water and vinegar until it's all under the water/ vinegar solution. I rinse well through a stainer. There is never any vinegar taste afterward. Just as an aside one thing I've noticed is filth at the bottom of the bowl as I empty the water/ vinegar down the drain. For mini-watermelons I keep vinegar in a small spray bottle and I spray the whole mini-watermelon with just the vinegar. I leave it for ten minutes or so and wipe it off with paper towels. There is always dirt on the paper towel. And then I rinse it under cold water and wipe again (to dry) with a paper towel. I would never cut into a watermelon without cleaning it first. I use the spray vinegar technique as I do for the mini-watermelon for the larger tomatoes, for cukes, and carrots, and celery.
Laurie18631
February 05, 2024I have also been using a white vinegar wash, but now I won't bother with it. The even bigger change I'll make is to stop washing everything as soon as I bring it home and wash everything right before eating. Thanks CL!
Scott18656
February 07, 2024"just as an aside one thing I've noticed is filth at the bottom of the bowl as I empty the water/ vinegar down the drain. "
Same here, satisfying to see it go down the drain.
Kay18657
February 07, 2024I do the same thing. Glad I'm not the only one. Kay
Glad to help!
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Charmaine
November 25, 2023Very informative article, thank you. I have always washed my fruit and veggies. My husband started doing it after observing a child pick up an orange in the grocery store. The child licked it and put it back! So, always wash your fruit and veggies!
We are glad you found this helpful, Charmaine!
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Starr18391
November 24, 2023Thank you, great informative article
Glad to hear it. Thank you!
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Glenn18385
November 24, 2023I don't trust Edipeel -- consuming that substance or eating the fruit/vegetable it intends to last longer. "GRAS" doesn't mean that FDA required any sort of testing, but rather that nothing has been found against that substance right now.
Donna18386
December 02, 2023I heartily agree well said. Let’s wait for the other shoe to drop
Vicki18389
January 04, 2024How do we know which organic or conventional produce we buy has the apeel on it when we shop?
Great question! We've added information about this to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#edipeel-labeling
Margieann
June 07, 2024The link you provided for a list of retailers using Apeel does not work.
Thanks for bringing the broken link to our attention. It appears that Apeel no longer publishes a list of stores carrying Edipeel-protected produce but does include a list of the types of produce that may be protected with Edipeel in North America and Europe. We've noted this change in our article.
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lynn18383
November 22, 2023If there is a coating on the produce, isn't it trapping contaminants (including things like e. coli or salmonella) where washing can't get to it.
Please see the following section of our article above: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/fruit-and-veggie-washes-vs-water/fruit-and-veggie-washes/#wax-coating
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Susan18381
November 22, 2023I've started to avoid pre-washed containers or bags of mixed lettuces worrying about contamination of leaves from different farms. So now I get a head of lettuce, but I want it quickly ready when I want a salad. I wash it, put it in a salad spinner but spin it not to harshly. Then I put the spinner and lettuce in the fridge.
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RobinRG
November 21, 2023Thank you!
You’re very welcome, Robin!
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philip18374
November 21, 2023Great to know, thank you.
Happy to help!
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JJ911
November 20, 2023I've wondering about this for years! Thanks for the info!
You're welcome JJ!
Louise F18370
November 21, 2023I agree!
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Ryan236
November 19, 2023I’m guilty of not rinsing my produce every time, but I will start!
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Delia18345
November 15, 2023I wash most produce with vinegar and then rinse with water.
Ronda
November 17, 2023I do too.
Pwm28
November 19, 2023I do too!
Polly18350
November 21, 2023I think my produce lasts a few days longer when rinse with vinegar and then twice with water. I use a salad washer for most perishable foods.
DORIS18588
February 02, 2024I really like Polly's observation and idea since vinegar is noted as antibacterial. Nice to test this one out for foods often leftover for a while like a large salads.
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Corra18331
November 14, 2023This report is so informative. Thank you for the clarification!
Glad to hear it!
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Stan18319
November 14, 2023Using produce washes even on organic fruits and vegetables is a long time ritual.I may re-orient to using only water rinses but I like to to view the suds from Trader Joe’s wash on my produce.
Anita18320
November 17, 2023I do the same.
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Matthew18307
November 14, 2023I feel like this is a great article since I'm seeing more and more people showing "how to wash fruit" on social media with no actual data behind what they are teaching others to do.
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