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Fruits 3

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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82 Comments

Margaretta P.
April 22, 2025

Thank you for your excellent coverage of this topic.

ConsumerLab.com
April 23, 2025

Glad you've found it helpful!

gerald22433
April 04, 2025

has food grade hydrogen peroxide at 3% strength been studied for washing fruits and vegetables?

ConsumerLab.com
May 06, 2025
Kay22432
April 04, 2025

Excellent article!!

Ron22400
March 30, 2025

Is 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.

ConsumerLab.com
April 04, 2025

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

B.22398
March 30, 2025

Have 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.

ConsumerLab.com
April 04, 2025

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

Christine22366
March 26, 2025

I bathe my produce in water with baking soda. 1 tsp per 2 cups of water.

Diana22396
March 30, 2025

I soak produce in a baking soda and water solution, then rinse and rub under running water.

michael22479
April 08, 2025

I do this also and wonder if it removes pesticides.

ConsumerLab.com
May 06, 2025

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

Ben22352
March 25, 2025

Will you review Sonic Soak?

ConsumerLab.com
April 04, 2025

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

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!

Margaretta P.
January 01, 2025

Thank you for this valuable article, which includes information about Edipeel. There is so much misinformation floating around.

DAVID19651
June 07, 2024

Just 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.

ConsumerLab.com
July 19, 2024

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.

Shannon C
February 09, 2024

I 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?

ConsumerLab.com
February 22, 2024

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

PAT18675
February 09, 2024

I started using a splash of vinegar in the water I wash greens in...they even feel cleaner to the touch.

Lynn18671
February 09, 2024

As someone whose glyphosate levels are very high, I think it would be prudent to eat organic whenever possible.

Debra22397
March 30, 2025

Lynn, Yes you are correct. Also, I only buy my produce at local farmers markets.

woodla
April 04, 2025

To Lynn18671:
How does one know if their glyphosate levels are "very high"?

Ellice22475
April 08, 2025

I agree wholeheartly.

Julie18666
February 09, 2024

A 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.

ConsumerLab.com
April 12, 2024

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

milt
February 04, 2024

Regarding 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?

ConsumerLab.com
February 22, 2024

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, 2025

It 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.

R18587
February 02, 2024

I peel apples but don't wash them before. Please comment.

ConsumerLab.com
February 03, 2024

This is discussed in the answer above.

Bill in Virginia
February 02, 2024

So 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.

ConsumerLab.com
March 26, 2024

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

Benjamin18581
February 02, 2024

Is 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?

ConsumerLab.com
April 09, 2024

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

caffeine
January 28, 2024

I 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, 2024

I 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, 2024

What do you attribute the crunchiness to?
Do you use bleached or unbleached paper towels?

caffeine
February 06, 2024

I buy paper towels.. don’t see any mention of bleached or unbleached.

Ellice22477
April 08, 2025

For vegetable handling, I buy unbleached paper towels for that purpose.

Jennifer18407
December 04, 2023

I 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, 2024

Me too!

Anne18396
November 26, 2023

Thanks! Much appreciated!

ConsumerLab.com
November 27, 2023

Glad it was helpful!

liveto94
November 25, 2023

For 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, 2024

I 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, 2024

I do the same thing. Glad I'm not the only one. Kay

ConsumerLab.com
February 08, 2024

Glad to help!

Charmaine
November 25, 2023

Very 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!

ConsumerLab.com
November 27, 2023

We are glad you found this helpful, Charmaine!

Starr18391
November 24, 2023

Thank you, great informative article

ConsumerLab.com
November 27, 2023

Glad to hear it. Thank you!

Glenn18385
November 24, 2023

I 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, 2023

I heartily agree well said. Let’s wait for the other shoe to drop

Vicki18389
January 04, 2024

How do we know which organic or conventional produce we buy has the apeel on it when we shop?

ConsumerLab.com
January 10, 2024

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, 2024

The link you provided for a list of retailers using Apeel does not work.

ConsumerLab.com
June 25, 2024

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.

lynn18383
November 22, 2023

If 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.

ConsumerLab.com
December 01, 2023
Susan18381
November 22, 2023

I'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.

RobinRG
November 21, 2023

Thank you!

ConsumerLab.com
November 27, 2023

You’re very welcome, Robin!

philip18374
November 21, 2023

Great to know, thank you.

ConsumerLab.com
November 27, 2023

Happy to help!

JJ911
November 20, 2023

I've wondering about this for years! Thanks for the info!

ConsumerLab.com
November 20, 2023

You're welcome JJ!

Louise F18370
November 21, 2023

I agree!

Ryan236
November 19, 2023

I’m guilty of not rinsing my produce every time, but I will start!

Delia18345
November 15, 2023

I wash most produce with vinegar and then rinse with water.

Ronda
November 17, 2023

I do too.

Pwm28
November 19, 2023

I do too!

Polly18350
November 21, 2023

I 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, 2024

I 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.

Corra18331
November 14, 2023

This report is so informative. Thank you for the clarification!

ConsumerLab.com
November 16, 2023

Glad to hear it!

Stan18319
November 14, 2023

Using 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, 2023

I do the same.

Matthew18307
November 14, 2023

I 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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