Are carrots supposed to be washed?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, nearly half of all foodborne illnesses in the U.S. are caused by contaminated vegetables or fruits, highlighting the critical importance of proper produce cleaning. So, when it comes to the humble carrot, the answer to whether it should be washed is a resounding yes.

Quick Summary

All carrots, including both conventional and organic varieties, should be washed thoroughly before being eaten or cooked to remove dirt, germs, and potential pesticide residues. Scrubbing with a brush under running water is the most effective method, even if you plan to peel the carrots afterward.

Key Points

Always Wash Carrots: Whether you plan to eat them raw or cooked, always wash carrots to remove dirt, bacteria, and potential pesticide residues.
Scrub Thoroughly: Use a vegetable brush and running water to scrub the entire surface of the carrot, paying attention to crevices.
Wash Even If Peeling: Always wash carrots before peeling to prevent cross-contamination from transferring germs from the skin to the clean interior.
Rinse Baby Carrots: Despite being sold as 'pre-washed', a quick rinse of bagged baby carrots is still a good safety practice.
Store Unwashed Carrots: For longer storage, keep unwashed carrots in the fridge to prevent moisture from causing premature spoilage.
Avoid Soaps: Never use soap, detergent, or commercial washes on carrots, as these chemicals can be absorbed and are not safe for consumption.

Why Washing Carrots is Non-Negotiable

Carrots are a root vegetable, meaning they grow directly in the soil, which exposes them to a wide array of potential contaminants. Washing your carrots is a simple yet crucial step to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your food. Ignoring this step can lead to several health risks, as well as an unpleasant eating experience.

Contaminants Lurking on Your Carrots

Even if a carrot looks clean, it can harbor invisible threats. These include:

Soil and Dirt: A natural byproduct of where carrots grow. Ingesting soil can expose someone to unwanted bacteria and grit.
Harmful Pathogens: Microorganisms like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria can adhere to the surface of carrots during farming, harvesting, and transportation. These can cause serious foodborne illnesses.
Pesticide Residues: Conventionally grown carrots may have residual pesticides on their skin. While often in small amounts, washing is the primary defense against consuming these chemicals.
Cross-Contamination: If you peel or cut a dirty carrot, you risk transferring bacteria from the outer skin to the clean flesh, your cutting board, and your other food.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Carrots

For most carrots, a simple but effective cleaning process is all that is needed. Avoid using soaps, detergents, or commercial produce washes, as these are not approved for food use and can be absorbed by the porous surface of the carrot.

Rinse Thoroughly: Hold the carrots under cool, running tap water. This initial rinse helps dislodge loose dirt and debris.
Scrub with a Brush: Use a dedicated vegetable scrub brush with stiff bristles to gently scrub the entire surface of the carrot. Pay special attention to any crevices or the area around the top.
To Peel or Not to Peel: If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the carrot while rinsing it under running water to prevent transferring contaminants from the skin to the flesh.
Dry Completely: After washing, pat the carrots dry with a clean paper towel. This is an important step, especially if you are not cooking them immediately, as moisture can accelerate spoilage during storage.

Proper Cleaning for Different Carrot Types

Fresh-from-the-Garden Carrots: These will likely have the most soil. Tap them together or against the side of a wire basket outdoors to remove the largest clumps of dirt. Use a firm brush and plenty of running water to scrub clean.
Store-Bought Whole Carrots: These are typically cleaner than garden-fresh ones but still require a good scrub. Follow the basic steps of rinsing and scrubbing with a vegetable brush.
Bagged Baby Carrots: While often labeled “pre-washed,” these are not sterile. They undergo a chlorine wash during processing, but a quick rinse under running water before consumption is a wise precaution to remove any lingering dust or processing residue.

Washing vs. Peeling: A Comparison


Feature	Washing	Peeling
Removes Dirt & Bacteria	Very effective, especially when scrubbing with a brush.	Effective, but cross-contamination is a risk if not washed first.
Pesticide Removal	Removes most surface residues with thorough washing.	Removes the outer layer where most residues are concentrated.
Nutrient Retention	Retains all nutrients, as many are just beneath the skin.	Removes some nutrients found in the skin and just below it.
Texture	Skin texture may be slightly rougher, but often unnoticeable.	Results in a smoother, more uniform texture.
Time/Effort	Quick and simple with a vegetable brush.	Adds an extra step and time to preparation.
Food Waste	No waste, only dirt and debris are removed.	Creates peelings that become food waste (unless composted).

How to Store Carrots for Maximum Freshness

Storing carrots correctly is just as important as cleaning them properly. Always wash carrots right before you intend to use them, not before storing, as excess moisture can speed up spoilage.

For whole, unwashed carrots: Remove the green tops to prevent moisture from being drawn out of the root. Place them in a sealed bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
For cut or peeled carrots: Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a sealed container in the fridge. For maximum crispness, some people submerge them in a container of cold water, but this requires changing the water every couple of days.

Conclusion

While it might be tempting to skip washing, especially for what looks like a clean carrot, doing so is a risky gamble with your health. The small amount of time and effort it takes to properly wash your carrots with a scrub brush under running water is a small price to pay for peace of mind. By following safe handling practices—washing all carrots before preparation, regardless of whether you peel them—you can confidently enjoy this versatile and nutritious vegetable, free from unwanted dirt, pathogens, and chemicals. Safe food handling starts with a clean carrot, and in the kitchen, that's a truth that cannot be overlooked. For more information on safely handling produce, consult authoritative sources like the CDC's food safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you must wash carrots even if you plan to peel them. The act of peeling a dirty carrot can transfer pathogens from the outer skin to the edible flesh via the peeler or knife, causing cross-contamination.

While most packaged baby carrots are sold as 'ready-to-eat', giving them a quick rinse under running water is a good precaution. This removes any lingering dust or debris that may have accumulated during processing and packaging.

For carrots fresh from the garden with significant soil, first, knock off large clumps of dirt. Then, use a stiff vegetable brush and plenty of cool, running water to scrub the entire surface thoroughly, focusing on any embedded soil.

No, the FDA does not recommend washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash. Carrots are porous and can absorb these products, which could potentially make you sick.

Eating unwashed carrots significantly increases the risk of ingesting harmful pathogens like E. coli or Salmonella, which can lead to foodborne illness. You also risk ingesting dirt, debris, and potential pesticide residues.

It is best to wash carrots right before you intend to use them. For storage, keep them unwashed. If you must store washed carrots, dry them thoroughly and wrap them in a paper towel in a sealed container in the fridge to absorb moisture.

While cooking at high temperatures can kill many bacteria, it is still best to wash carrots beforehand. Washing removes physical dirt and debris, and it also prevents cross-contamination on your cutting board and other surfaces during the preparation stage.