Can You Wash Wax Off Fruit? Yes, Here’s How to Do It Right

A thin layer of food-grade wax is applied to many commercially grown fruits to replace the natural wax removed during cleaning. Though safe for consumption, this added wax can trap dirt, bacteria, and pesticides.

Quick Summary

Removing wax from fruit is possible using simple household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar. These methods effectively lift away the waxy coating, along with dirt and potential pesticides from fruit surfaces.

Key Points

• Baking Soda Soak: Submerge fruits in a baking soda and water solution for 12-15 minutes to effectively remove wax and pesticides.

• Warm Water Scrubber: Rinsing and scrubbing firm fruits with warm water can melt and lift away the waxy layer.

• Never Use Dish Soap: Avoid household soaps or detergents, as produce can absorb harmful chemicals.

• Peeling is an Option: Peeling removes all surface wax and contaminants but removes fiber and nutrients.

• Wash Right Before Eating: Prevent premature spoilage by washing produce immediately before consumption.

• Commercial vs. Natural Wax: Store-bought fruit often has food-grade wax added after natural wax is removed for preservation.

Understanding Fruit Wax: Natural vs. Commercial

It is common for fruits, particularly apples and pears, to have two kinds of wax on their skin: natural and commercial food-grade coatings. Knowing the difference is important for effective cleaning.

Natural Fruit Wax

• Fruit-produced: Fruits create their own wax layer, a cuticle, which acts as a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, stop mold growth, and maintain freshness.
• Washing away: After harvesting, fruits are washed to remove dirt, debris, and pesticides, which removes much of this natural wax. This is why fresh-picked apples from an orchard may look less shiny compared to those in a supermarket.

Commercial Food-Grade Wax

• Replacement coating: To replace the lost natural wax, growers apply a thin, food-grade wax coating. This artificial layer serves the same purpose as natural wax, extending the fruit's shelf life and protecting it during transport.
• Safe but undesirable: The FDA has approved food-grade waxes, such as carnauba wax and beeswax, as safe for consumption. However, many people find the texture unpleasant and are concerned about trapped pesticides or bacteria.

The Best Ways to Wash Wax Off Fruit

While rinsing with cold water may remove loose dirt, it is not enough to get rid of the waxy coating. The following are some of the most effective and natural methods to remove wax from fruit.

The Baking Soda Soak

A 2017 study showed baking soda's effectiveness in removing pesticide residue, making it a powerful tool for cleaning fruit.

Instructions:

1. Prepare a solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water in a large bowl. Scale up for larger batches (e.g., 1 tablespoon baking soda per 1 gallon of water).
2. Soak the fruit: Submerge the fruits for 12 to 15 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to break down wax and pesticide molecules.
3. Scrub gently: Use a soft vegetable brush to scrub the surface gently for firm-skinned fruits like apples and cucumbers. Swirl more delicate fruits like grapes with your hands.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the fruit under clean, cool running water to remove the baking soda solution and any lifted residue.

The Warm Water and Scrub Method

Warm water helps to melt and soften the wax, making it easier to scrub off.

Instructions:

1. Use warm, not boiling, water: Rinse the fruit under warm, not hot, running water.
2. Scrub with friction: Rub the surface vigorously with your hands or a clean cloth while rinsing. A vegetable brush can provide extra cleaning power for firmer fruits.
3. Wipe dry: Pat the fruit dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. A cloudy residue on the towel is an indication of melted wax.

The Vinegar Soak

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant to remove wax and bacteria. Use a mix of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Instructions:

1. Create the solution: Mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a bowl.
2. Soak briefly: Let the fruit soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid soaking delicate fruits like berries too long, as vinegar can affect their texture.
3. Rinse well: Rinse the fruit thoroughly under cool water to remove all traces of vinegar smell and taste.

Comparison of Fruit Washing Methods

Method	Effectiveness	Ease of Use	Cost	Best For	Notes
Baking Soda Soak	High (especially for pesticides)	Medium	Low	All produce, especially apples	Requires 12-15 minute soak time for full effect.
Warm Water & Scrub	Moderate (for surface wax)	High	Very Low	Firm-skinned fruits and vegetables	Fast but less effective against deeply embedded residues.
Vinegar Soak	Moderate (good for bacteria)	Medium	Low	Firm produce; less ideal for delicate items	Requires thorough rinsing to eliminate odor/taste.
Simple Rinse	Low	High	None	Loose dirt only; not effective for wax	Basic cleaning; not suitable for removing wax or embedded pesticides.
Peeling	High (removes all surface wax)	Low	None	When not using the skin; removes nutrients	Guarantees wax removal but discards fiber and vitamins.

Important Considerations and Safety Tips

• Avoid household soap or detergent. The FDA advises against using regular dish soap or detergents to wash produce, as fruits are porous and can absorb the chemicals, potentially making you sick.
• Don’t wash fruit until ready to eat. Washing fruits and vegetables too far in advance can remove their natural protective coating and cause them to spoil faster.
• Wash organic produce too. Even organic fruit can be covered with natural waxes or kaolin clay, and dirt and bacteria from handling. Wash it just as you would conventional produce.
• Dry completely. After washing, dry fruit completely with a clean cloth or paper towel. This prevents bacterial growth and extends its shelf life in storage.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Fruit

It is possible and advisable to wash wax off fruit, along with any pesticides and bacteria. Removing wax provides a cleaner-eating experience. The best method depends on priorities and fruit type. The baking soda soak is scientifically supported and highly effective for thorough cleaning, especially if pesticides are a concern. The warm water and scrub method works well for a quick clean. Any washing method that avoids harsh detergents is a safe and beneficial habit for a healthier kitchen.

Visit the FDA's page on safe produce handling for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wax on supermarket fruit safe to eat?

Yes, the FDA considers waxes used on commercial fruit, such as carnauba wax and beeswax, to be food-grade and safe. Many people still choose to remove them.

What is the fastest way to get wax off fruit?

The quickest method is to dip the fruit into boiling water for 5-10 seconds, then rub it with a clean cloth or towel. This melts the wax for easy removal.

Does washing fruit with vinegar remove the wax?

A vinegar soak can help break down wax and is effective for removing bacteria, but a baking soda soak is often more effective for removing pesticides.

How can I tell if a fruit has added wax?

Many conventionally grown fruits with a high shine, like apples, are waxed. Scraping the surface with a knife will produce a white, waxy film, or pouring hot water over it can make the wax cloud up.

Does a simple cold water rinse work to remove wax?

No, a simple cold water rinse is insufficient for removing the oily food-grade wax coating from most fruits, it will only remove loose dirt and debris.

Should I wash organic fruit to remove wax?

Yes, organic produce should also be washed. Although it will not have synthetic waxes, it can still have natural waxes, dirt, and handling bacteria. A baking soda or vinegar wash is safe and effective.

Is it better to peel waxed fruit?

Peeling is the most reliable way to remove all surface wax and pesticide residue. However, the skin of many fruits contains nutrients and fiber, so washing is a better option if you want to retain them.