Is Clean Boss Eat Cleaner Healthy? Separating Fact from Marketing

Lab tests verified by the manufacturer claim that Eat Cleaner can remove up to 99.9% of harmful residues, including pesticides, from produce. But is Clean Boss Eat Cleaner healthy and effective, or is it an unnecessary kitchen extra for the health-conscious consumer?

Quick Summary

An examination of Clean Boss Eat Cleaner’s ingredients, patented technology, and effectiveness in comparison to plain water and other washing methods, incorporating both company claims and independent perspectives on food safety.

Key Points

• Natural and Safe Ingredients: Eat Cleaner is made with plant-based, food-grade ingredients like citric acid, salt, and glycerin, and contains no harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.

• Claimed Effectiveness: The manufacturer provides lab-tested results showing the product can remove up to 99.9% of contaminants like pesticides and wax, and extends produce shelf life.

• Official Recommendations Differ: Food safety experts and organizations like the FDA and EWG recommend washing produce thoroughly with plain, running water, and state there is no evidence commercial washes are more effective.

• Trade-Offs to Consider: Weigh the potential benefits of enhanced cleaning and preservation against the added cost and expert opinions suggesting plain water is sufficient.

• Follow Proper Procedure: Regardless of the washing method, proper technique including scrubbing firm produce and rinsing thoroughly is critical for reducing contaminants.

• Certifications Exist: Eat Cleaner has received certifications such as EPA Safer Choice and USDA Biobased, confirming its formulation uses safer, renewable ingredients.

The Promises Behind Eat Cleaner

Clean Boss markets Eat Cleaner as the world's only patented, all-natural fruit and vegetable wash, asserting it is more effective than plain water or common household hacks like vinegar and baking soda. The company highlights several key benefits based on their own testing, including:

• Superior cleaning: The formula is claimed to remove up to 99.9% of pesticides, wax, dirt, and chemicals from produce surfaces.
• Extended freshness: By inhibiting the growth of yeast and mold, the product allegedly helps keep produce fresh up to five times longer.
• All-natural ingredients: The patented, plant-based formula contains food-grade ingredients such as purified water, citric acid, sodium citrate, salt, decyl glucoside, glycerin, and potassium sorbate.
• No aftertaste or odor: The wash rinses clean, leaving no residual taste on fruits and vegetables.
• Certifications: It is backed by certifications like EPA Safer Choice and USDA Biobased (96%), indicating safer ingredients and a high content of bio-renewable materials.

The Ingredients: What's Inside and What It Does

Eat Cleaner’s formula relies on a synergistic blend of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) ingredients to achieve its cleaning and preservation effects. The main components include:

• Citric Acid: Naturally found in citrus fruits, this ingredient helps break down wax and pesticide residues.
• Sodium Citrate: A salt of citric acid that helps adjust the formula's pH.
• Salt: Acts as a natural antiseptic and helps eliminate certain bacteria.
• Decyl Glucoside: A mild, plant-based surfactant that helps the solution penetrate and clean produce surfaces.
• Glycerin: A plant-derived preservative that helps the wash adhere to surfaces.
• Potassium Sorbate: A food-grade preservative commonly used to inhibit mold and yeast growth.

The formulation is notably free of harsh chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and alcohol. This ingredient transparency is a cornerstone of the product's marketing as a "healthy" option.

Expert Perspective: Are Produce Washes Necessary?

While the company's claims are compelling, independent food safety experts and regulatory bodies offer a more conservative view on the necessity of commercial produce washes. Organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have consistently stated that a thorough wash under plain running water is the most effective and recommended method for cleaning produce.

Potential Issues with Commercial Washes

• No Guarantee: Experts note that no washing method, commercial or otherwise, can guarantee the complete removal of all pesticides. Many pesticides can be absorbed by the plant rather than just sitting on the surface.
• False Sense of Security: Using a specialized wash might give consumers a false sense of security, leading them to be less diligent with their washing technique. The key to effective cleaning is proper handwashing, scrubbing, and rinsing.
• Unproven Superiority: As mentioned by Consumer Reports, there is no definitive, independent evidence to prove that commercial washes are significantly more effective at removing pesticide residues than plain water.
• Food Safety vs. Marketing: Some industry groups, like USApple, have expressed concerns that commercial produce wash claims are not always backed by solid science.

Comparison Table: Eat Cleaner vs. Common Alternatives

Feature	Eat Cleaner Wash	Plain Running Water	DIY Vinegar Wash	Water with Baking Soda
Pesticide Removal	Patented formula claims up to 99.9% removal.	FDA-recommended, removes surface-level pesticides.	Can be effective, but efficacy depends on solution and time.	May be more effective than water alone, but less tested.
Wax Removal	Specifically formulated to break down surface wax.	Ineffective at removing waxy coatings.	Some effectiveness, can leave a residual taste.	Can help loosen wax, but requires scrubbing.
Bacteria Reduction	Claims to reduce bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.	Removes surface bacteria, but may not be as effective as other methods.	Acidic nature can help reduce bacteria.	Can help reduce bacterial load.
Shelf-Life Extension	Company claims up to 5x longer shelf life.	No effect on extending produce life.	Not known to significantly extend freshness.	Not known to significantly extend freshness.
Ease of Use	Simple spray, wait 2 mins, rinse process.	Simple and requires no special products.	Requires mixing, potential for strong odor.	Requires mixing and soaking time.
Cost	Additional grocery expense.	Free from the tap.	Low cost, uses pantry staples.	Low cost, uses pantry staples.
Certifications	EPA Safer Choice, USDA Biobased.	N/A	N/A	N/A

Conclusion: Is it a Healthy Choice?

Deciding if Clean Boss Eat Cleaner is healthy depends on your perspective. The product itself, made from plant-based and food-safe ingredients, is not harmful to consume in the trace amounts that may remain after rinsing. Its health benefit lies in its purported effectiveness at removing contaminants that could be present on produce. For consumers concerned about maximum cleanliness and potentially extending the shelf life of their produce, Clean Boss Eat Cleaner offers a convenient, certified, and potentially more powerful option than water alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the differing viewpoint from respected authorities like the FDA, which state that plain running water is sufficient for safe produce preparation. For those prioritizing simplicity and minimal spending, plain water remains a valid and approved method.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual priorities. The product can be a healthy part of a food preparation routine for those who feel it provides an extra level of assurance. However, its use is not a necessity for food safety, and it is not a substitute for proper washing techniques and best practices, regardless of the product used. For more information on official food safety guidelines, consider consulting the FDA's recommendations on selecting and serving produce safely.

How to Use Eat Cleaner Properly

For best results and to ensure the most effective cleaning, follow these steps when using Eat Cleaner:

1. Spray thoroughly: Coat all surfaces of the produce with the Eat Cleaner spray.
2. Wait: Allow the solution to sit for two minutes to give the formula time to break down surface contaminants and wax.
3. Rinse well: Rinse the produce completely under clean, running water.
4. Dry: For items like berries or leafy greens, ensure they are dried thoroughly before storing to prevent spoilage.

Who is Eat Cleaner for?

Eat Cleaner may be particularly appealing to:

• Parents: Those with young children who want to be extra cautious about what's on their food.
• Raw Food Enthusiasts: Individuals who consume a high volume of uncooked, fresh produce.
• Gardeners: Home gardeners looking for a simple, natural solution to clean their harvest.
• Budget-Conscious Savers: Anyone interested in potentially extending the shelf life of their groceries to reduce food waste and save money.

Safety Considerations

• Eat Cleaner is for cleaning produce and is not meant for consumption directly.
• Keep the product out of the reach of children and pets.
• In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Although hypoallergenic, test a small area of produce if you are unsure about reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients in Clean Boss Eat Cleaner?

The patented, plant-based formula contains purified water, citric acid, sodium citrate, salt, decyl glucoside, glycerin, and potassium sorbate.

Does Eat Cleaner really remove pesticides better than water?

The manufacturer claims their formula removes up to 99.9% of pesticides based on their own lab testing. However, independent bodies like the FDA and Consumer Reports state that plain running water is sufficient for washing produce and that there is no definitive proof commercial washes are more effective.

Is it safe to consume trace amounts of Eat Cleaner residue?

Yes, the product is made with food-grade ingredients and is designed to be rinsed off. The ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), and the product leaves no odor or aftertaste.

How do I use Eat Cleaner properly?

Simply spray the produce, let it sit for two minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Does Eat Cleaner extend the shelf life of produce?

The company claims its formula inhibits mold and yeast growth, extending the shelf life of produce by up to five times when used as directed.

Is Eat Cleaner more effective than a DIY vinegar wash?

According to the company, Eat Cleaner is more effective and easier than cumbersome home hacks like vinegar and baking soda, and rinses clean without a residual taste. However, independent efficacy data comparing the two is limited.

Can Eat Cleaner be used on organic produce?

Yes, Eat Cleaner is safe for use on both conventional and organic produce, as organic produce can still carry bacteria and dirt from handling and soil.