What fruits should you always wash?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses occur in the United States every year. This makes it critically important to understand what fruits should you always wash to minimize your risk of ingesting harmful pathogens, dirt, and pesticide residues. Even fruits with thick peels require a thorough cleaning to prevent contaminants from transferring to the edible flesh.

Quick Summary

This guide details the fruits that require meticulous washing, covering everything from delicate berries to thick-skinned melons. It explains proper washing techniques using only running water, highlighting why soap is never safe for produce. The content also addresses the importance of washing organic fruits and how to prevent cross-contamination in your kitchen.

Key Points

Wash All Fruits: Every single fruit, regardless of whether you plan to eat the peel, must be washed under cool, running water before cutting or eating.
Scrub Firm Fruits: Use a clean vegetable brush on produce with thick or firm skin, like melons, apples, and potatoes, to remove dirt and bacteria.
Handle Delicates Carefully: Rinse soft or delicate fruits like berries and grapes gently under cool, running water just before serving to prevent them from spoiling faster.
Never Use Soap: The FDA advises against using soap, detergent, or bleach on produce, as it can be absorbed and is unsafe for consumption.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: Wash your hands and all cutting surfaces thoroughly, and separate washed fruits from raw meats and unwashed produce.
Wash Organic Produce Too: Organic fruits are not immune to pathogens and dirt and require the same washing process as conventionally grown fruits.

Why Proper Fruit Washing is Non-Negotiable

Fresh fruits are a cornerstone of a healthy diet, but their journey from farm to market exposes them to various contaminants. These include soil-based bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, pesticides, and germs from handling by multiple people. Washing all fruits is a critical step in reducing your exposure to these risks. Failure to do so can lead to foodborne illnesses with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe health problems.

Beyond just pathogens, conventional produce is often treated with pesticides. While regulated, some people prefer to minimize their exposure by thoroughly washing their produce. Even fruits that are labeled 'organic' or 'homegrown' still need washing, as they can carry dirt and bacteria.

The Golden Rule: Wash Before You Cut

A common mistake is only washing fruits with edible skins. However, you should wash all fruits, including those you intend to peel, such as melons, avocados, and bananas. This prevents bacteria and dirt on the outer skin from transferring to the edible flesh when you cut into it. For example, the netted surface of a cantaloupe can harbor microorganisms that can be carried inside by your knife.

Fruits You Must Always Wash Thoroughly

While all fresh produce requires a rinse, certain fruits need extra attention due to their surface texture, growing method, or high susceptibility to pesticides. Here's a comprehensive list of fruits you should always wash meticulously:

Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries): These delicate fruits are porous and often land on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 'Dirty Dozen' list for high pesticide residue. Wash them gently in a colander under cool, running water immediately before eating to prevent mold growth.
Grapes: Like berries, grapes are often highly susceptible to pesticides. Rinse them thoroughly, either in a colander or in a bowl of water, then rinse again under running water.
Stone Fruits (peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums): The soft, fuzzy skin of peaches and nectarines, as well as the tight-knit clusters of cherries, can harbor dirt and bacteria. Rinse them individually under running water.
Apples and Pears: These have firm skins that can be waxed and can carry dirt and microbes. Scrub them gently with your hands or a clean vegetable brush under cool, running water.
Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon): The rough, textured rinds of melons can trap bacteria. It is crucial to scrub them with a clean produce brush before slicing to prevent transferring bacteria from the surface to the edible flesh.
Avocados: Though you don't eat the skin, wash and scrub avocados before cutting. A knife can easily drag bacteria from the surface through the fruit's flesh.

The Wrong Way to Wash Produce

It's important to know what methods to avoid to ensure food safety. The FDA and CDC do not recommend using soap, detergents, or commercial produce washes for cleaning fruits and vegetables. These products can be absorbed by porous produce and are not intended for consumption. Similarly, soaking produce in a sink can recontaminate it with germs that have already been washed off.

Comparison of Fruit Washing Methods


Washing Method	Effectiveness Against Pathogens	Effectiveness Against Pesticides	Risks & Considerations
Cold Running Water	Effective for removing surface dirt and some bacteria.	Removes surface-level pesticide residues.	Not as effective for porous or textured surfaces without scrubbing.
Baking Soda Soak	Can be slightly more effective at removing surface bacteria and some pesticides than water alone.	Some studies show it effectively removes certain pesticides from apple surfaces.	Prolonged soaking can affect texture and flavor of delicate fruits.
Vinegar Soak	Can reduce some surface bacteria but not proven more effective than plain water.	May help remove certain pesticide residues.	Can leave a residual flavor on produce; not recommended by FDA/CDC.
Commercial Produce Wash	Varies by product; not proven to be more effective than water.	Varies by product; not proven to be more effective than water.	Not approved by the FDA; chemicals may be ingested.
Peeling After Washing	Highly effective for removing surface pathogens and most pesticides that have not penetrated the flesh.	The most effective method for removing residual pesticides from the skin.	Reduces nutrient intake from the peel, which is rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Kitchen Hygiene for Safe Produce Preparation

Your kitchen environment plays a significant role in preventing cross-contamination, which is the transfer of bacteria from one surface to another. Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling produce. Use a clean cutting board and utensils for preparing produce, separate from those used for raw meat, poultry, or seafood. For hard-to-clean items like melons, use a dedicated produce brush and wash it after every use.

Proper Storage of Washed Fruit

After washing, thoroughly dry fruits like berries with a paper towel or in a salad spinner to reduce moisture, which can accelerate spoilage. Store washed, dried produce in a lidded container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. For delicate berries, it's often best to wash them right before consumption to maximize their shelf life. Cut, peeled, or cooked fruits should be refrigerated within two hours.

Conclusion: A Simple Habit for Better Health

Making proper fruit washing a habit is a simple yet powerful step toward safeguarding your health and that of your family. The CDC and FDA agree that a good wash under cool, running water is the best practice for all fresh fruits, whether you eat the peel or not. While organic produce is still vulnerable to pathogens, and even pre-washed salads can be risky, your best defense is always a fresh rinse just before preparation. Remember to scrub firm fruits, gently rinse delicate ones, and never use soap. By following these straightforward guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of foodborne illness and enjoy your fruits with confidence.

Food Safety Tips for Fruits and Vegetables from the CDC

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is crucial to wash fruits with thick peels. While you don't eat the skin, bacteria on the surface can be transferred to the edible fruit inside when you cut or peel it.

No, it is best to wash most fruits, especially delicate ones like berries, right before you are ready to eat or prepare them. Washing too early can introduce moisture and cause them to spoil more quickly.

No, the FDA and CDC do not recommend using soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes. These can leave behind residues that are not safe for consumption and can be absorbed by porous fruits.

Yes, you must wash organic fruit just as thoroughly as conventional fruit. While they may not have synthetic pesticides, they can still carry dirt, bacteria, and germs from the soil and handling.

For delicate fruits like berries, rinse them gently in a colander under cool, running water right before you plan to eat them. Avoid soaking, and pat them dry with a clean paper towel to prevent mold growth.

Washing with cool, running water is very effective at removing many surface-level pesticide residues, but it will not remove all of them, especially those that have been absorbed into the fruit. Peeling can further reduce exposure, but it also removes nutrients.

Scrub hard-skinned fruits, such as cantaloupe and watermelon, with a clean vegetable brush under cool, running water. This is essential to remove bacteria from the rind before cutting and transferring it to the inside.