What is the best thing to wash fruits with?

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best thing to wash fruits with is cool, running water. While many people turn to specialized washes or household cleaners, food safety experts stress that plain water, combined with proper technique, is sufficient and safest for removing dirt, germs, and surface pesticide residues.

Quick Summary

The most effective and safest method for washing fruits is with cool, running water and gentle friction, as recommended by food safety experts. Specialized washes, soap, and harsh cleaners are not recommended and can pose health risks or compromise the produce. Different fruits require tailored washing techniques for optimal cleanliness and to avoid damage.

Key Points

Cool Running Water: The most effective and safest method for washing most fruits is using cool, running tap water with friction.
Avoid Soap and Detergents: Never wash fruits with household cleaners like soap or detergent, as they can be absorbed and cause illness.
Use a Brush for Firm Produce: For fruits with firm skin, like apples and melons, a clean vegetable brush helps remove stubborn dirt and wax.
Rinse, Don't Soak Delicate Fruit: Gently rinse delicate items like berries under a stream of cool water just before eating to prevent spoilage.
Baking Soda is a Safe Alternative: A baking soda solution can be effective against certain surface pesticides, but a thorough rinse with plain water afterward is critical.
Wash Before Cutting: Always wash produce before peeling or cutting it to prevent transferring surface contaminants to the edible interior.

Why Is Proper Fruit Washing Important?

From the farm to your table, fresh produce can come into contact with a range of contaminants. The potential health risks of not washing fruits and vegetables properly include foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can be present on the surface. Other concerns include the ingestion of pesticide residues, dirt, debris, and wax coatings applied to improve appearance and shelf life. While no washing method can completely eliminate all contaminants, proper rinsing is a crucial and highly effective step in mitigating these risks.

The Standard Method: Cool Running Water

The overwhelming consensus from health authorities like the USDA and FDA is that cool, running tap water is the safest and most effective way to clean fresh fruits and vegetables. For firm produce, like apples and pears, using a clean vegetable brush adds an extra layer of cleaning power, helping to scrub away residues from textured skins. For delicate items like berries and grapes, a gentle rinse under the tap is recommended, rather than soaking, which can cause them to become waterlogged and spoil faster.

Can I Use Baking Soda or Vinegar?

Some home cooks opt for a cleaning solution using baking soda or vinegar, citing anecdotal evidence of their effectiveness. Research has shown that a dilute baking soda solution can be more effective than tap water alone at removing certain surface pesticides, with some studies showing significant reductions after a 12–15 minute soak. However, it is important to note that this applies only to surface-level pesticides, and any chemicals absorbed into the fruit's flesh will remain. Similarly, a vinegar and water soak can help reduce bacterial load, but it is not necessary and can alter the taste of the produce if not rinsed thoroughly. After any soak, a final rinse with fresh running water is essential.

The Dangers of Using Soap or Commercial Washes

Experts unanimously advise against using soap, detergent, or other household cleaners to wash produce. The porous nature of fruits and vegetables means they can absorb these chemicals, which are not intended for human consumption. Ingestion of soap or detergent residues can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting. While specialized commercial produce washes are available, studies have not consistently shown them to be more effective than plain water and mechanical scrubbing, making them an unnecessary expense.

Best Practices for Specific Types of Produce

Firm-skinned fruits (Apples, Pears, Citrus): These should be scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under cool running water. Even if you plan to peel the fruit, washing the outside first prevents bacteria and dirt from transferring to the edible flesh.
Delicate fruits (Berries, Grapes): Rinse these in a colander under a gentle stream of cool water. Do not soak delicate berries, and wash them only immediately before use to prevent premature spoilage.
Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach): Remove and discard any outer, bruised, or wilted leaves. Submerge the remaining leaves in a bowl of cool water, swish them around to loosen dirt, then rinse under running water and dry using a salad spinner or paper towels.
Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon): The rough surface of melons can harbor bacteria. Scrub the entire rind with a clean vegetable brush under cool water before cutting to prevent transferring germs to the edible portion.

Comparison of Common Washing Methods


Method	Effectiveness Against Bacteria	Effectiveness Against Surface Pesticides	Safety for Consumption	Considerations
Cool, Running Water	Effective at reducing surface bacteria	Effective at rinsing off residues	Safe	Standard, expert-recommended method. Must be combined with friction.
Baking Soda Soak	Good (with rinsing)	Highly effective for certain pesticides	Safe (if rinsed thoroughly)	May not remove all pesticide types. Requires soaking and rinsing time.
Vinegar Soak	Good (with rinsing)	Good, but less than baking soda	Safe (if rinsed thoroughly)	Can affect flavor if not rinsed completely.
Household Soap/Detergent	Not advised; unsafe	Ineffective and dangerous	Unsafe (poisonous if ingested)	Can be absorbed by porous produce, causing illness.
Commercial Produce Wash	Variable, often no better than water alone	Variable, often no better than water alone	Safe (if food-grade)	Unnecessary expense; effectiveness is not consistently proven.

Conclusion: Simple Is Best for Safe Produce

Ultimately, the science supports a straightforward and low-tech approach to produce safety. For most people, cool running water combined with gentle scrubbing is the best thing to wash fruits with, effectively removing a significant amount of dirt, bacteria, and surface pesticide residues. While methods involving baking soda or vinegar are considered safe alternatives and may offer a marginal advantage against certain contaminants, they are not strictly necessary if proper rinsing and friction are used. Critically, the use of soaps and other household detergents is dangerous and should be avoided entirely. By following these simple, expert-approved guidelines, you can ensure your fruits and vegetables are clean and safe to eat without unnecessary risks or expense.

For more information on food safety guidelines, you can consult the official recommendations from the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never wash fruit with soap or detergents. Produce is porous and can absorb the chemicals, which are not meant for human consumption and can cause gastrointestinal problems.

A vinegar and water wash can help reduce bacteria but has not been proven to be more effective than plain water for overall cleanliness. It can also leave a lingering taste if not rinsed properly.

To wash delicate berries, place them in a colander and rinse gently under cool, running water. Avoid soaking them, as this can cause them to absorb water and spoil more quickly.

No, washing primarily removes surface pesticides. A baking soda soak has been shown to be effective against certain surface pesticides, but it will not remove systemic pesticides that have been absorbed into the fruit's flesh.

You should wash fruits right before you plan to eat them. Washing and storing them wet can create an environment that encourages bacterial growth and spoilage.

No, you should not wash pre-packaged produce labeled 'pre-washed' or 'ready-to-eat'. It is already cleaned and sealed to prevent recontamination.

No, specialized commercial washes have not been consistently shown to be more effective than rinsing with cool, running water and using a brush when needed. They are generally an unnecessary expense.