The Core Ingredients of Eat Cleaner
The Eat Cleaner fruit and vegetable wash is composed of a synergistic blend of natural and food-safe ingredients designed to clean produce effectively without leaving a taste or odor. Unlike many conventional cleaners, it avoids harsh chemicals like chlorine and ammonia. The primary ingredients listed on recent product labels include:
- USP Purified Water: The main solvent for the solution, ensuring a clean and neutral base.
- Citric Acid: A natural acid derived from citrus fruits that helps to break down waxy coatings and pesticide residues on produce surfaces. It also creates an environment where harmful microorganisms cannot thrive.
- Sodium Citrate: A salt of citric acid that acts as a buffer to control the pH level of the solution. This ensures the acidic cleaning properties are maintained at an effective yet safe level.
- Salt: Used as a natural antiseptic to assist in the removal of surface bacteria and other contaminants.
- Decyl Glucoside: A plant-based surfactant, or cleaning agent, that helps the solution spread and penetrate crevices on produce where dirt and bacteria hide.
- Glycerin: Vegetable glycerin is included as a natural preservative and to help the solution adhere to the food surface long enough to be effective.
- Potassium Sorbate: A mild, food-grade preservative that helps inhibit the growth of yeast and mold, which in turn extends the shelf life of the treated produce.
How Eat Cleaner Works to Clean Produce
The science behind Eat Cleaner’s effectiveness lies in its unique combination of ingredients that work together to tackle multiple types of contaminants. The process is designed to be more thorough than simply rinsing with water, which often fails to remove stubborn wax and chemical residues.
- Breaking Down Wax and Residues: The mild acids, primarily citric acid, in the formula are key to breaking down the waxy coatings applied to many fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life. These waxes often trap pesticides and other residues.
- Penetrating Contaminant-Rich Surfaces: The inclusion of the surfactant, decyl glucoside, reduces the surface tension of the liquid, allowing it to penetrate and clean the tiny crevices and pores of produce surfaces. This is particularly important for items with complex textures like berries and leafy greens.
- Inhibiting Microbial Growth: The combined action of the antiseptic salt and preservatives like potassium sorbate helps to remove and deter the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. This is a critical factor in extending the produce's freshness.
- Tasteless and Odorless Cleaning: The formula is meticulously balanced to ensure it is completely tasteless and odorless, leaving behind only the natural flavor of the cleaned produce.
Eat Cleaner vs. Common Produce Washing Methods
Different methods for cleaning produce offer varying levels of effectiveness. The table below compares Eat Cleaner to rinsing with water and common DIY solutions.
| Feature | Eat Cleaner Solution | Rinsing with Water | Vinegar & Baking Soda Dips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Lab-proven to remove up to 99.9% of contaminants like pesticides and bacteria. | Ineffective against wax and many surface contaminants. | Can be somewhat effective, but efficacy varies and results are inconsistent. |
| Ingredients | All-natural, food-grade ingredients (USP water, citric acid, etc.). | Simple tap water. | Food-grade vinegar and baking soda. |
| Taste/Residue | Tasteless and odorless; leaves no residue. | Can leave some contaminants and residue behind. | Can leave a distinct sour or salty taste if not rinsed thoroughly. |
| Shelf Life Impact | Extends produce freshness up to 5x longer by inhibiting decay. | Minimal to no impact on shelf life. | No reliable evidence of extending shelf life. |
| Convenience | Easy-to-use spray or wipes, no mixing required. | Requires only a running tap. | Requires manual mixing and soaking, which can be cumbersome. |
Safety and Certifications
One of the defining features of the Eat Cleaner solution is its emphasis on safety and transparent labeling, backed by recognized certifications. The product has earned the EPA Safer Choice certification, meaning it is made with ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. It is also certified by the USDA Biobased program, confirming its high percentage of natural, plant-derived ingredients. This commitment to safety is further demonstrated by the company's choice to omit harsh, controversial chemicals such as:
- Chlorine bleach
- Ammonia
- Artificial fragrances
- Colors
- Parabens and phthalates
- Phosphates
Conclusion
The Eat Cleaner solution is an effective and patented fruit and vegetable wash, distinguished by its all-natural, food-grade ingredient list. By utilizing the combined power of citric acid to break down wax, a plant-based surfactant to penetrate surfaces, and natural preservatives to inhibit microbial growth, it offers a cleaning solution far more robust than water alone. Supported by certifications like EPA Safer Choice and USDA Biobased, the formula is a safe, tasteless, and odorless alternative for those seeking a deeper clean for their produce, potentially extending its freshness and reducing food waste.
