Washing Fruit and Vegetables

When it comes to healthy eating, choosing fresh, colorful produce is a great start!

Today, let’s discuss how to properly clean fruits and vegetables before eating them.

I will share with you a very simple, natural fruit and vegetables washing spray and why it can help you achieve your health goals.

What Is a Fruit and Vegetable Spray?

A fruit and vegetable spray is a cleaning solution designed to remove dirt, wax, pesticides, and other residues from fresh produce and break down surface contaminants more effectively.

Most are easy to use: just spray, gently rub, sometimes wait, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

How can a fruit and vegetable spray be of benefit to you?

1. Helps Remove Pesticide Residue

Even when you buy organic produce, it can still carry pesticide residue or environmental contaminants from soil and transportation.

A fruit and vegetable spray helps loosen and wash away:

• Surface pesticides

• Chemical residues

• Dust and grime

Using a spray provides a more thorough cleaning than water alone.

2. Removes Wax Coatings

Many grocery store fruits, especially apples, cucumbers, and peppers, are coated with a thin layer of food-grade wax to preserve freshness and improve appearance. Though the wax is considered safe, it can trap dirt and bacteria.

Using a cleaning spray helps:

• Break down wax coatings

• Reduce trapped debris

• Restore a more natural texture

You may even notice an improvement in taste and texture after removing excess wax.

3. Reduces Bacteria and Germs

Fresh produce passes through many hands before reaching your kitchen—from farm workers to store employees to shoppers. This increases the risk of exposure to bacteria and germs.

A fruit and vegetable spray can help reduce bacteria, handling contamination, and potential foodborne risks.

And can give you peace of mind with an added layer of protection.

4. Extends Freshness

By removing residue and contaminants you can reduced mold growth, extend freshness and preserve taste and therefore, not only protects your health but can also reduce food waste and save money. 

A perfect win!

5. Quick and Easy to Use

One of the biggest benefits of a fruit and vegetable spray is convenience.

The recipe I share below can be kept in the refrigerator and used as needed or can also be used as a vegetable or fruit soak solution. Or can be quickly made as needed.

Tips for Best Results

To get the most out of your fruit and vegetable spray:

1. Spray thoroughly on all sides.

2. Gently rub or use a soft brush for firm produce.

3. You can let it sit for 20–30 seconds if you want… I don’t…

4. Rinse well under running water.

5. Allow to dry, or gently pat dry, before storing to reduce moisture buildup.

Is It Worth It?

If you regularly eat fresh produce, especially raw fruits and vegetables, and I hope you do, a fruit and vegetable spray is a small investment offering big benefits: It enhances cleanliness, reduces potential contaminants, and adds peace of mind to your meals. Taking the extra step to properly clean your produce is a smart, simple habit.

Below you will find my quick and easy fruit and vegetable cleaning spray recipe.

A Simple Natural Fruit and Vegetable Cleaning Spray

Ingredient	Directions	Actions
Spray Bottle	Purchase a spray bottle and wash it well. Let it air dry.	This is your holding container – you knew that one!
1 Tablespoon table salt	Add salt to the prepared bottle.	Provides a mild abrasive Remove stuck-on soil Dislodge debris Help scrub firm skins Can remove bugs if soaked
1/3 cup bottled lemon juice	Add lemon juice to bottle.	Enhances cleaning power Helps break down waxy coatings Cuts through oily residues Adds mild antibacterial properties Leaves a fresh scent
1/3 cup white distilled vinegar	Add vinegar to bottle.	Helps dissolve pesticide residue on the surface Breaks down wax coatings Reduces some bacteria and microbes Loosens dirt and debris
2/3-1 cup warm water	Add water to bottle. Cover and shake. Generously spray produce. Rub gently. Can let sit for 20–30 seconds, if desired (I don’t). Rinse well under running water. Shake gently before each use.	Dilutes acidic ingredients Helps rinse away dirt and residues Creates an even distribution when sprayed
Other options: 1 teaspoon baking soda	Add to mixture.	Adds a more aggressive abrasive Can neutralize and degrade chemicals Use on tougher fruits and vegetables, potatoes, beets, apples, cucumbers, etc.  Do not use on delicate fruit and vegetables
5-10 drops grapefruit seed extract (GSE)	Add to mixture.	Has antimicrobial properties
¼ teaspoon ascorbic acid or pure vitamin C powder	Add to mixture.	Helps reduce oxidation Adds mild cleaning acidity May help extend freshness

Ingredients You Should NOT Add:

• Dish soap

• Essential oils (can leave residue)

• Bleach

• Commercial disinfectants

• Undiluted alcohol

Even small residues of these can be harmful or affect the taste of the produce.

Blue Skies,

Dana

Dana West, RDN, LD thrives on helping her amazing clients get a new lease on life by embracing health and conquering disease, one step at a time, so they can start living with renewed energy and enthusiasm, doing all the things they love to do again.

You can get a new lease on life too, in her Start a New YOU!® Online Program. Learn more here.