A variety of colorful vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and lettuce in a bowl with water splashing, set against a black background demonstrating freshly washed clean vegetables ready to be eaten or cooked.

One of the first steps to eating healthier is making sure your fruits and veggies are actually clean before you eat them. If you're anything like me, you want to know that what you're putting into your body is as free from pesticides, bacteria, and wax coatings as possible. But did you know that simply rinsing your produce under water isn’t always enough? That’s why I’m sharing my go-to DIY veggie wash that will help you remove unwanted residues and make sure your food is as fresh and clean as can be!

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Why You Should Wash Your Produce Thoroughly

Even if you buy organic, fruits and veggies can still have dirt, bacteria, and natural wax coatings that you don’t want to ingest. And for conventional produce, pesticide residues can be a real concern. Some fruits and veggies, like apples, peppers, and berries, tend to hold onto more pesticides than others, which is why using a good wash is so important.

This simple, homemade veggie wash is my favorite because it's natural, affordable, and way more effective than just rinsing with water. Plus, it takes less than 5 minutes to do!

DIY Veggie Wash Recipe 🫧

Ingredients:

✔ 4 cups water

✔ 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

✔ 1 tablespoon baking soda

✔ 1 teaspoon salt (optional, helps break down waxy coatings)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. The mixture will fizz a little—that’s normal!

2️⃣ Soak your produce for 10–15 minutes. This helps loosen dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues.

3️⃣ Scrub gently with a vegetable brush or your hands, especially if you’re washing something with a peel.

4️⃣ Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any remaining solution.

5️⃣ Pat dry and store as usual.

🔹 For quick cleaning: If you don’t have time for a full soak, just rub your produce with a little baking soda and rinse well under water.

💌Want to make this later?

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Additional Tips:

For Firm Produce: Items like apples or potatoes benefit from a gentle scrub with a brush to remove trapped residues.
For Leafy Greens: Separate leaves and ensure thorough washing, as dirt and pesticides can hide in crevices.
For Berries: Given their delicate nature, a brief soak and gentle rinse are sufficient. Avoid soaking for extended periods to prevent water absorption.

Does This Really Work?

Yes! Studies show that a combination of vinegar and baking soda helps break down pesticides, dirt, and bacteria better than water alone. Baking soda in particular has been found to be effective in removing pesticide residues from produce like apples, cucumbers, and tomatoes. And vinegar? It’s great for killing off bacteria and reducing any lingering contaminants.

Broccoli and carrots being rinsed under running water in a kitchen sink. Bright colors, fresh produce, and a colander visible.

Which Fruits & Veggies Should You Prioritize?

Some produce holds onto more pesticides than others, and every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases the Dirty Dozen—a list of the most pesticide-heavy fruits and veggies. Items like strawberries, spinach, and apples often top this list, making thorough cleaning essential. If you’re buying conventional (non-organic), these are the ones you should definitely wash well:

🥒 Cucumbers

🍏 Apples

🍓 Strawberries

🥬 Spinach

🌶 Peppers

🍒 Cherries

🥕 Carrots

For produce with thick peels (like bananas and avocados), you don’t need to worry as much, but I still like to give everything a good rinse before eating!

Understanding Pesticide Usage

Globally, pesticide usage has been on the rise. In 2022, approximately 3.70 million tonnes of pesticides were used in agriculture, marking a 4% increase from the previous year and a doubling since 1990. In the United States alone, about 1 billion pounds of conventional pesticides are applied annually. This widespread use underscores the importance of effectively washing our produce to minimize ingestion of these chemicals.

Effectiveness of Different Washing Methods

Studies have shown varying effectiveness of washing methods:

Tap Water Rinse: Washing produce under running tap water can reduce pesticide residues by approximately 26.7% to 62.9%.
Baking Soda Solution: Soaking produce in a baking soda solution has been found to remove between 66.7% and 98.9% of pesticide residues.
Vinegar Solution: Soaking produce in a vinegar solution can effectively reduce certain pesticide residues, depending on the concentration and type of vinegar used. For instance, a study found that using a 50% grape vinegar solution achieved a 68.8% removal rate.

Hands washing celery over a glass dish, with tomatoes, lemon, and a pepper mill on a dark surface. Water splashes in mid-air.

Should You Use a Vegetable Brush?

If you’ve ever wondered whether scrubbing your produce is necessary, the answer is—it depends on what you’re washing!

When to Use a Brush vs. Your Hands

Wooden scrubbing brush with pale bristles, resting on a light surface. Minimalistic design, focus on texture and natural color contrast.

✔ Firm-skinned produce like potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and squash benefit from scrubbing to remove dirt and wax coatings.

✔ Leafy greens and delicate fruits like berries or tomatoes should be gently washed with your hands to prevent damage.

Best Types of Vegetable Brushes

🌀 Bristle Brushes: Great for potatoes, carrots, and other root veggies. Firm but gentle enough to scrub off dirt without damaging the skin.

👐 Palm Brushes: Compact and easy to grip—perfect for scrubbing round veggies like cucumbers.

🌱 Natural Fiber Brushes: Eco-friendly options made from coconut or Tampico fibers work well for general use.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one brush, the OXO Good Grips Vegetable Brush is a great choice for a variety of produce. For a sustainable option, a bamboo-handled brush with natural fiber bristles works well on everything from potatoes to zucchini!

Hands washing red tomatoes in a strainer under a faucet. Background: green lettuce, orange bell peppers, and a yellow lemon.

Making Informed Choices

As Veginners, being informed and proactive about our food choices enhances our health and aligns with our commitment to a plant-forward lifestyle. By adopting effective produce cleaning practices, we not only protect ourselves but also deepen our connection to the foods we cherish.

Remember, every small step contributes to a healthier you and a healthier planet. Happy washing and even happier eating! 🌿💚

So give this DIY veggie wash a try, and let me know how it works for you! Do you have any special tips or tricks for washing produce? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this blog post, please pay it forward or check out my shop. Use code VEGINNER5 for $5 CASH on me! Proceeds support animal sanctuaries. 🐮🐥🐷 xo, Cheryl

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DIY Veggie Wash 🫧