Pantry Detox: How To Clean Fruits Naturally
Of course, we all know that eating fresh fruit is a healthy and simple way to add more nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber to your diet. Especially for little ones who may more readily eat a strawberry than a green bean! But while different fruits come packed with goodness, they can also pick up germs, dirt, coatings, and even pesticide residues on their journey from the farm to your table. Washing them properly before eating ensures they’re as safe and clean as they are delicious.
In this post, I’m sharing a guide on how to clean fruits non-toxically, using natural, safe methods that effectively remove dirt, bacteria, and debris without exposing your family to harsh chemicals. You’ll learn how to wash your produce properly, what products to use to clean fruits, and a few tips that will make this part of your kitchen routine both simple and effective.
How to Clean Fruits
Before we dive into the methods, it’s helpful to know why you should clean fruit before eating it. Even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors produce safety, contamination can still occur through soil, water, or handling during harvesting and packaging. And in my personal opinion, the FDA allows for certain coatings and substances that I would rather not feed my family. Proper washing can help eliminate most of these surface residues and ensure you’re eating clean produce that supports your health.
This post will walk you through:
- What to use to clean fruits naturally and safely
- How to properly clean fruits step-by-step
- Helpful tools and best practices for washing your fresh fruits and vegetables
Whether you’re prepping berries for breakfast, apples for snacks, or leafy greens for salads, these tips will help you keep your kitchen cleaner and healthier.
What to Use to Clean Fruits
There are several safe and non-toxic ways to clean your fruits effectively without relying on store-bought washes or soaps. Below are my favorite tried-and-true options.
1. Water (Warm or Cold)
The simplest and most effective cleaner is often plain water. Running water, whether cold water or warm water, is enough to remove most dirt and bacteria. You may want to stick to cold for delicate fruits like berries. Rinse each piece of fruit thoroughly, rubbing gently with your hands or using a vegetable brush to scrub firmer-skinned produce like apples or melons. For softer fruits, such as berries or peaches, use a gentle stream of water to avoid damaging them.
2. Vinegar Solution
A natural vinegar rinse is a popular option for reducing bacteria on fruits and vegetables. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a large bowl. Soak the fruit for a few minutes, gently swirl, then rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any lingering vinegar taste. Vinegar helps break down residue and can also extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective and non-toxic choice for cleaning fruits. Add about a teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water, soak the fruits for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Studies have shown that baking soda can help remove pesticide residues from produce skins, making it an excellent option for those aiming to eat more clean produce. This is easy to prep right after a trip from the grocery store. Let fruits and veggies soak before putting them away.
4. Natural Cleaning Concentrates
If you prefer a ready-made, plant-based cleaner, a natural concentrate like Branch Basics works beautifully for washing fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s safe, biodegradable, and effective without any harsh chemicals. You can learn more about why I love this cleaner in my Branch Basics review.
How To Properly Clean Fruits
Now that you know what to use, here’s how to clean fruits correctly to ensure they’re free of unwanted debris and germs.
1. Wash Your Hands
Always start by washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before handling fruits. This step prevents transferring germs or dirt from your hands to your fresh produce.
2. Sort and Inspect
Check your fruits for bruised areas or damage. Bruised spots can harbor bacteria and spoil faster, so it’s best to trim them away before washing and eating (or toss it if you can’t save it- keeping it with other produce will make it all spoil faster).
3. Rinse Under Running Water or Soak
Hold each piece of fruit under running water if you’d rather rinse than soak in a sink full of water. This method helps wash away dirt and bacteria more effectively. Otherwise, prepare a bowl or sink with one of the methods above to let your produce soak. Use warm water for firmer fruits and cold water for delicate varieties to help preserve texture and freshness.
4. Use a Vegetable Brush or Hands
For fruits with thicker skins, like apples, melons, or cucumbers, use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface gently. For softer fruits like grapes, plums, or tomatoes, rubbing them with your hands under running water works best.
5. Dry with a Clean Cloth or Paper Towels
After washing, dry your fruits with a reusable cloth or clean paper towels. This helps remove any lingering surface moisture that can encourage mold or bacteria growth, especially when storing fruits in the fridge.
6. Store Properly
Once your fruits are clean and dry, store them in a clean container or produce drawer. Keeping washed fruits separate from unwashed ones prevents cross-contamination and helps them stay fresh longer.
Enjoy Your Fruit!
Learning how to clean fruits safely is an easy way to make sure the food you bring into your home is safe and healthy for your family. Whether you use warm water, vinegar, or a natural cleaner, all are great options to clean your fresh produce. Clean fruits not only taste better but also support your body with the nutrients they were meant to deliver, without any unwanted residues.
If you’re passionate about keeping your kitchen healthy and toxin-free, you may also enjoy my post on the best non toxic cutting boards.
*Some affiliate links used, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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