Fresh fruits and veggies are a must for a healthy lifestyle, but let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked: washing them properly. Some people think a quick rinse is enough, while others go all out with the scrubbing and soaking. So, is washing your produce really necessary, or is it just one of those myths? Let’s break it down.
Why washing matters
The short answer? Yes, you should absolutely be washing your fruits and veggies. Back in the day, when most produce came from small farms, this wasn’t as big of a concern. But today, large-scale farming means more pesticides, herbicides, and wax coatings to keep things fresh. Even if you buy organic, your produce travels a long way, from farm to truck to grocery store, picking up bacteria like salmonella and E. coli along the way. To be honest with you, washing won’t remove everything (some pesticides seep into the skin), but washing does significantly reduce surface contaminants, making your food a lot safer to eat.
How to wash fruits and vegetables properly
A quick rinse under the tap is for sure better than nothing, but unfortunately it’s not enough. Water alone won’t fully remove wax coatings, pesticide residues, or bacteria that stick to the surface. But before you reach for dish soap, please don’t! Household cleaners aren’t meant to be ingested and can leave behind harmful residues themselves. Instead, you can get to the DIY table and go for a baking soda soak (1 teaspoon per half a liter of water, soak for 12-15 minutes) to help break down some pesticides, or a vinegar wash (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water; 250ml vinegar and 750ml water) to reduce bacteria. While these homemade methods help, they won’t remove everything, especially wax coatings or more stubborn chemicals. For a deeper clean, a natural produce wash is your best bet.
Using a produce wash: how it works
So, we’ve covered why just using water isn’t enough and how DIY washes can help. While baking soda soaks and vinegar washes offer some benefits, they still don’t fully remove wax coatings, stubborn pesticides, or certain bacteria. That’s where a natural produce wash comes in for a deeper, more effective clean.
A great option for safely cleaning your fruits and veggies is the Veggie and Fruit Wash from Bondi Wash. Made with natural, botanically derived ingredients, it effectively removes pesticides, bacteria, wax coatings, and chemicals, without the harsh additives found in dish soaps or household cleaners.
Its formula includes Australian native citrus essential oils for their natural antibacterial properties, along with ascorbic acid and citric acid to help break down pesticides and maintain freshness. Plant-based surfactants gently lift away dirt, bacteria, and wax for a deeper clean, ensuring your produce is safe to eat.
How to Use It:
+ Sink wash: Add 2 capsules (10 ml each) to a sink of water, soak and gently rub your produce, then rinse and let dry.
+ Spray wash: Mix 1 capsule (10 ml) with 250 ml of water in a spray bottle, spray your produce, then rinse and let dry.
Your health starts with clean food
Eating fresh fruits and veggies is key to feeling your best, but how you prepare them matters too. Taking a moment to wash your produce properly helps remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues, small steps that make a big difference. Small habits, like incorporating a natural fruit and veggie wash into your routine, can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Did you also know we have a wide range of eco household products? Level up your health journey with our collection.
Got questions or looking for tips? We’re here to help! Reach out via email (hello@nourished.nl), Instagram DM, or webchat. We would love to chat!
