How to Wash Fruits and Vegetables

This post is written in partnership with Arm & Hammer as part of a paid ambassadorship.

Every parent wants their kids to eat healthily. To accomplish this, I buy the fruits and vegetables my kids like.

Their favorite fruits are bananas, apples, grapes, pineapple, and mandarins.

Vegetables we always have on hand include corn on the cob, green beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and baby carrots.

I began researching using a fruit and vegetable wash.

I love Rachael Ray and the tips she gives like always prepping your produce when you get home from the grocery store so it’s always ready to go.

This is super important with kids, because they are more likely to eat healthy if it’s ready go and may not wash fresh produce before eating it.

Growing up, my parents and grandparents rinsed produce off in the kitchen sink. I always assumed that was enough.

It isn’t! Why not?

Because produce is sprayed with wax to extend its shelf life. Water alone does not completely eliminate pesticides or wax.

What is the best way to wash fruits and vegetables?

My favorite way to wash fruits and vegetables is Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash.

It safely eliminates pesticides, wax and soil with the cleaning power of pure & simple ingredients like baking soda, salt, and plant-derived cleaning agents.

In fact, it’s the first food-contact product to get the Safer Choice certification.

What does that mean?

• Safer Choice helps consumers find products that perform and are safer for human health and the environment.
• Products with the Safer Choice label must demonstrate being effective, while only using ingredients that are safer for families.
• The EPA offers the Safer Choice label to company partners who design or reformulate quality products that perform well and contain the safest chemical ingredients.

Does fruit and vegetable wash really work?

Just spray, rub, rinse and enjoy cleaner produce.

It’s easy as 1-2-3.

1. Spray your fruits and vegetables with Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash.
2. Gently rub your fresh produce to remove soil and wax.
3. Rinse the fruits and veggies under water to wash away pesticides, wax, and soil.

That’s it! Enjoy!

It’s the only produce wash that combines Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with other pure & simple ingredients for a formula that is scientifically proven to remove pesticides better than water alone*.

• Safely eliminates over 90% of pesticide residue*
• Cleans 4x better than water alone*
• Removes wax and soil
• Free from harsh chemicals
• Leaves no taste or odor
• Gluten-free and vegan

More Tips on Keeping Fresh Produce Safe & Healthy

According to the FDA, you should choose produce that isn’t bruised or damaged, and make sure that pre-cut items—such as bags of lettuce or watermelon slices—are either refrigerated or on ice both in the store and at home.

In addition, follow these recommendations:

1. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
2. If damage or bruising occurs before eating or handling, cut away the damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating.
3. Rinse produce BEFORE you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.
4. Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There’s no need to use soap or a produce wash.
5. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers.
6. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
7. Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.

If you have any questions about the new Fruit & Vegetable Wash, check out these FAQ.