Q: Can I wash produce ahead of time?

A: Yes, but only if you dry it thoroughly before storing. Any leftover moisture can cause fruits and veggies, especially berries, to spoil faster.

Q: Is it okay to mix vinegar and baking soda when washing produce?

A: Did you even read the post?! Haha. Nope, not a good idea! When combined, they cancel each other out, leaving behind a weak solution that doesn’t clean effectively. Stick to one method at a time for best results.

How to Properly Wash Produce - Mitasmadeovermeals

Description

If you want to know How to Properly Wash Produce to eliminate pesticides, bugs, and mold, you’re in the right place! With so much conflicting advice online, it can feel overwhelming. Washing fruits and veggies doesn’t have to take a ton of guesswork. I tested three of the most common cleaning methods: baking soda, vinegar, and salt, and I’ll explain which one actually works the best!

Ingredients

Scale

1 Cup distilled white vinegar (5% acidity only)
1 Tablespoon table salt or kosher salt
1 Teaspoon baking soda
8 Cups water
Produce of choice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Vinegar Wash:
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water (for example, 1 cup vinegar with 3 cups water). Soak the berries in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so all of the produce gets cleaned. Rinse thoroughly under cold water a few times to remove all traces of vinegar and avoid any unpleasant taste. Spread the berries on a clean paper towel and let them air dry completely before storing.
Baking Soda Wash:
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water. Soak the berries for 12 to 15 minutes, swishing them around so every side gets cleaned. Rinse thoroughly with cold water a few times. Pat the berries dry with paper towels or let them air dry before storing in the fridge.
Salt Wash:
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of water (for example, 3 cups of water with 3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon of salt). Soak the berries in the solution for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so all areas get cleaned. Rinse thoroughly with cold water a few times, then dry the berries with paper towels or let them air dry before storing.
If you are washing larger produce like cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplants, use a large basin and multiply the ingredients for each solution.
Each method has its strengths. Salt water helps remove bugs, vinegar reduces mold, and baking soda is the most effective for pesticides (up to 90–95 percent with agitation). For larger produce, I usually use baking soda, and for delicate berries like raspberries or blackberries, I prefer vinegar.
Never combine baking soda and vinegar, since they cancel each other out and lose their cleaning power.
Let me know in the comments which method you use and if you’re going to switch it up based on these tips!