Techniques
Food Safety
Skill
Beginner
2 min

Wash fruits and vegetables under cold water and scrub (don’t use soap or produce wash)

Rinse produce under cold water and scrub as needed (e.g., potatoes); avoid soaps and commercial “vegetable washes.”

The video cites foodsafety.gov guidance: wash fruits and vegetables under cold water and give them a good scrub when appropriate. It specifically advises against using soap or specialty produce washes.

The short version

  • Cold water rinse + scrub is the recommended approach mentioned
  • Skip soap/produce wash products

What you need

  • sink or running water sourceCold water
  • produce brush (optional)
    optional
    Helpful for potatoes and other firm produce

How to do it

  1. 1

    Rinse fruits and vegetables under cold running water.

    Focus on all surfaces.

    Watch this step
  2. 2

    Scrub firm produce (e.g., potatoes) to remove visible dirt.

    Use enough friction to lift dirt off.

    Watch this step
  3. 3

    Do not use soap or commercial produce washes.

    Stick to cold water and scrubbing.

    Watch this step

What goes wrong

Washing produce with soap or “vegetable wash” products

Use cold water and scrub instead

Why it works

Rinsing and scrubbing remove dirt and surface contaminants; soaps/produce washes aren’t recommended for produce in this guidance.

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