Keep Produce Fresh Longer with This Easy DIY Wash

"Health is a relationship between you and your body—start by cleaning what you feed it."
~ Terri Guillemets

I’ll never forget the first time I noticed that strange waxy coating on an apple at the grocery store. It looked shiny and appealing—until I ran it under water and the water beaded up but nothing rinsed off. That “fresh” apple felt more like plastic than produce. It made me pause and wonder: what’s actually on the surface of the fruits and veggies I’m feeding my family?

That moment sent me down a rabbit hole of learning, and what I discovered wasn’t very appetizing. From pesticides and waxes to handling bacteria and transportation grime, our fresh produce often isn’t so fresh by the time it lands on our counters. The surface of my produce can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause illness. That’s why I started making my own fruit and veggie wash—and I haven’t looked back since.

Why You Need a Fruit and Veggie Wash

Even organic produce can carry bacteria, dirt, and natural waxes that water alone doesn’t always remove. And for conventionally grown items, the list can be even longer—pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives designed to make fruits and vegetables last longer in transit.

Sure, store-bought produce washes exist, but they can be pricey, and some still contain unnecessary chemicals. When you make your own, you know exactly what’s going on your food.

Key Benefits:

• Removes pesticide residue – Helps eliminate chemicals used in conventional farming

• Dissolves waxes – Especially helpful for apples, cucumbers, and citrus fruits

• Washes away bacteria – Great for greens, berries, and veggies that are handled frequently

• Non-toxic & safe – You’re using ingredients you likely already trust in your kitchen

• Budget-friendly – Simple pantry ingredients do the job beautifully

• Extends Freshness – I find my produce lasts longer in the fridge, and especially with berries, I can go much longer without mold

DIY Fruit & Veggie Wash Recipe

This easy-to-make wash uses the power of vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to gently and effectively clean your produce.

For Firm Produce (like apples, cucumbers, bell peppers):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 cups cold water

• 10–15 drops of essential oil (see options below)

Instructions:

1. Combine vinegar, lemon juice, water, and essential oils in a spray bottle.

2. Spray directly onto produce and let sit for 3–5 minutes.

3. Scrub gently with a veggie brush or your hands, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.

For Delicate Produce (like berries, leafy greens, grapes):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• 2 cups cold water

• 10–15 drops of essential oil (see options below)

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Soak produce for 5–10 minutes.

3. Swirl gently, then rinse under cold running water.

4. Let dry on a clean towel or use a salad spinner for greens.

Best Essential Oils for Produce Cleaning

Essential oils bring powerful cleansing properties to your DIY wash. These oils are known for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral benefits.

Safe & Effective Choices:

• Lemon – Breaks down wax and sticky residues

• Wild Orange – Fresh and energizing; gently cleans and cuts grease

• Lime – Bright scent, uplifting; great for dissolving residues

• Grapefruit – Known for its cleansing and purifying effects

• Tea Tree – Antimicrobial powerhouse (use in very small amounts)

• OnGuard (doTERRA blend) – Immune-boosting and antimicrobial

• Purify (doTERRA blend) – Great for neutralizing odors and cleansing

• Oregano or Clove – Extremely potent antibacterial oils (use very sparingly, like one drop or a tooth pick swirl, until you know if it flavors your produce)

A quick tip: Avoid using too much oil, especially stronger ones like oregano and clove. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want lingering flavors.

When Should You Use It?

Wash your produce as soon as you bring it home to save time later. Berries and leafy greens can be washed right before eating to help extend their shelf life. If you prep a big produce haul for the week, this DIY wash is a perfect first step.

Want to store your clean produce in glass containers lined with paper towels? You’ll not only make your fridge look gorgeous, but your food will stay fresher longer, too.

A Simple Swap for Safer Eating

In a world full of hidden ingredients and invisible chemicals, a little bit of homemade produce wash goes a long way toward protecting your health and your family. It’s one of the simplest, most satisfying changes you can make, especially when it smells fresh and leaves your kitchen feeling a little more wholesome.

So the next time you reach for that apple, give it a rinse with something you trust. Your taste buds (and your immune system) will thank you.