Why Washing Produce with Water Alone Is Not Enough

Most of us were taught to rinse fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them. It is a good habit, and it does remove loose dirt and some surface contaminants. But research shows that water alone has significant limitations when it comes to removing the substances that actually matter.

What Water Cannot Remove

Modern agriculture uses a range of substances that end up on the surface of produce by the time it reaches your kitchen or your facility. These include:

• Pesticide residues. Many pesticides are designed to adhere to plant surfaces and resist being washed away by rain. A quick rinse under the tap is not going to remove what a rainstorm could not.
• Wax coatings. Apples, cucumbers, citrus fruits, and other produce are often coated with food-grade wax to extend shelf life and improve appearance. These coatings can trap dirt and chemical residues underneath.
• Soil and dirt. While visible dirt comes off with water, fine soil particles can cling to textured surfaces like strawberries, leafy greens, and root vegetables.
• Chemical residues. Fungicides, growth regulators, and post-harvest treatments are applied at various stages between the field and the store. Many of these are not water-soluble.

The common thread: these substances are either hydrophobic (water-resistant) or physically bonded to the produce surface in a way that water alone cannot break down.

How Produce Washes Work

A produce wash uses a surfactant or mild acid to break the bond between contaminants and the surface of the fruit or vegetable. Citric acid-based washes are particularly effective because citric acid is a natural chelating agent. It binds to mineral and chemical residues and lifts them off the surface so they can be rinsed away.

The result is produce that is not just visibly clean, but actually free from the invisible residues that water leaves behind. And because citric acid is a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits, it does not introduce any synthetic chemicals into the process.

Who Benefits from Using a Produce Wash?

Commercial kitchens and restaurants process large volumes of produce daily. A dedicated wash ensures consistency across staff and shifts, and demonstrates food safety diligence.

School cafeterias serving fresh fruit and vegetables to children benefit from the extra assurance that residues have been removed, especially for items eaten raw like apples, grapes, and salad greens.

Daycare facilities preparing snacks and meals for young children can use a produce wash as part of their food preparation routine. Young children are more vulnerable to chemical exposures, making residue removal particularly important.

Home kitchens benefit from a simple spray, rub, and rinse process that takes seconds and provides peace of mind, especially for produce that will be eaten raw or served to children.

What to Look For in a Produce Wash

Not all produce washes are created equal. When choosing one, consider:

• Ingredients. Look for products where all ingredients are listed food additives. This means every component has been evaluated and approved for contact with food.
• Residue. The wash itself should leave no odor, taste, or residue on produce. If you can detect the product after rinsing, it is not a good choice.
• Versatility. A good produce wash should also work for cleaning hands, utensils, cutting boards, and wooden salad bowls. This reduces the number of products you need in your kitchen.
• Formula type. Ready-to-use spray bottles are the most convenient for both home and commercial use. No mixing, no measuring, no dilution errors.

A Note on Delicate Produce

Berries, leafy greens, herbs, and other delicate items need a gentler approach. Rather than spraying directly, place the items in a bowl of water with a small amount of produce wash, swish gently, and let them stand for 20 to 30 seconds before rinsing. This allows the wash to do its work without bruising or damaging fragile produce.

Our Product

LEXX® Fruit & Vegetable Wash RTU is a ready-to-use produce cleaner powered by citric acid and made with 100% natural ingredients. It removes pesticides, chemicals, waxes, soil, and dirt from fruits and vegetables. All ingredients are listed food additives. Gluten-free and vegan. Leaves no odor, taste, or residue. Made in the USA.

It is also effective for cleaning hands, utensils, wooden salad bowls, and cutting boards before and after preparing fresh produce. Available in a convenient 32 oz spray bottle.

For more on how we support food safety across different industries, visit our food service and residential market pages, or contact us with questions.