How to Properly Clean Your Fruits + Veggies (Especially If You Can’t Always Buy Organic)
Let’s be real — buying everything organic isn’t always doable. Whether it’s the price tag, what's available locally, or a chaotic grocery run with kids in tow (been there), sometimes conventional produce ends up in your cart.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a layer of pesticides, wax, and who-knows-what-else. With the right method, you can significantly reduce residue on your fruits and veggies—and it’s super simple.
Why You Should Wash Your Produce (Even Organic)
Even organic produce can carry dirt, bacteria, or natural residues from the growing process or transport. But conventional fruits and veggies? They’re often coated with pesticides, herbicides, and waxes that your body doesn’t need to be processing—especially not daily.
Thoroughly washing your produce is one of the easiest low-tox swaps you can make. It’s a small step with a big payoff.
Two Simple, Non-Toxic Ways to Wash Your Produce:
1. DIY Baking Soda Soak
This is my go-to when I need a quick, effective clean without any special products.
How to do it:
Fill a large bowl (or clean sink) with cold water
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of water
Soak your produce for 10–15 minutes
Gently scrub firmer items, then rinse well and dry
Why baking soda? It helps break down pesticide residue, removes waxy coatings, and is completely non-toxic.
Note: You may have seen people mixing baking soda and vinegar to clean produce. Skip it! They cancel each other out chemically, which makes the whole thing much less effective. Stick to one or the other—not both.
2. Young Living’s Fruit & Veggie Soak
When I want something a little more powerful (or I’m short on time), I reach for Young Living’s Fruit & Veggie Soak. It’s plant-based, infused with essential oils, and formulated to gently but thoroughly clean your produce—without any synthetic chemicals.
Just a capful in a bowl of water does the trick. Soak, rinse, and you’re good to go!
What I love about it:
Made with naturally derived ingredients
Infused with Lemon and other essential oils
Smells amazing (goodbye musty produce drawer vibes)
Great for cleaning bunches of grapes or greens in one go
Final Thoughts
If organic produce isn’t always in the budget or available nearby, don’t stress. Just make washing your fruits and veggies a regular habit. Whether you DIY with baking soda or use a clean, plant-based product like Young Living’s soak, it’s a simple step that helps reduce your family’s toxin load—and supports a healthier home.
Plus… berries taste way better when they’re actually clean.
