Cleaning Fruits with Baking Soda

Regardless of whether your product comes from a major grocery store chain, a farmers’ market or even your own backyard, it needs to be washed thoroughly before cooking it or consuming it. Even produce that looks fresh and clean can be covered in wax and pesticides.

Bacteria, dust and dirt are some of the other concerns. While people use different methods to clean their fruits, cleaning fruits with baking soda is the best method.

Why Use Baking Soda for Cleaning Fruits?

Baking soda is an alkaline salt. It has mild abrasive properties that make it well-suited for cleaning. When fruit is scrubbed lightly with baking soda and water, significantly more filth is removed compared to using water alone.

Hot water is also not suitable as it can partially cook or bruise fruit. Some people consider using bleach to sanitize their fruit. However, bleach should never be used on food or on the pots, pans, utensils and dishes used with your food.

How Does Baking Soda Work?

Because baking soda has alkaline properties, it effectively breaks down some types of pesticides. In addition, its abrasive properties are effective at removing more dirt on the fruit’s surface than is possible with water and gentle hand scrubbing. It is important to note, however, that baking soda will not remove pesticides that have penetrated beyond the fruit’s surface layer.

How to Clean Fruits with Baking Soda

The process of cleaning fruits with baking soda is fast and easy. Before getting started, however, it’s important to know when to clean your fruit. Fruit should be stored in your crisper until you are ready to eat it or cook with it. Avoid washing it until this time as prematurely washing it could lead to faster rotting and bacterial growth.

How do you clean fruits with baking soda?

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Clean your sink if washing large amounts of produce, or use a clean bowl for smaller quantities.
• Fill a bowl with 2 cups of cold water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, or fill the sink halfway with cold water and add 4 teaspoons of baking soda.
• Remove any leaves or vines, then fully submerge the fruit in the solution. Rotate if needed to ensure even cleaning.
• Gently scrub firm produce with a soft brush or rub softer ones with your fingers to remove dirt.
• After 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry before eating or cooking.

What Fruits Can I Wash with Baking Soda?

Fruits and vegetables with delicate skin can be damaged by baking soda. Produce like potatoes, carrots, apples, melons and others can be soaked in baking soda water and lightly scrubbed.

For berries and other delicate produce, soak the food in baking soda water for only five minutes. Lightly agitate the produce with your fingers. Remember all produce should be cleaned even if you are not eating the skin.

Additional Natural Cleaning Alternatives

An alternative to cleaning produce with baking soda water is a vinegar soak. Use one part distilled white vinegar with four parts cold water. Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of the white vinegar. You can also make a vinegar spray by combining these ingredients in a spray bottle. When using the spray, cover all sides of the fruit for five minutes before rinsing and drying it.

Dirty produce is only one of many things in your home that can make you sick. Daily cleaning and regular deep cleaning are essential for a healthy living environment. At Cleanzen, our team of professional cleaners is passionate about keeping our customers’ homes as clean as possible. Contact us today to learn more about house cleaning service for your home.