When something looks dirty or sticky, washing it with soap seems like the obvious choice. Food is a different story, since soap and household detergents aren’t meant for the foods we eat.
The USDA advises against washing raw meat and poultry with soap or detergent, and recommends rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water instead. Here are seven foods you should clean without reaching for the dish soap.
1. Raw Meat and Poultry
Raw chicken, turkey, beef, and pork may look messy straight from the package, but washing them can spread harmful bacteria around your sink and countertops. Skip the rinse and soap entirely, and cook the meat to a safe internal temperature to kill harmful germs.
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2. Apples
Apples can have dirt, dust, or residue on their skins, but you don’t need dish soap to clean them before eating. Rinse each apple under running water and, if needed, gently scrub its firm surface with a clean produce brush.
3. Potatoes
Fresh potatoes often come covered in soil, especially if they’ve been stored for a while or purchased directly from a farm. Scrub them under running water with a clean produce brush, paying extra attention to creases and eyes if you plan to eat the skins.
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4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes may pick up dirt and residue during harvesting, transport, and storage, but dish soap isn’t the right way to clean them. Rinse them under running water, gently rub the skin with your hands, and cut away any bruised or damaged spots before eating.
5. Grapes
Grapes can feel sticky or look dusty straight from the package, making them tempting to wash with something stronger than water. Rinse them thoroughly under running water before eating, and avoid soap or detergent, which can leave unwanted residue.
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6. Lemons and Limes
Citrus fruits need washing even if you plan to remove the peel, since a knife can transfer dirt and bacteria from the skin to the flesh. Rinse lemons and limes under running water, then gently rub the outside before slicing or zesting.
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7. Cucumbers
Cucumbers may have soil or residue on their skin, particularly if you plan to eat them unpeeled. Wash them under running water and gently scrub the firm surface with a clean produce brush, skipping soap and household detergent.
