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YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
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NON-TOXIC CLEANING 101
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FEATURED
YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
ExPLORE
NON-TOXIC CLEANING 101
You peel citrus fruits, so why bother washing them? At first, that makes sense. But there’s a good reason to wash produce you’re going to peel.
The peel often contains pesticide residue and is frequently coated with wax to extend shelf life. When you slice into an orange, your knife drags whatever's on the peel directly into the fruit. If you're using citrus zest in recipes, washing is even more important. Pesticides and wax aren't ingredients you want to grate into your baked goods, marinades, or cocktails.
Rinse citrus under running water and gently scrub the outside with Truly Free Home Fruit & Veggie Wash, which is specifically formulated to remove wax, pesticides, and dirt without leaving behind residue or affecting the taste of your food.
Winter squash has thick, tough skin that many assume would protect the flesh inside. But squash grows on the ground, which means the outer skin comes into contact with soil, bacteria, and potential contaminants.
When you cut through a squash’s skin with a knife, you're pulling anything on the surface straight through to the part you're going to eat. Plus, some varieties, like delicata and acorn squash, can be roasted with the skin on—so it’s especially important to clean these fruits properly.
Wash squash thoroughly under running water, scrubbing with a produce brush to remove dirt from the ridges and stem area. Spritz the outside with Truly Free Home Fruit & Veggie Wash. Let it sit for a minute, then rinse clean.
Root vegetables grow underground, so they come with dirt—sometimes a lot of it. But it's not just dirt you're dealing with. Soil can harbor bacteria like E. coli and Listeria, and many root vegetables are also treated with pesticides during the growth process.
Potatoes, in particular, are often waxed to prevent sprouting and extend shelf life. That shiny coating isn't natural—it's a wax treatment applied after harvest that you definitely don’t want to consume.
Scrub root vegetables under running water with a produce brush, paying attention to eyes, grooves, and any remaining dirt. Afterward, spray with Truly Free Home Fruit & Veggie Wash to remove leftover contaminants. If you're eating the skin (which is where most nutrients are), make sure it's thoroughly cleaned.
Apples might be a fall harvest, but they're stored and sold throughout winter. And they're one of the most heavily treated fruits when it comes to pesticides and post-harvest wax.
According to the Environmental Working Group's annual "Dirty Dozen" list, apples consistently rank among the produce with the highest pesticide residue. Even organic apples can have wax coatings and need to be washed to remove dirt and bacteria.
Rinse apples under running water and rub them with your hands or a clean cloth. Especially if you're eating the peel, use Truly Free Home Fruit & Veggie Wash to remove wax and pesticide residue.
Brussels sprouts and cabbage have layers of tightly packed leaves where dirt, bacteria, and insects can hide. Even pre-packaged Brussels sprouts should be washed—they've been handled multiple times before they reach your kitchen.
For Brussels sprouts, trim the stem end and remove any damaged outer leaves. Add Brussels sprouts to a bowl with ¼ cup Truly Free Home Fruit & Veggie Wash and enough water to cover the sprouts. Let sit for one minute, then thoroughly rinse.
For cabbage, remove the outermost leaves, cut the head into quarters, and spray each section thoroughly with Truly Free Home Fruit & Veggie Wash. Let it sit for one minute before rinsing with water.
Washing produce isn't just about visible dirt. Fruits and vegetables can carry pesticide residue, bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, and wax coatings that aren't meant to be eaten. Even organic produce needs to be washed—organic doesn't mean pesticide-free, and it certainly doesn't mean dirt-free.
Rinsing under water helps, but water alone doesn't remove wax or break down oily pesticide residue. That's where a dedicated produce wash makes a difference.
Truly Free Home Fruit & Veggie Wash is formulated with plant-powered ingredients like citric acid to effectively remove pesticides, wax, dirt, and bacteria without leaving behind any residue or affecting the taste of your food. In fact, once all that gunk is off your fruits and vegetables, you’ll find their natural flavors are allowed to shine through—they’ll last longer, too.
A quick spray or soak is all it takes to give your family cleaner, safer produce this winter—and every season after.
Mom-approved move: While you're washing away the wax and pesticides from fruits and veggies, don't forget that winter favorites—like beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes—can leave their own lasting marks on your clothes. Check out our Stain Removal Guide to learn how to handle these stains safely without harsh chemicals.
