Fruit has dirt, germs, pesticides, and more that water cannot remove on its own, so Trader Joe’s created a fruit and vegetable wash, but does it work?
Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Wash removes chemicals, waxes, pesticides, and bacteria from produce. The product is well-loved by customers for its results, leaving fruit much cleaner than regular water rinses.
Most bacteria on your fruit are so small that you can’t see them! Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash might be your miracle product if you’re tired of eating dirty, pesticide-covered produce. The rest of this article will dive into how effective it is- and as a bonus, we’ve thrown in some alternative products and solutions! So let’s dive in.
What is Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash?
Grocery store produce has traveled many miles before reaching the store. It’s likely that during the trip, dirt and debris attach themselves to the fruit and vegetables.
Aside from the traveling dirt and debris, you have the pesticides used on them and germs from hands picking them up at the store.
Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash, more commonly known as Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Wash, does what it claims. It washes the dirt, germs, waxes, chemicals, and pesticides off produce. You can use it to clean a whole tub of fruit or one piece.
Here’s how it works to wash one piece of fruit:
- Apply two or three drops directly to the product of your choice.
- Massage the wash into your fruit for 30 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Here’s how it works with bulk fruit or vegetables:
- Add one tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Wash per 32 oz of water in a large bowl or plastic tub.
- Insert fruit.
- Swish the fruit around in the soapy water for 30 seconds. You can use a vegetable brush to clean deeper if needed.
- Rinse thoroughly.
A little goes a long way with this product! According to the bottle, one tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash with 32 ounces of water can clean up to 10 pounds of produce.
Ingredients in Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash
Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Wash has a small ingredient list. Here is the complete list of ingredients inside Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash:
- Purified water – Filtered water free of chemical impurities.
- Natural cleansing agents (derived from coconut oil and corn oil) – Coconut oil’s lauric acid sometimes has microbial properties that kill bacteria. Both corn and coconut oil are ingredients in the cleansing agent decyl glucoside.
- Grapefruit seed extract – This extract is often used for bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, making it an excellent cleaning agent for your fruit.
- Lemon-orange extract – Helps keep produce fresh and balance pH.
To check the current price and availability of Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Effectiveness of Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash
We’ve all seen people pop grapes in their mouths at a grocery store- maybe you’ve even done it when you thought no one was looking. But if you washed that grape off with Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash, you’d be astonished by the residue left in the bowl.
Multiple customers swear by the effectiveness of Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash. After just 30 seconds, you will have fresh fruit and a bowl filled with dirty water.
You may already wash your produce with water and think that is enough- but water alone will not remove the bacteria that goes unseen. The pesky things we cannot see are part of what taints the taste and healthiness of our fruit.
With just a little bit of Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash, your produce comes away looking cleaner and fresher- and tasting better than you ever knew it could.
Alternatives to Using Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash
DIY Fruit and Vegetable Wash
If you cannot purchase Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Wash, you can always make your own. However, the vinegar within homemade fruit washes often makes strawberries mushy.
To make your fruit and vegetable wash, you will need the following:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- An empty spray bottle container.
Here’s how to make it:
- Create a solution by mixing 1 cup of vinegar with every 4 cups of water. Mix in a spray bottle container for storing purposes.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and shake the bottle to combine.
To use your mixture, place your fruit inside a colander in your sink and spray liberally. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel.
ECOS Fruit ; Veggie Wash
ECOS Fruit ; Veggie Wash is a great alternative to purchase instead of Trader Joe’s Fruit Wash.
Similarly to Trader Joe’s version, this fruit wash utilizes a simple list of plant-based ingredients. The formula successfully removes dirt, waxes, and chemicals from produce.
Unlike Trader Joe’s, this product comes in a spray bottle, making it easier not to overuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fruit Washes Safe?
The CDC does not recommend using fruit washes, especially if they contain bleach. The concern is that fruit and vegetables are porous, meaning they absorb things easily.
Despite thorough rinsing, fruit and vegetables can absorb chemicals from cleaners and could make you sick.
That’s why you should only use fruit washes with safe, natural ingredients like Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Wash.
Does Washing Fruit Remove Pesticides?
Washing fruit will reduce pesticides that are lying on the surface. To completely remove pesticides, rub and scrub the fruit with your fingers or a clean vegetable brush.
Final Thoughts
When you buy fruit and vegetables, you want to enjoy them without worry. Here are a few things to remember when washing your produce for safe consumption.
Wash your hands and kitchen surfaces before preparing to clean the produce. Scrub the fruit and veggies a little with your fingers or a clean veggie brush to remove any dirt, chemicals, or bacteria embedded deeper.
Do not use any product solution with bleach when cleaning vegetables or fruit. If you see damaged or bruised spots, cut them away before washing them. Pat dry the fruit with a clean paper towel- and dispose of the paper towel immediately after.
