How to Clean Your Vegetables

Food-borne illness derived from contaminated produce is the largest source of food poisoning.

Susan Sumner, a food scientist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, developed an effective disinfecting procedure using white vinegar (or cider vinegar) and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (the same as found at the drugstore). These ingredients are completely non-toxic and inexpensive and work not only on fruit and vegetables but can be used to sanitize counters and preparation surfaces, including wooden cutting boards, as well.

Here are the very simple directions for using these ingredients effectively:

After you put the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide into individual spray bottles:

1. Spray your produce or work surface thoroughly first with vinegar and then with hydrogen peroxide.

2. Then rinse the produce under running water or wipe the surface with a clean wet sponge.

Read more: Food, Green Kitchen Tips

Adapted from Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality & Long-Term Health, by Frank Lipman, M.D. (Jeremy Tarcher, Putnam, 2003). Copyright (c) 2003 by Frank Lipman. Reprinted by permission of the author.
Adapted from Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality & Long-Term Health, by Frank Lipman, M.D. (Jeremy Tarcher, Putnam, 2003).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

heather g.

7:26PM PDT on Apr 27, 2013

Yes, I also have been using white vinegar to clean produce - or when I feel careless, use a few drops of dish-soap before rinsing over and over again. ..... I'm still alive,,,,,

April 27
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Nona E.

4:38AM PST on Feb 23, 2013

I will try this...thanks!

February 23
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Rosemary R.

9:25PM PDT on Oct 23, 2012

Annie i had no idea! Now i do! Thank you.

October 23
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Winn A.

12:10PM PDT on Oct 19, 2012

Thanks

October 19
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Terry V.

8:02AM PDT on Oct 19, 2012

noted

Nelson B.

7:15AM PDT on May 30, 2012

Thank you.

May 30
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lee R.

3:05AM PST on Dec 1, 2011

Thanks for the wonderful ideas

December 1
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Jane W.

6:31PM PDT on Aug 13, 2011

thnx

August 13
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Rebecca N.

11:29AM PDT on Jun 18, 2011

Wonderful idea! I didn't realize you could use either of these products to clean produce. I will definitely start doing this for the safety and health of my family. Thank you!