How to Wash Fruits & Vegetables With Peroxide

Overview

Food-grade hydrogen peroxide is an effective sanitizer to clean fruits and vegetables, especially those that may have been contaminated by manure and other bacteria-ridden debris. Using hydrogen peroxide to wash the produce can also keep them fresh longer by reducing rot, according to Western Nevada College. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water and wash all of your fruits and vegetables to keep your family healthy and your garden harvest fresh.

Step 1

Pour one gallon of water into a plastic bucket, dish or plugged kitchen sink.

Step 2

Put on gloves and add 1/2 cup of food-grade, 7 percent strength hydrogen peroxide to the water. Mix the solution thoroughly.

Step 3

Immerse the fruits and vegetables into the water and peroxide mixture for 30 seconds. If the vegetables or fruits are hard, such as melons and squashes, scrub them with a cloth. Otherwise, use your hand and gently rub the vegetable or fruit to loosen surface debris.

Step 4

Remove the fruits or vegetables from the water. Blot them dry with a clean cloth and place them in your refrigerator.