Do you wash fruit properly? See the mistake that harms your health!

Many people think that washing fruit with detergent, soap or kitchen disinfectants is safer, especially after the pandemic. But experts warn that this is a dangerous misconception.

According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), no household soap or detergent has been approved for use on food. On the contrary, these products leave chemical residues that can irritate the stomach, alter the intestinal microbiota and even trigger allergies if consumed frequently.

1. Wash with running water

Rinse the fruit under clean running water for 20 to 30 seconds, rubbing it with your hands. This removes up to 98% of dirt and micro-organisms from the peel.

2. Use a brush for firmer peels

Apples, pears, lemons and sweet potatoes can be scrubbed with a clean brush exclusively for fruit and vegetables.

3. Vinegar dip (optional)

If you want to reinforce the cleaning, soak the fruit for up to 15 minutes in a solution of 1 liter of water + 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Then rinse well under running water.

• Don't use soap, detergent, alcohol, bleach or household sanitizers on fruit.
• Don't forget to wash even peeled fruit that you are going to discard, such as melons and oranges. Cutting without washing contaminates the inside of the knife.

Even organic fruit can have natural residues from the soil, handling or transportation. Washing serves to remove visible dirt and micro-organisms, not just pesticides.

• Washing fruit properly doesn't require exaggeration or chemicals - it requires knowledge.
• Simply running water, time and friction protect much more than it seems.
• And the best part: without harming your body with unnecessary residues.