Use a Water-Vinegar Mixture to Clean Fruits & Vegetables

A great way to clean smooth-skinned fruits and vegetables is by using an inexpensive, homemade mixture of water and white vinegar, not a costly, store-bought vegetable wash.

Until recently, I always used just water. But I've started mixing three parts of cold water with one part of white vinegar, keeping it in a spray bottle. I spray any smooth fruit or vegetable with enough mixture to cover its surface and then rinse it off with cold water. According to studies, this process removes almost all of the surface bacteria.

And even if the bottled washes work as well as the water-vinegar combo, they are an unnecessary purchase, especially at about $5 for a 16-ounce bottle.

Make sure to also clean fruits and vegetables that have an inedible outer skin (oranges, avocados, etc.), since fingers or a knife can transport bacteria from the exterior to the flesh.

Organic produce should be washed as well; many hands touch both conventional and organic apples before they get to your kitchen.