While it may seem like no big deal to skip washing fruits, vegetables, and other foods before eating or cooking, there are actually plenty of reasons to make this a regular habit. These include removing dirt and debris, extending shelf life, and reducing pesticide residue. We all have a mental rolodex of foods we typically wash—and plenty that fall into the “no need to wash” category because they’re packaged, have inedible or thick skins, or for other reasons. However, that “no need to wash” list may actually be longer than it should be. Here, we’ll highlight some foods you might not be washing at home—but should—to help reduce food waste, unwanted bacteria and debris, and potential pesticide residue.

The Importance of Washing Food Before Use

“Washing fresh vegetables and fruits before cooking or eating helps remove bacteria that may have accumulated during production, transport, or handling,” shares Dani Dominguez, MS, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of SunBright Wellness.

Abbey Thiel, PhD, food scientist, writer, and consultant, agrees, adding that “fresh produce naturally contains small amounts of dirt, debris, and even tiny bits of insects or other environmental material because it’s grown outdoors—not in a sterile setting,” she says. “Washing fruits and vegetables helps remove both visible and microscopic debris, lowering the chance of accidentally consuming it.” 

Reducing pesticide residue is another reason many Americans wash their produce—though this may be less of a concern than we think. “Fruits and vegetables sold on the market are already within strict safety limits for pesticide residues, meaning they’re safe to eat as is,” Thiel says. “However, washing produce—especially with slightly warm water—can help remove additional residues, even if the difference isn’t dramatic—it serves as an extra precaution rather than a requirement for safety.”

Washing your produce may even increase shelf life. “Rinsing and thoroughly drying fresh produce removes microorganisms that speed up decay,” Thiel says. “Since Americans waste about a third of their fresh fruits and vegetables, proper washing and drying can help extend shelf life by a few extra days.” And outside of produce, there are other foods that benefit from a good rinse prior to cooking for a tastier final product, including certain grains.

Don’t forget to dry your food afterwards—particularly if it’s headed back into the fridge. “Where people go wrong is they don’t thoroughly dry the produce after washing,” Thiel says. “This can lead to mushiness and faster rates of spoilage. Bacteria and mold need water to grow, so you need to dry these foods after washing.” Storing them in an airtight container with a paper towel will also help you get the longest shelf-life possible from the food you’ve purchased.

8 Foods You Should Wash Before Eating

These eight foods are not always washed in many American households—but certainly should be! And when we say “wash,” all that’s required is plain water. “There are a lot of products that market themselves as fruit and vegetable washes, but you really don’t need them,” says Alison Ellis, MSc, RD, dietitian and founder of The Toddler Kitchen in Victoria, British Columbia. “Rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water for 15 to 20 seconds and using a scrub brush for firmer produce is generally sufficient.”

Melon

While the thick skins of watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and other types of melon may lead you to believe that washing is not required, this actually isn’t true! “Their rough, netted skin can trap bacteria, which may transfer to the flesh when cut,” Thiel says. This means a good scrubbing is warranted for these delicious melons. “A scrub brush is helpful for cleaning the crevices of the rind more effectively,” Ellis suggests.

Mangoes

Similarly, mango skins are thick and inedible—so why wash them? “Their outer peels act as a barrier, but it’s still a good idea to rinse them before cutting to prevent bacteria transfer,” Thiel explains. Rinsing also helps remove any surface dirt that could otherwise be transferred to the flesh of the fruit when slicing.

Apples

“I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of just quickly wiping an apple on my pants to clean it, but it’s important to give apples a proper rinse. Washing helps remove surface bacteria and dirt picked up during harvesting, transportation, or storage,” Ellis says. This stands regardless of whether you plan to eat the apple skins or peel and discard it. “Even if you’re planning to peel the apple, it’s still a good idea to rinse it first, since bacteria on the skin can transfer from the peeler to the inside of the apple,” Ellis adds.

Carrots

Though many people peel carrots, the skins of these root veggies are entirely edible—especially after a good rinse—and full of health-boosting fiber. But regardless of whether or not you peel your carrots, a very thorough washing is crucial. “Since they grow underground, they may have soil bacteria,” Thiel says. And who could forget the caked-on dirt that’s often found on many carrots upon purchase? A scrub brush is the best way to dislodge and wash away both dirt and bacteria.

Kiwi

Eating kiwi skin has gained plenty of attention on social media in recent years as an easy way to boost the fruit’s overall fiber content—and it’s completely safe to eat after a good wash! “For those who eat kiwis with the skin on, it may be more intuitive to wash them,” Ellis says. “But even if you’re peeling them, it’s still important to rinse the fuzzy skin to remove any dirt or residue that could transfer to the fruit when slicing.”

Rice

Though not a produce item, it’s smart to give rice a good rinse under the faucet before cooking. “Not to remove bacteria, but to reduce excess starch and wash away any dust or dirt from handling and storage,” Ellis says. Rinsing away this excessive starch will result in a fluffier final product—often an elusive outcome for beginner rice cooks.

Avocado

“It’s easy to forget about washing avocados since we don’t eat the skin, but it’s still important to rinse them before cutting,” Ellis says. Dominguez agrees, adding, “washing avocados before you peel prevents dirt, bacteria, or pesticides from transferring to the food,” she says. “A quick rinse and dry before peeling can make a big difference.”

Quinoa

And finally, rinsing quinoa before cooking can help remove dust and debris just like rice—but it can also result in a tastier final product. This is because it helps remove a natural coating found on quinoa called saponin. When saponins aren’t rinsed off quinoa, they can give your cooked quinoa a bitter, sometimes soapy taste.