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The best produce-washing tools for safer fruits and vegetables.
Medically reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RDIf you’ve heard about the parasite making explosive news lately, I imagine that you, too, are thinking more than ever about how to wash produce. While the CDC is tracking down the source of the cyclospora outbreak — and sharing guidance on how best to prevent its resulting illness, cyclosporiasis — I’m thinking a refresher on the best ways to wash fruits and vegetables would not go amiss. While cooking fruit and vegetables is the most reliable way to kill the parasite itself, thoroughly rinsing produce and scrubbing firmer fruits and veggies can help dislodge cyclospora and reduce your risk of infection.
Between an ultra-sharp straight peeler and a wax-fighting vegetable wash, find my favorite products and tips on how to wash vegetables below. One PSA now: Cyclospora outbreak or not, always remember to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, whether or not you intend to consume it raw.
Best Produce-Cleaning Tools at Amazon
- Tested Favorite: OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner, $33
- Dense Sisal Bristles: Jouiisiya Bamboo Vegetable Brush Set, $14
- Razor-Sharp Blade: KitchenAid Classic Euro Peeler, $13
- Non-Slip Grip: OXO Good Grips Vegetable Brush, $10
- Rinsing Hero: U.S. Kitchen Supply Collapsible Stainless Steel Colander, $20
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
This sturdy salad spinner impressed us during in-house testing with its affordable, efficient performance, and as an owner of the same model, I have to agree. While borosilicate glass and stainless steel versions are available, I like that this plastic one is durable enough to wring every last drop of water out of greens and herbs without breaking the bank.
CleanBoss Triple-Action Fruit and Veggie Wash
While this wash won’t kill cyclospora, it rids produce of buildup and grime from storage and transit — and according to the brand, it can also cut through the fine layer of wax on many types of fruit. One Amazon shopper said “grapes actually shine” after use, while other customers shared that the wash doesn’t leave any residual taste or odor behind. Spring for the refill size of the wash and decant it into spray bottles as needed.
OXO Good Grips Vegetable Brush
Use this nylon-bristled vegetable brush to sweep dirt off of root vegetables, which often have extra earth clinging to them since they grow underground. Brush the vegetables first, then proceed with rinsing, peeling, or cooking. For a slightly elongated grip, this pack of two scrubbers is also an excellent option.
KitchenAid Classic Euro Peeler
Cyclospora tends to cling to the outside of fruits and vegetables, so peeling them is an easy way to remove the riskiest surface. I used to be agnostic about whether I’d wash vegetables before or after peeling them, but now I do not skip a pre-peel rinse. If you peel your vegetables before rinsing them, it’s easy to drag external dirt or bacteria into the flesh, lodging them in crevices or indentations. KitchenAid’s straight vegetable peeler is an essential in my kitchen for its comfortable grip and sharp, steady blade.
Full Circle 100% Organic Cotton Dishcloths, Pack of 3
What don’t I use cotton dishcloths for when it comes to washing produce? Use this set’s gently woven texture to free dirt from mushrooms without ripping its delicate skin, pat rinsed raspberries dry, or lay scrubbed and rinsed potatoes out on a towel to dry before peeling.
JouiiSiYa Bamboo Vegetable Brush Set
Bamboo vegetable brushes are a soft, plastic-free option for removing debris from firm vegetables and fruits, like melons. According to one Amazon customer, the bristles “clean veggies and fruit without damaging or tearing the skin.” This ring-shaped version offers gentle brushing action, too, but it does incorporate some plastic in its bristles.
U.S. Kitchen Supply Stainless Steel Collapsible Colander
While I have classic footed colanders to strain pasta and drain canned beans, I like this expandable, over-the-sink version for rinsing vegetables. As vegetables drip-dry, it sits elevated above the sink’s bottom, useful since that’s one of the filthiest places in your kitchen. This colander is particularly useful for vegetables like leeks, cabbage, and cauliflower — anything with close-growing leaves or florets — that benefit from being chopped before washing to release trapped debris.
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