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Dishwasher Fruits and Vegetables Cleaning: A Trend or a Risk?
The dishwasher has evolved in modern households, serving purposes far beyond its initial design of cleaning dirty dishes. While some utilize it for items like flip flops and baseball caps, a new trend has emerged that has stirred up significant debate online: washing fruits and vegetables in the dishwasher. This technique has recently gained visibility through a viral video featuring a woman who showcases her mother’s peculiar method.
Lara (@larad_official) featured her mother’s unconventional approach in a series of three videos, which have captured widespread attention. In the clips, her mother is seen loading a dishwasher full of fresh produce, including carrots, celery, dragonfruit, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes. Confused, Lara questions, “What are you doing?” as her mother explains her reasoning for opting to use the dishwasher to clean their vegetables and fruits instead of washing them by hand, relying on a cycle infused with white vinegar.
The response from viewers was largely enthusiastic, with many labeling the hack as “ingenious” and a “game-changer.” Some individuals shared that they discovered their dishwashers even had a specific setting for cleaning fruits, expressing curiosity about trying out this unconventional method themselves. As one commenter humorously noted, “Your mom just created a trend for the lazy people and we are in love!”
Since its posting, Lara’s original video has garnered over 10 million views, leading her to share additional clips that detail her mother’s process and showcase the sparkling results achieved through this method.
However, amid the positive reception, some viewers have raised valid concerns regarding the safety of this method, particularly about potential residue from dishwasher soap contaminating the produce. These worries are supported by expert opinions. The FDA has explicitly warned against using dishwashers or other kitchen appliances for washing fruits and vegetables due to safety and efficacy issues.
A representative from the FDA emphasized the risks associated with this practice.
“The main concern is the introduction of residual chemical contaminants from detergents and rinse aids into the pores and natural crevices of the produce,” the spokesperson stated. They highlighted that these chemical products are designed for cleaning durable surfaces like dishes and should not come into contact with fresh produce. Thus, adhering to safe handling practices is crucial in preventing any introduction of harmful pathogens.
According to food safety experts, the traditional method of washing produce by hand remains the safest option, although it may require more time. Dr. Michelle Smith, a senior policy analyst in the FDA’s division of produce safety, noted that plain running water is sufficient for washing fruits and vegetables without the need for vinegar or commercial washing solutions.
“Washing fruit and vegetable surfaces thoroughly under clean running water should reduce any potential contamination from soil, residues, or microbes,” Smith explained. She also cautioned that using vinegar or commercially prepared fruit washes could inadvertently pose a health risk. “Produce is porous, meaning that soaps and household detergents can be absorbed by fruits and vegetables, which can lead to health issues,” she stated.
For sturdier produce like melons, Smith recommended using a produce brush for a thorough scrub followed by a rinse under water. “After washing, you can dry your produce with a clean rag or paper towel to further minimize surface bacteria,” she advised.
In light of these insights, it may be wise to reconsider the trend of washing produce in the dishwasher. Instead, if you’re looking for alternative uses for this appliance, perhaps opt for creatively storing pots and pans rather than experimenting with food safety.
Source
www.apartmenttherapy.com