Apples: Despite their smooth skin, apples can harbor pesticide residues and dirt. Washing them under running water and rubbing them gently with your hands.
Grapes: Grapes have a thin, porous skin that can trap pesticides and bacteria. Rinse them well under running water and gently rub them to ensure thorough cleaning.
Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are delicate and can retain pesticide residues and pathogens.
Celery: Celery has crevices where dirt and bacteria can hide. Wash each stalk thoroughly under running water, paying attention to the base where dirt can accumulate.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers may have wax coatings or pesticide residues on their skin. Wash them under running water and scrub them with a vegetable brush to remove.
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale can harbor soil, insects, and pesticide residues. Submerge them in a bowl of water and swish them around to loosen dirt.
Tomatoes: Even though they're typically eaten peeled, tomatoes can still harbor bacteria and pesticide residues on their skin. Wash them under running water before peeling or slicing.
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers have crevices where dirt and pesticides can accumulate. Rinse them under running water, then cut off the stem and remove any seeds.
Potatoes: Potatoes may have soil residue and pesticide residues on their skin. Scrub them with a vegetable brush under running water to remove dirt and contaminants.
Melons: Melons like cantaloupe and honeydew have rough rinds that can harbor bacteria and pesticide residues. Wash the outside of the melon under running water.