In the age of life hacks and DIY solutions, it's not uncommon to come across some rather unusual methods for everyday tasks. But every so often, one pops up that truly divides the crowd. Enter the latest online debate: Is it innovative or just plain icky to clean your fruit and vegetables in the dishwasher?

Recently, lifestyle influencer Oksana Pali took to Instagram to share her 'reset regime' for washing her weekly produce. Instead of the traditional sink scrub, she opted for a more unconventional approach—loading her dishwasher with oranges, lemons, herbs, lettuce, avocados, capsicum, mandarins, apples, and cucumbers. The citrus fruits were nestled on the top shelf, herbs tucked into the cutlery tray, and lettuce laid out on the bottom shelf.

The internet's reaction? A mix of shock, curiosity, and a touch of admiration. 'Please tell me this is satire,' one user commented, voicing the collective concern over the potential for bacteria from previous wash cycles to linger and contaminate the food. Others were intrigued by the idea, with comments ranging from 'brilliant' to 'damn, that’s smart.'

Influencer Oksana Pali sparked a debate by cleaning fruits and vegetables in the dishwasher. Credit: @oksana_pali / Instagram

Oksana defended her method, explaining that she uses a cold cycle with white vinegar and believes it saves water. She even hinted that this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—she had read articles supporting the practice.

But before you start tossing your apples in with your plates, let's take a moment to consider the expert opinion. Dr. Rozita Vaskoska, a food safety spokesperson and scientist at CSIRO, weighed in with a firm no. She highlighted the food safety risks of cross-contamination and the possibility of detergent residue on the produce. Not to mention, the washing process could affect the quality of the food.

Dr. Vaskoska recommends sticking to the tried-and-true method of using clean tap water for washing fruits and vegetables. For leafy greens, wash each leaf individually, and for tougher-skinned produce like melons and root vegetables, a clean brush can help ensure they're dirt-free. And don't forget the golden rule: always wash your hands with warm water and soap before handling any food.

So, dear readers, while innovation in the kitchen is always welcome, it seems this particular hack may not be the best idea for your health or your palate. It's essential to balance convenience with food safety, and in this case, the traditional sink might just be your best bet.

Key Takeaways

• Lifestyle influencer Oksana Pali shocked online users by cleaning her fruit and vegetables in the dishwasher, prompting a heated debate.
• While some followers praised the 'genius' hack for being efficient and water-saving, others raised concerns about food safety and potential cross-contamination.
• CSIRO food safety spokesperson Dr Rozita Vaskoska advised against the method, citing the risks of detergent residue and quality changes due to the washing process.
• Dr Vaskoska recommended washing fruit and vegetables with clean tap water and a brush if needed, and highlighted the importance of washing hands before handling produce.

But we're curious to hear from you! Have you ever tried any unconventional methods for cleaning your produce? Or do you have any food safety tips to share with your fellow seniors? Join the conversation in the comments below and let's navigate the ever-evolving world of kitchen hacks together. Remember, the goal is to keep enjoying our fresh fruits and veggies safely and deliciously!

 

[ToniaKisliakov]

Very unsanitarty and uneducated putting fresh vegetables and fruit using detergent into a dishwasher

 

[lizziexoxo]

Seriously. Wash them by hand in the sink. People try to get famous for some really dumb ideas.

 

[gbaerken]

Very unsanitarty and uneducated putting fresh vegetables and fruit using detergent into a dishwasher

I think she uses vinegar instead of detergent.

 

[Jo Piper3]

Glad she didn't pee on them!

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

I'm always open to a good idea. But I believe this to be a bad idea.

Even if you cleaned out the filter every time before doing such a wash, always a risk of a food nasty in some crevice. In addition, there is always the risk of cross-contamination between different food groups as pointed out by the food safety expert.

Dishwashers also use a harsh washing cycle which might not turn out so well for the more delicate food groups like the leafy greens or berries.

The vinegar itself, whilst true it can help kill bacteria, it can damage the natural wax coating of certain fruits or vegetables like apples, cucumbers and some berries. This could lead to spoiling.

Just another manipulators (sry, influencers) thought bubble. Not even her own. The pressure to think up more and more stuff will lead to overlooking important issues such as health.

I'll stick with the advice of food experts thanks.

 

[Cagey]

My dishwasher has a function specially for cleaning produce, it recommends it, saying that this method gets rid of spray residue. You definitely do not use detergent! Just warm water, and if your dishwasher is not clogged up with gunk, then whats the harm?

 

[Veggiepatch]

Ever seen what slime and gunk is encrusted in some people's sink? There's gross for you!

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

My dishwasher has a function specially for cleaning produce,

Fair comment. I did not know that about some dishwashers. I'll stick to my clean sink and hands though as each washed piece doesn't leave my hands.

 

[Scaveola]

I'm sure some of the produce would be damaged by this, let alone contaminated with bacteria and moulds! Rinsing under the tap and scrubbing off visible dirt eg on mushrooms should be good enough, especially for food you're going to cook.

 

[havingadoggyday]

Ever seen what slime and gunk is encrusted in some people's sink? There's gross for you!

Absolutely,all these so called experts have left out that water alone does not remove insecticides etc from produce.You need a natural cleanser preferably citrus based,there are many in health food stores and online.Even back in the day of NUTRI METICS they had OLC...organic lotion concentrate you squuezedonto the warm water or sprayed diluted onto your fruit and veg.

 

[Luckyus]

Whatever floats your boat, when I first read the headline I got the impression she was rinsing them in the Dunny?

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

Whatever floats your boat, when I first read the headline I got the impression she was rinsing them in the Dunny?

Haha. The reason I found that so funny was because I had the exact same thought. I think because I thought the story was going to be so far, so way out there and the last thing I thought of was a boring old dishwasher.
Nothing like a good veggie flush.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Whatever floats your boat, when I first read the headline I got the impression she was rinsing them in the Dunny?

Fruit and vegetables end up there eventually. Just cut out the middle man - you and me!

 

[havingadoggyday]

Whatever floats your boat, when I first read the headline I got the impression she was rinsing them in the Dunny?

No I understood it was a dishwasher and not a DUNNY,I have never heard of one that does veggies though,just by hand,and each to their own like you said .I really notice the taste, especially on the red apples, when I don't clean them,but hey that's just me.cheers

 

[gbaerken]

I'm sure some of the produce would be damaged by this, let alone contaminated with bacteria and moulds! Rinsing under the tap and scrubbing off visible dirt eg on mushrooms should be good enough, especially for food you're going to cook.

https://www.thechoppingblock.com/blog/how-to-clean-mushrooms Mushrooms shouldn't be washed they are like sponges, and absorbed water will change the taste.. Wipe with slightly damp paper towell and cook.

 

[mOiOz]

NB: Washing with water ONLY - does NOT get rid of pesticides! Especially in hot countries - like Australia - where a lot of pest spraying occurs due to the warm weather attracting. When consumed, it will cause severe diarrhea with stomach ache and vomiting.
I learned this in South Africa and introduced the use of SOAP in WARM WATER to the kibbutz (with over 1,000 people) that I was on in Israel, as a volunteer.
I ended up in charge of the produce kitchen for the rest of my stay, which was quite an honour at that age, as I was told it was the first time a volunteer was given the responsibility of a resident.
The ONLY solution, ALWAYS!
I would never use a dishwasher though, I reckon the heat would be too much for salads.

 

[havingadoggyday]

https://www.thechoppingblock.com/blog/how-to-clean-mushrooms Mushrooms shouldn't be washed they are like sponges, and absorbed water will change the taste.. Wipe with slightly damp paper towell and cook.

You are right about mushrooms

 

[havingadoggyday]

NB: Washing with water ONLY - does NOT get rid of pesticides! Especially in hot countries - like Australia - where a lot of pest spraying occurs due to the warm weather attracting. When consumed, it will cause severe diarrhea with stomach ache and vomiting.
I learned this in South Africa and introduced the use of SOAP in WARM WATER to the kibbutz (with over 1,000 people) that I was on in Israel, as a volunteer.
I ended up in charge of the produce kitchen for the rest of my stay, which was quite an honour at that age, as I was told it was the first time a volunteer was given the responsibility of a resident.
The ONLY solution, ALWAYS!
I would never use a dishwasher though, I reckon the heat would be too much for salads.

Absolutely

 

[DLHM]

Ever seen what slime and gunk is encrusted in some people's sink? There's gross for you!

From experience….