Washing Veggies in the Dishwasher

Gold Member Joined: Sep 13 2008 Age: 39 Posts: 2031

Gold Member Joined: Dec 24 2009 Posts: 2433

You can't do this safely if you use "Jet=Dry" dishwasher additive.
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Executive Member Joined: Aug 06 2006 Posts: 350

Somehow this looks like a recipe for disaster... Those jets shoot the water really hard, even on cold.

Platinum Member Joined: Jan 01 2006 Posts: 48159

I've read that you can dry them in your clothes dryer, too.

Hi, I wrote the piece. Thank you for sharing, zipporah!

I tried it before I wrote about it, and there was no damage to my fruit or vegetables. As for the jet-blue agent, my machine (Whirlpool) has a cycle that only uses water. But if jet-blue is poisonous, why would you want it on your dishes?

-Hannah
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Platinum Member Joined: Mar 07 2007 Posts: 10429

I would be leery of detergent residue left in the machine. dishwasher detergent is very different from and more toxic than the stuff used for handwashing. Furthermore, I doubt that leafy or succulent veggies like tomatoes can take the pounding of the water jets without disintegrating, and the sturdy ones like carrots don't need that kind of washing.

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 07 2007 Posts: 10429

Since you put your fork in your mouth, it seems like the same thing to me. Same with a cup or glass--any residue on the cup goes into your drink.
I don't recommend using dishwasher detergent on your produce, only water. Any detergent still in the machine from the previous load that gets on your produce, despite all the rinsing. concerns me less than the amount that remains on my dishes.
For the record, I use Borax and baking soda instead of detergent, and vinegar instead of commercial rinse. But even if I used commercial products, I would still be comfortable washing produce in plain water in the machine.

Not every idea works for everyone, though.
-Hannah

Is this for real?? Dishwashers are not meant to wash produce.. What an ill-thought out short-cut! With all the horrible food choices people make as a whole these days, you would think one could take the time to at least wash fruits and veggies properly and not delegate that to a machine meant for dishes!

Diamond Member Joined: Jan 24 2010 Posts: 3400

Platinum Member Joined: Jan 01 2006 Posts: 48159

Of course, you all know that I don't wash any produce. Despite anyone's best intentions.

Executive Member Joined: Aug 06 2006 Posts: 350

Please, let's not poke fun of the idea since it was an amother (6yeladim) who wrote the article, and she's reading this thread. I might even try it with potatoes. I use the red ones a lot, but they need to be washed rather than peeled. Thank you 6yeladim for this suggestion.

but eewwwwww....

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20503

I am sure 6yeladim can take any fun poked at her. In fact, if she tried this method, it was probably very well thought out in advance, and probably scientifically backed up by something or someone and the joke is on people who don't try it. However, as I wrote to her, I was taught that rinsing any produce before storage shortens it's life. I know some people wash their produce then put in fridge, but supposedly that isn't good for the fruits and veggies.
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Platinum Member Joined: Jan 01 2006 Posts: 48159

Just seems like overkill to me - so much watrer and so much electricity !

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20503

Is nobody else grossed out and a little shocked people are actually considering this idea?

Executive Member Joined: Aug 06 2006 Posts: 350

Executive Member Joined: Aug 06 2006 Posts: 350

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20503