PSA: You’re Probably Washing Your Grapes Wrong—Here’s the Right Way

Turns out, grapes aren't as clean as they look.

By Taylor Maple

Published on October 16, 2025

Grapes are a perfect fridge staple. They're handy to have on hand for a fruit salad, a lunch you’re packing for school or work, or directly from the bowl whenever you need an extra boost of energy. But, whether they come straight from the farmers' market or the grocery store, you don't want to gobble those grapes up right away. They'll first need a little love and attention before they're safe enough to snack on.

Do You Really Need To Wash Grapes?

Yes! Grapes are part of the "Dirty Dozen," a list compiled annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to identify the foods most contaminated with pesticides. While the use of pesticides in farming is essential for protecting crops, they're certainly not the healthiest for us to consume. According to the EWG, as of 2025, grapes are the fourth most contaminated crop, ranking behind only strawberries, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens.

If you buy organic produce, this may be less of a concern since organic produce generally contains fewer pesticide residues. However, buying organic can add up fairly quickly, so not everyone can opt for them.

wet red grapes on a green background — Blaine Moats/Dotdash Meredith

I, for one, always get regular shmegular grapes. How do I mitigate my exposure to harmful pesticides? By spending a little extra time at the sink. Not only does washing remove some of the pesticide residues, but it also eliminates any dirt and germs the bag may have come into contact with during its journey from the vineyard to the shelf.

To enjoy grapes safely, we advise washing them thoroughly before consuming.

When To Wash Grapes

Like some other fruits and vegetables, grapes are best washed right before you eat them. Washing an entire bag or container of them as soon as you bring it home means that most of the package will sit with excess moisture for longer than necessary, leading to a shorter shelf life.

How To Wash Grapes

Dump your grapes—remember, just the serving you need!—into a strainer or colander and rinse them thoroughly with cool water, tossing gently so the water reaches all the grapes. For extra clean grapes, take the additional step of soaking them in cool water for 5 to 10 minutes. Some people like to add a couple tablespoons of baking soda and/or vinegar to the water during this step. Just make sure to rinse again at the end and pat dry thoroughly before enjoying.

How To Store Grapes

Always store grapes unwashed. Also, always ensure they are as dry as possible before storing them in a ventilated bag or container that allows for airflow. Excess moisture is not your friend.

Most importantly, be realistic about whether you will be able to finish an entire bag of fresh grapes. If, by day four or five, you still have plenty of grapes in the fridge, consider freezing the remainder in a single layer on a baking sheet for a few hours. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, where they can be stored for up to one year.