How to Wash Citrus Fruit To Remove Waxes and Germs, According to Food Safety Experts

Washing citrus is more important than you think.

A bowl containing various citrus fruits including oranges lemons limes and tangerines arranged on a flat surface — Credit:
Helios8 / Getty Images

Washing citrus fruit is important because we often handle the peel, zest it, or drop it into drinks.
Rinsing citrus with warm water is enough to remove dirt and debris; no soap or special washes are needed.
Citrus waxes are food-grade and safe to eat, and the fruit’s rind naturally has antimicrobial properties.

Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are some of the few fruits we regularly handle more than we eat. We peel them, zest them, slice them, and sometimes drop them straight into drinks—rind and all. That naturally raises questions: What’s that waxy coating? Are there germs on the peel? And does organic citrus make any difference? We consulted food safety experts, and the answers are reassuring—and simpler than the internet would have you believe.

Benjamin Chapman, PhD, department head of Agricultural and Human Sciences, professor and director of the Safe Plates food safety extension and research program, and interim associate director (ANR/CRD), NC State Extension, North Carolina State University
Jennifer J. Quinlan, PhD, professor and executive director, Food Security Research Center at Prairie View A&M University

Why Citrus Fruits Are Waxed in the First Place

Citrus fruits naturally produce their own waxy coating while growing. But that natural wax can be reduced or disrupted during post-harvest washing and handling. To compensate, producers sometimes apply food-grade waxes before the fruit is shipped.

"Waxing keeps moisture within the fruit so it doesn’t shrink, spoil, or lose quality as quickly," explains Benjamin Chapman, PhD, professor with the NC State Extension.

The wax also improves appearance, giving citrus that familiar glossy finish. Jennifer J. Quinlan, PhD, professor and executive director of the Food Security Research Center at Prairie View A&M University, adds that waxes are primarily about preservation: “They’re to prevent dehydration—to keep the fruit good as long as possible. They give it a better look, so it’s shiny.”

Importantly, both experts emphasize that these coatings are food-grade and edible. “There’s no reason to think there’s any safety issues with the natural wax coating on any produce,” says Quinlan.

Should You Be Worried About the Wax—or Germs?

From a food safety perspective, neither expert sees wax as a concern. “The wax coating is fully edible,” says Chapman, noting that citrus peels are typically discarded anyway. Even when the peel is used, he adds that it is “no real food safety concern for me.”

As for germs, citrus has a built-in advantage. Quinlan points out that citrus rinds themselves have antimicrobial properties. “If you look in the literature about citrus rinds, there’s a huge amount of research about the antimicrobial features they have,” she says. Chapman also notes that waxing may actually help: research suggests wax coatings can reduce some foodborne pathogens on citrus surfaces.

That said, citrus still gets handled by harvesters, packers, shoppers, and you, so basic hygiene still matters, especially if you plan to zest or use the peel.

The Best Way to Wash Citrus at Home

Despite the popularity of vinegar sprays, baking soda soaks, and commercial produce washes, both experts agree that plain water does the job. You can use a potato brush or produce brush to be extra thorough, says Quinlan.

Neither expert recommends soap or commercial produce washes. Chapman is blunt: “Soap residue could remain, and it is not safe to consume.” Quinlan, too, points out that residue could be a greater risk than what’s on the peel already.

As for vinegar or baking soda, the science doesn’t show a meaningful advantage. Quinlan notes that baking soda may adjust the pH and vinegar can be used as an extra step, but stresses it's not required.

Does Washing Citrus Matter as Much as Washing Other Produce?

Not really. Compared to thin-skinned fruits like apples or berries, citrus poses a much lower risk. Rinsing mainly removes visible debris like dirt or sand—not necessarily pathogens, which tend to be tightly attached to the surface, explains Chapman. “I rinse pretty much everything if I am going to consume the peel/outside,” he says, but not because he expects to eliminate all germs.

Extra Tips If You Zest or Cook With the Peel

If you regularly zest lemons or use citrus peels in baking or cooking, both experts keep the advice simple: use warm water for washing. Quinlan adds a practical note that is especially relevant outside the home: in restaurants, where many hands may touch garnishes, she avoids dropping lemon wedges directly into drinks. “I might squeeze some juice into it, but I would never put the whole rind in.”

Is Organic Citrus Worth It to Avoid Wax or Germs?

Choosing organic citrus won’t eliminate germs—and it won’t necessarily eliminate wax, either. Organic produce may still use approved waxes, and from a food safety standpoint, both experts agree that wax itself isn’t the issue. If you prefer to buy organic, go for it—but experts don’t see it as necessary for food safety.