Grapes are part of Dirty Dozen's produce. Dirty Dozen is a type of crop that has the highest concentration of pesticides in it. In some cases, pesticides can stay on the grapes even after washing. Pesticides will increase the risk of exposure to chemicals that are toxic to the brain and nervous system. To prevent this, you can wash your grapes with proper cleaning techniques using water or soak them in a vinegar and water solution.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Wine with Water
Step 1. Store the wine unwashed
Postpone washing the wine until you are ready to eat it. This will prevent extra moisture from accelerating the spoilage process. Leave the wine in its original container.
Take a certain amount of wine as needed, then wash it
Step 2. Rinse the wine
Take as much wine as you want to serve. Hold under cold running water for 30 seconds. Rub gently while rinsing. This kind of washing will remove about 85% of bacteria. Water can also wash away pesticides on the grapes.
Rinse the wine by hand or place it in a colander
Step 3. Soak the wine
Put the wine in a clean bowl and place it in the sink. Run clean cold water over the grapes until everything is submerged. Let the wine sit for 5-10 minutes. This method will clean the bacteria and pesticides.
Do not immerse the wine in the sink. Dirt in the sink can spread bacteria to the wine and cause disease. If you don't have a bowl, clean and rinse the sink first before using it to soak the wine
Step 4. Discard cracked and rotten grapes
Check grapes that have cracked or rotten skins. Take it and throw it away. These wines may contain bacteria, pesticides, or other residue that won't wash off properly.
Step 5. Dry the grapes
Place the grapes on a paper towel or a baking sheet lined with clean paper towels. Air it for about 10 minutes. Before eating or using, gently wipe each grape with a paper towel to remove any remaining bacteria, pesticides, or wax.
Step 6. Avoid soap
Do not use soap or detergent to wash wine. Soap will leave a film that is not safe for consumption and can cause illness or other reactions.
Method 2 of 3: Soaking Grapes in Vinegar and Water
Step 1. Mix water and vinegar
Pour three parts clean water into a bowl. Add one part vinegar to it. This is the most effective concentration for removing bacteria and pesticides.
Use water that is close to wine temperature
Step 2. Soak the wine in the vinegar solution
Add the wine to the water and vinegar solution. Leave it for 5-10 minutes. This solution will wash away pesticides and about 98% of the bacteria on the fruit.
Use a spray bottle to clean the wine if you don't want to soak it
Step 3. Rinse with water
Remove the vinegar and water solution from the bowl. After that, rinse the grapes under cold running water for 30 seconds. The water will wash away any remaining bacteria or residue. This rinse will also remove any residual vinegar taste.
Step 4. Dry the grapes
Place the grapes on a clean cloth or tissue paper. Air for about 10 minutes before eating or storing.
Method 3 of 3: Rubbing the Wine
Step 1. Clean the wine with baking soda and salt
Gently pull the grapes from the stems and rinse under cold running water in a clean bowl. Sprinkle 1-2 tsp. salt and baking soda over the wine. Shake the bowl vigorously from side to side for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Rinse again with clean water to remove any residual pesticides, bacteria, and residue as well as salt and baking soda.
Rub the grapes gently when you rinse them a second time to remove any remaining baking soda and salt
Step 2. Scrub with a special fruit brush
Purchase a brush made specifically for scrubbing fruit. When you rinse the wine with water or a vinegar solution, gently scrub each grape with a brush. This will remove the pesticides and other residue. It will also remove bacteria on the wine by up to 85%.
Step 3. Be careful when rubbing the wine
Grapes have very soft skins and break easily. If you're scrubbing with a brush or a baking soda and salt solution, use gentle pressure. Brushing can remove bacteria, pesticides, and other residue. Gentle brushing will also ensure that the grape skins are not damaged.
