Many water-based soaks, sprays or rinses are capable of removing at least some surface contaminants.

These solutions ensure that the fruits and veggies you eat are as safe as possible.

Here are some easiest and most cost-effective ways to remove bacteria and contaminants from the outer surface of fresh produce:

Baking soda: Fill a big bowl with two litres of warm water. Add two teaspoons of baking soda. Mix well. Soak fruits and vegetables in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub with your hands. Rinse with plain water thoroughly. Let them air dry.

Common salt: Fill a big bowl with two litres of warm water. Add one tablespoon of common salt and dissolve it. Soak fruits and vegetables in this solution for half an hour. Scrub with a brush or hands. Rinse in running water scrubbing with hands. Let the produce air dry.

Lemon juice: Fill a big bowl or bucket with two litres of warm water. Add two big tablespoons of lemon juice in it. Mix well. Dip the produce you bought in it. Let them rest for 30 minutes. Scrub with hands. Rinse in running water thoroughly. Let them air dry.

White vinegar: Fill two litres of warm water in a big bowl. Add two tablespoons of vinegar in it. Mix well. Keep your veggies and fruits soaked in it for 30 minutes. Rinse with plain water scrubbing with your hands. Let the washed produce air dry.

Hydrogen peroxide: Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with two litres of water. Soak fruits and vegetables in this solution for 15 minutes. Scrub with your hands. Rinse under running water scrubbing with your hands. Let the produce air dry.

Also, washing your hands for 20 seconds before and after sanitising the produce is very important to keep the contaminants from fruits and veggies at bay.

Your store-bought produce has likely been touched by many contaminated hands before it got into your kitchen. So make your own thorough wash for your fruits and vegetables before consuming them and be safe.