You’ve probably been there—standing in the kitchen, peeling potatoes for dinner when someone (usually Mom or your mother-in-law) says, “You did wash those first, right?” Cue the internal eye-roll. After all, if you’re just going to peel the skin off, what’s the point?

But hold on. That simple question might actually be rooted in more than just tradition. Washing potatoes before peeling them may not just be good practice — it could also protect your health. Let’s dig deeper and find out why this seemingly small kitchen debate matters more than you think.

Why Washing Vegetables Is More Than Just a Habit

We’re often told to wash our fruits and veggies. And yes, sometimes it feels redundant—especially when you’re planning to peel the whole thing. But here’s the deal: washing isn’t about the skin itself — it’s about what’s on the skin.

Potatoes grow underground, and that means they’re natural magnets for dirt, bacteria, and chemicals like pesticides. Even if the skin’s going in the trash, skipping the wash means all those unwanted extras could hitch a ride onto your hands, your peeler, or the clean flesh of the potato. Not ideal, right?

Video: 12 Ways to Peel a Potato

Potato Skins Are Dirtier Than You Think

Let’s talk science for a second. Potato skins are basically natural shields — but they also trap soil particles, pathogens, and residue. And here’s where things get sketchy: once potatoes are harvested and stored, they pass through different hands, crates, and possibly dusty shelves before landing in your kitchen. That’s a lot of opportunity for contamination.

If you go straight to peeling without washing, the peeler drags bacteria from the dirty skin into the clean flesh. Boom—cross-contamination in one swipe.

What Do the Experts Say?

Food safety experts agree: wash it all. Even if you’re peeling. Even if it looks “clean enough.” The FDA recommends rinsing produce under running water before any cutting, chopping, or peeling.

Why? Because tools like peelers and knives can act like little bridges, transferring bacteria from outside to inside. And let’s face it—nobody wants their mashed potatoes to come with a side of stomach bug.

The Hidden Risks of Skipping the Wash

Not washing your potatoes might save a minute or two, but here’s what you’re risking:

• Bacterial contamination: Think E. coli or Salmonella from dirty skins ending up in your meal.
• Pesticide exposure: Traces of chemicals can linger even after peeling, especially if your hands or peeler touch the flesh.
• Cross-contamination: That dirt can end up on other food, your countertops, or your hands, spreading risk everywhere.

Still feel like skipping that rinse?

It’s Not Just About Science — It’s About Culture, Too

Let’s be real—this isn’t just about food safety. It’s also about how you were raised. For some families, washing produce is non-negotiable, no matter how you’re going to cook it. In others, it might seem unnecessary or even old-fashioned.

Your mother-in-law might’ve picked up the habit from her mother, who learned it in a time when food hygiene was more about survival than preference. But hey — just because it’s traditional doesn’t mean it’s outdated. In this case, it might just be spot on.

How to Wash Potatoes Like a Pro (Yes, There’s a Right Way)

Video: You have NEVER PEELED a Potato so QUICK before

If you’re convinced — or even just curious — here’s how to wash your potatoes properly without making it a whole production:

• Run cold water over the potatoes to loosen any dirt.
• Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface, especially if the potatoes are particularly earthy.
• Don’t use soap—just water and friction will do the trick.
• Dry them quickly if you’re not peeling them right away to avoid premature spoiling.

That’s it. Just a minute of scrubbing, and you’ve reduced your risk significantly. Easy.

Comparing Both Methods: Washed vs. Unwashed Potatoes

Feature	Washed Potatoes	Unwashed Potatoes
Hygiene Level	High	Moderate to Low
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Minimal	High
Taste Difference	None	None
Effort Required	Low (1 min)	None
Kitchen Safety	Improved	Riskier

Honestly? There’s not much of a downside to washing. So if it gives you cleaner food and peace of mind, why not do it?

Real Talk from the Kitchen: People Weigh In

“I used to skip washing potatoes until I got food poisoning from a potato salad. Never again,” said one home cook on a Reddit thread.

“My mother-in-law insists on scrubbing them before peeling. I thought it was overkill, but now I realize she was just being smart,” another user added.

So if you’ve been rolling your eyes at the older generation’s kitchen habits, maybe it’s time to give them some credit. Sometimes, those ‘weird little steps’ are exactly what keep us safe.

Conclusion: That Extra Step? It’s Worth It.

The next time you’re peeling potatoes, don’t skip the wash. It’s a small act with big benefits — cleaner food, safer meals, and one less thing to worry about. Even if it started as a quirky family tradition, washing potatoes before peeling just makes sense.

So yes, your mother-in-law might have a point. And for once, it’s okay to admit she was right. Just this once.