Experts reveal 1 simple fruit trick that could extend its shelf life by up to 30%

Fresh fruit is a staple in many UK homes, but it often doesn't last as long as we'd like. Now experts say that a common habit might be the reason your apples are softening too soon or your strawberries are going mouldy in just a few days.

According to home specialists at Plumbworld, skipping the initial rinse and holding off until just before eating could help fruit last up to 30% longer. While many people wash fruit as soon as they unpack it from the shopping bags, for the sake of hygiene and convenience, this added moisture can be a major cause of premature spoilage.

When fruit is rinsed and then placed into containers or fridge drawers, the residual water often lingers in crevices or clings to the skin.

In this moist, confined environment, bacteria and mould spores thrive, especially on delicate-skinned produce like strawberries, grapes and blueberries.

Even hardier fruits like apples can suffer from the same fate if moisture gets trapped against the skin.

Plumbworld said: "Rinsing fruit early introduces moisture, which accelerates spoilage, particularly in sealed containers or fridge drawers where airflow is limited."

The effect is subtle but measurable. In kitchen tests, grapes that would typically spoil in a week remained fresh for up to 10 days when stored dry.

Strawberries lasted nearly a full week instead of four or five days, and apples kept their crisp bite for several extra weeks when unwashed and refrigerated.

If you're still concerned about cleanliness, a vinegar rinse right before eating offers a practical solution.

A diluted mix of white vinegar and water can help remove surface bacteria and extend the fruit's safe consumption window, but it should only be done at the last minute.

For families watching their budgets and trying to reduce food waste, this small change could make a big difference.

With UK households throwing away thousands of pounds of uneaten produce every year, extending the life of fruit by just a few days could result in savings of £10 to £20 per month simply by altering a single habit.