Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning the surfaces of foods and fodder of plant and animal origin by manual or mechanical washing in water, the surfaces of said foods or fodder having adhering thereto contaminants and/or physiologically and toxicologically noxious substances, such as hydrophobic and hydrophilic pesticides, inorganic noxious elements, oily condensates of noxious substances, as well as other contaminants, and to certain agents and compositions which are added to the wash water; food and fooder refreshing is achieved.