Questions we actually get asked.
Everything you want to know about Crop DeTox, Prepware, the science, and how it all fits together. If something's missing, get in touch and we'll answer it and add it here.
How electrolysis actually works.
The chemistry, in plain English.
What is electrolysis and how does it clean produce?
Electrolysis passes a small electrical current through water, which splits the water molecules and creates two natural compounds: HOCl (hypochlorous acid) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide). HOCl kills bacteria on the surface of your produce. NaOH breaks down oil-based pesticide residues. No chemicals are added. The process uses only the water already in your sink.
Is electrolysis a new technology?
Not at all. Electrolysis has been understood by science for over 200 years. It's used in water treatment, food processing, and medical sterilisation. What's new is making it accessible and practical for everyday kitchen use.
What is HOCl and is it safe?
HOCl (hypochlorous acid) is a natural antibacterial compound, the same one your own immune system produces to fight infection. It's completely safe, breaks down harmlessly in water, and leaves no residue on your food. It's also used in wound care and food sanitation applications worldwide.
What is NaOH and is it safe to use around food?
NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is a natural alkaline solution that dissolves oil-based compounds, including the pesticide residues that cling to the surface of produce. At the concentrations produced by electrolysis in a sink of water, it's food-safe. A rinse after the cycle removes any trace from your produce.
Does electrolysis remove all pesticide residue?
Crop DeTox is lab tested to show measurable pesticide residue reduction, specifically oil-based surface residues, which are the most common type found on conventionally grown produce. It doesn't claim to remove every possible pesticide in every possible situation, and we'd be suspicious of any product that did. What it does is meaningfully reduce what's on the surface of your food. That's what the lab results show, and that's what we stand behind.
Can electrolysis remove bacteria from produce?
Yes. Crop DeTox is independently lab tested to remove up to 99.9% of surface bacteria from produce. This includes common bacteria found on fresh fruit and vegetables. The HOCl produced during the cycle is the active antibacterial agent.
Does Crop DeTox affect the nutritional value of produce?
No. The electrolysis process acts on the surface of your produce, the bacteria and residues on the skin, without affecting the nutritional content inside. Your food comes out cleaner, not nutritionally different.
Everything about the device.
Cycles, care, and the questions we get most.
How do I use Crop DeTox?
Three steps. Fill your sink with water and add your produce. Drop in Crop DeTox and select your cycle: 6 minutes for everyday fruit and vegetables, 10 minutes for thicker-skinned produce or anything you want to give more attention. When the cycle finishes, give your produce a quick rinse. That's it.
How long does a cycle take?
Crop DeTox 2.0 has two cycle options: 6 minutes and 10 minutes. There's also a gentle mode for more delicate produce like berries and herbs. You choose based on what you're cleaning.
Is Crop DeTox safe to use around kids?
Yes. The electrolysis process adds no chemicals to your water or your food. The compounds produced, HOCl and NaOH, are natural, break down safely, and are removed with a quick rinse. Many of our customers bought Crop DeTox specifically because of what their kids eat.
Does Crop DeTox work on all fruit and vegetables?
Yes. Use the 6-minute cycle for everyday produce including berries, leafy greens, and delicate items. Use the 10-minute cycle for thicker-skinned produce like apples, cucumbers, capsicum, and root vegetables. The gentle mode is ideal for very delicate items.
Does it leave any taste or residue on food?
No. A quick rinse after the cycle and your produce is clean, fresh, and ready to eat. Most people notice their food actually tastes better, cleaner, crisper, more like produce is supposed to taste.
The device is plastic. Does that mean plastic touches my food?
No. Crop DeTox is a waterproof tech device and the plastic housing protects the electronics inside, the same way a phone has a case. The device sits in the water alongside your produce but doesn't touch your food directly. The electrolysis process happens in the water around it.
Do I need to buy refills or replacement parts?
No. Never. Crop DeTox requires no refills, no pods, no replacement filters, and no subscriptions. The electrolysis process uses only the water in your sink. One purchase. That's it.
What's the warranty?
Crop DeTox 2.0 comes with a 1-year warranty. If something goes wrong with the device within that period, get in touch and we'll sort it out.
Is Crop DeTox independently tested?
Yes. The 99.9% bacteria removal claim and the pesticide residue reduction results are independently lab tested. Not internal claims, not theoretical results. We ran the tests because we wanted to stand behind what we were selling, and because you deserve to know exactly what you're buying.
I already buy organic. Do I still need Crop DeTox?
Organic is a great choice. It significantly reduces pesticide load. But it doesn't eliminate bacteria, and not all pesticide residue is removed at the source. Crop DeTox handles both. We're not competing with organic, we're completing it. If you care enough to buy organic, you probably care enough to clean it properly too.
How is Crop DeTox different from produce wash sprays or soaks?
Produce wash products add something to your water, a chemical or formula, to do the cleaning. Crop DeTox adds nothing. It transforms the water itself using electrolysis. No additives, no residues from the cleaning product itself, no ongoing cost. Just your water, doing something extraordinary.
The storage set.
Stainless steel, glass, and one rule.
What is Prepware made from?
304 food-grade stainless steel body with glass lids and silicone seals. No plastic comes into contact with your food at any point.
What sizes does the Prepware set include?
The set includes three nested containers: a 650ml small, a 1200ml medium, and a 2200ml large. One set covers most kitchen needs from single portions through to batch cooking.
How much does Prepware cost?
$89 AUD for the full three-piece set.
Is stainless steel actually microwave safe?
Yes. High-grade 304 stainless steel is microwave safe. Remove the glass lid before microwaving, then place the container in. It heats evenly and safely. We know it feels counterintuitive (metal and microwaves have a history) but high-grade stainless steel is the exception. Makes sense once you've done it the first time.
Can Prepware go from fridge to oven?
Yes. Fridge to oven is perfectly fine for the container. Remove the glass lid first. We'd recommend letting the container come to room temperature before moving from freezer to oven, the same approach you'd take with any quality cookware.
Will Prepware leak in a lunchbox or bag?
No. The glass lid sits on a silicone seal that creates a firm, airtight close. It's designed for transport as well as storage. School lunchboxes, work bags, picnics, and travel are all fine.
Can I store acidic food in Prepware?
Yes. 304 stainless steel won't react with acidic foods. It's fine for leftovers, sauces, citrus.
Will Prepware rust?
Not if you dry it properly after washing. 304 steel is corrosion-resistant. The surface actually repairs itself with oxygen exposure.
Will Prepware hold smells?
No. Unlike plastic, stainless steel doesn't absorb odours. Wash it and it's genuinely neutral. No ghost of last Tuesday's curry.
Do I need Crop DeTox to use Prepware?
No. Prepware works perfectly well as a standalone premium storage solution. But if you're already cleaning your produce with Crop DeTox, storing it in Prepware is the natural next step. Clean it properly, then keep it that way.
The practical stuff.
Delivery, returns, and how we handle it.
Where does Crop DeTox ship to?
We ship Australia-wide, and internationally with Australia Post. Express options are available at checkout.
How long does delivery take?
Standard shipping typically takes 3 to 7 business days depending on your location. Express shipping is usually 1 to 3 business days. You'll receive tracking information as soon as your order is dispatched.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Get in touch at hello@cropdetox.com with a photo of the damage and your order number. We'll sort it out quickly. A replacement or refund, whichever you prefer.
Can I return my order if I change my mind?
If you're not happy for any reason, get in touch within 30 days of receiving your order and we'll work it out.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Afterpay. All transactions are processed securely at checkout.
Who we are and what we're about.
The story behind it.
Who is behind Crop DeTox?
Crop DeTox was founded by Lauren, a Gold Coast Mama who went looking for a lab-tested electrolysis device in Australia and couldn't find one. So she started Crop DeTox to solve a problem she knew others were having too.
Who is Sharon Kolkka and what is her connection to Crop DeTox?
Sharon Kolkka is one of Australia's most respected women's wellness experts and co-author of Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Karen Coates. She introduced Lauren to the science of electrolysed water during a personal wellness consultation. That conversation is the reason Crop DeTox exists. Sharon remains central to the brand and its scientific foundations.
Is Crop DeTox an Australian brand?
Yes. Crop DeTox is founded, run, and based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. We ship Australia-wide.
What does Crop DeTox actually stand for?
Exactly what it sounds like. Detoxing your crops. Removing what doesn't belong on your food before it reaches your plate. No fear, no drama, just a cleaner way of doing something you were already doing.
Are you on social media?
Yes. Find us on Instagram at @cropdetox. That's where most of the content, experiments, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments live.
Still got a question?
If something's not covered here, we want to hear it. Lauren reads every message personally and gets back within one business day. And if it's a good question, it'll end up on this page.
Get in touch