People who like cleanliness will often wash, and even cut, the vegetables they buy before putting them in the refrigerator, believing this to be hygienic and preserves freshness, making them ready to use when needed. However, this "meticulous" approach violates the cardinal rules of food storage.
The surface of most fruits and vegetables has a waxy layer that protects them from microbial invasion. Washing this produce destroys the wax layer, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate and cause spoilage. If vegetable roots are particularly dirty, you can trim off the slightly soiled parts before storing them in a container. If you must wash them, ensure they are completely drained of moisture before sealing and placing them in the refrigerator. For washed fruits, they should be rinsed again after being taken out of the refrigerator, as their surface may produce nitrites during storage, and washing can effectively remove them.