A simple baking soda solution may help remove more pesticide residues from fruit than plain water or vinegar.

Many people rinse fruits under running water before eating them, believing that is enough to remove dirt and pesticide residues. However, research suggests that using a baking soda solution may be significantly more effective than simply rinsing with water—or even soaking fruit in vinegar.

A study examining common pesticide residues on fruit found that soaking produce in a mild baking soda solution for several minutes removed a much larger percentage of surface pesticides. In some cases, researchers reported that up to 96% of certain pesticide residues could be eliminated after an adequate soaking period, making baking soda one of the most effective and inexpensive cleaning methods available for home use.

The process is simple. Fill a clean bowl with water and dissolve about one teaspoon of baking soda in every two cups of water. Place the fruit into the solution and allow it to soak for around 10–15 minutes. After soaking, gently rub the fruit with your hands or a soft produce brush before rinsing thoroughly under clean running water. This extra step helps remove loosened residues from the surface.

Not all pesticides behave the same way. Some remain only on the skin, while others may penetrate into the fruit during cultivation. Baking soda is particularly effective at breaking down and removing many surface pesticide residues, but it cannot eliminate chemicals that have already been absorbed deep inside the fruit. For that reason, choosing produce from trusted sources and washing it properly remain equally important.

Experts also remind consumers that washing fruit serves more than one purpose. Proper cleaning removes dust, soil, bacteria, insects, and other contaminants that may accumulate during harvesting, transportation, and storage. Even fruits labeled as organic should be washed before eating because they can still carry dirt and naturally occurring microorganisms.

Different fruits may require slightly different cleaning methods. Grapes should be separated into smaller clusters before soaking to allow water to reach every surface. Apples, pears, peaches, and nectarines benefit from gentle rubbing after soaking. Firm fruits with thicker skins can also be cleaned using a soft produce brush, while delicate berries should be handled carefully to avoid bruising.

Although vinegar is often promoted as a natural fruit wash, studies suggest it is generally less effective than baking soda at removing certain pesticide residues. Plain water remains helpful for removing loose dirt and some contaminants, but combining water with baking soda provides an extra level of cleaning for many types of fresh produce.

It's important to remember that baking soda should be used only as a washing solution—not as something to coat or leave on fruit. After soaking, always rinse produce thoroughly with clean water before serving. Washing fruits immediately before eating rather than before storage may also help maintain freshness for a longer period.

No cleaning method can completely eliminate every possible contaminant, but using a simple baking soda soak is an easy, affordable habit that can help reduce exposure to surface pesticide residues while making fruits cleaner and safer to enjoy every day.