How to Safely Clean Fruits and Vegetables to Remove Pesticides

Did you know that even organic produce can come with hidden contaminants like dirt, bacteria, and some pesticide residues? Washing fruits and vegetables properly is an easy way to protect your and your family's health.

In this post, I’ll share effective, non-toxic methods for cleaning produce, so you can enjoy your food knowing it’s as safe and healthy as possible. Plus, I’ll bust some common myths (hint: water alone isn’t enough!).

Why Washing Produce Matters

Even organic produce can pick up trace pesticides from nearby farms or during transportation. All fresh produce often carries soil, bacteria, or other microbes that can linger on the surface from being harvested and handled before you bought it.

Many store-bought fruits and vegetables are also coated with wax to preserve freshness, which can trap dirt and chemicals underneath.

Here are my favorite methods for cleaning produce!

1. The Baking Soda Soak

Best for most fruits and vegetables.

Why It Works:

Baking soda neutralizes many pesticides and breaks down residues, making it one of the safest and most effective cleaning methods.

How To Do It:

1. Fill a large bowl with 4 cups of water.

2. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and stir until dissolved.

3. Soak your fruits or vegetables for 10–15 minutes.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let air dry.

Pro Tip:

This method works especially well for apples, berries, and leafy greens.

2. Vinegar Wash

Best for bacteria-housing produce like leafy greens and bumpy berries.

Why It Works:

Vinegar is a natural antimicrobial agent that helps reduce bacteria and some pesticides.

How To Do It:

1. Fill a large bowl with 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar.

2. Soak produce for 5–10 minutes.

3. Rinse thoroughly to remove the vinegar.

Pro Tip:

Avoid using vinegar on delicate berries, as it can affect their texture.

3. Scrubbing for Firm Produce

Best for items with tough, thick skins.

Why It Works:

Firm produce like potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers can trap dirt and pesticides in their skin. A gentle scrub removes these contaminants.

How To Do It:

1. Rinse the produce under running water.

2. Use a non-plastic vegetable brush (try one made out of bamboo, coconut, or agave fiber!) to gently scrub the surface.

3. Rinse again and pat dry.

Pro Tip:

Use this method for root vegetables and any produce with edible skins.

What About Store-Bought Produce Washes?

While there are many commercial produce washes on the market, studies show that they’re not necessarily more effective than baking soda or vinegar. Plus, they often come in plastic bottles and may contain unnecessary chemicals.

Stick to natural methods—you’ll save money and avoid introducing new toxins into your kitchen.

Additional Tips for Produce Safety

1. Separate and Soak. Always separate leafy greens before washing to remove dirt hiding in the layers.

2. Buy Local When Possible. Locally sourced produce often has fewer pesticides and contaminants due to shorter transportation times.

3. Dry Completely. After washing, dry your produce with a clean towel or air dry to reduce bacteria growth.

Taking the time to properly clean your fruits and vegetables is an easy step toward reducing toxins in your diet and keeping your family healthy. Whether it’s a baking soda soak or a quick scrub, these simple methods make a big difference.

What’s Your Go-To Produce Cleaning Method?

I’d love to hear how you clean your fruits and veggies—leave a comment and let me know!