Effective methods for washing fruit to remove pesticides

Effective washing methods can help reduce surface pesticides, bacteria, and wax coatings on produce. While rinsing with plain water is beneficial for removing dirt, research indicates it may only provide a median pesticide reduction of approximately 30%.

Using solutions containing vinegar or baking soda can increase this reduction to a median of about 50%. For baking soda, a recommended ratio is one teaspoon per two cups of cool water, with a soak time of five to ten minutes for most produce. However, berries require less time due to their thin skins and high water content. Vinegar, specifically white vinegar, also serves as an effective natural disinfectant for cleaning fruit.