Washing Produce with Baking Soda: Does It Really Work?

Most fruits and vegetables are covered in more than just dust. Pesticide residues, wax coatings, and natural bacteria can cling to the surface, making a simple rinse ineffective. While store-bought veggie washes exist, baking soda offers an inexpensive, chemical-free way to remove contaminants. But what makes it so effective?

Why Use Baking Soda to Wash Produce?

Baking soda is a mild alkaline compound that effectively removes pesticide residues, dirt, and bacteria from fresh produce. Research suggests that soaking fruits and vegetables in a baking soda solution can break down pesticide coatings more effectively than water or bleach.

Its fine texture also helps lift dirt and microorganisms from surfaces, ensuring a deeper clean. Unlike commercial produce washes, baking soda is completely food-safe, leaving no harmful residues behind.

How to Wash Produce with Baking Soda

Using baking soda to clean your fruit and vegetables is simple and requires only two ingredients — baking soda and water.

For Smooth-Skinned Produce (Apples, Tomatoes, Peppers, Grapes)

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add one teaspoon of baking soda per litre of water.
2. Soak the produce for 10–15 minutes to allow the baking soda to break down surface residues.
3. Gently rub each item with your hands or a soft brush.Rinse thoroughly under running water and pat dry.

For Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Herbs)

1. Fill a bowl with cold water and add a teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Submerge the greens, swishing them around gently to loosen dirt and grit.
3. Let them soak for 3–5 minutes, then rinse under running water.Use a salad spinner or clean towel to remove excess water.

For Root Vegetables (Potatoes, Carrots, Radishes, Beets)

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the produce.
2. Scrub with a vegetable brush under running water.
3. Rinse well to remove any baking soda residue.

Does Baking Soda Remove All Pesticides?

While baking soda is effective at reducing certain types of pesticides, it may not remove all chemical residues, especially those that have penetrated the skin of fruits and vegetables. Peeling produce is the best way to eliminate pesticides that have soaked into the outer layer. For non-peelable produce, washing with baking soda is still one of the most effective cleaning methods.

When Not to Use Baking Soda

While baking soda is great for most fruits and vegetables, some delicate produce can be damaged by prolonged soaking. Berries, for example, are porous and can absorb water, making them prone to mould if left wet for too long. Instead of soaking, rinse berries under cold water and pat them dry immediately.

Ultimately, baking soda is a simple, affordable, and effective way to clean fresh produce. While it may not eliminate all residues, it significantly reduces contaminants, making your fruits and vegetables safer to eat. For best results, combine baking soda washing with thorough rinsing and, when necessary, peeling.