Does Baking Soda Really Remove Pesticides from Fruits and Vegetables?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a key 2017 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, soaking produce in a baking soda solution was found to be the most effective method for removing certain surface pesticide residues from apples when compared to plain tap water and a bleach solution. This has made many people wonder: does baking soda really remove pesticides from all fruits and vegetables effectively, or is the hype overblown?

Quick Summary

A 2017 study found that a baking soda solution was highly effective at removing specific surface pesticides from apples after a 12–15 minute soak, outperforming tap water. The effectiveness depends on the produce type and how deeply the pesticides have been absorbed, meaning it's not a foolproof solution for all contaminants.

Key Points

Alkaline Degradation: The alkaline nature of baking soda helps break down many pesticides, making them easier to wash away than with plain water.
Proven Effectiveness: A 2017 University of Massachusetts study found a baking soda solution was most effective at removing certain surface pesticides from apples.
Method and Time: For optimal results, soak produce for 12–15 minutes in a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water, followed by a thorough rinse.
Surface vs. Systemic: Baking soda only removes surface pesticides and has no effect on systemic pesticides that have been absorbed into the plant's flesh.
Not for All Produce: Delicate items like berries may be damaged by prolonged soaking, and for these, a shorter, gentler rinse is recommended.
Superior to Water and Vinegar: Studies indicate that baking soda is more effective at removing pesticide residues than either plain tap water or a vinegar solution.

The Scientific Evidence Behind the Baking Soda Wash

For years, kitchen remedies for washing produce have included everything from vinegar soaks to commercial washes. However, scientific research has specifically highlighted the efficacy of baking soda. The landmark 2017 study from the University of Massachusetts demonstrated that a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) solution was superior to tap water and a commercial bleach solution in removing certain pesticide residues from apples. This is due to the alkaline nature of baking soda.

How Baking Soda Works

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline compound. Many pesticides are not stable in an alkaline environment, meaning the baking soda solution can cause them to break down more quickly. Additionally, the mild abrasiveness of the baking soda particles can physically help to dislodge dirt and residue from the produce's surface. This dual-action approach—chemical degradation and physical scrubbing—makes it more effective than simply rinsing with water. The study on apples, for instance, showed that a 12-15 minute soak was needed to significantly reduce residues of pesticides like thiabendazole and phosmet.

The Importance of Soaking and Scrubbing

The study found that the baking soda solution was most effective after a soak of 12-15 minutes. For fruits with firm skin, such as apples, pears, or carrots, using a soft vegetable brush during the soak can enhance the removal process. However, this long soak time can be impractical for more delicate produce like berries, which may become soggy. For these items, a shorter soak or a gentle rinse with the solution is recommended, always followed by a thorough rinse with plain water.

Limitations of the Baking Soda Method

While impressive, the baking soda wash is not a perfect solution for all scenarios. Its effectiveness is limited by a few key factors:

Systemic Pesticides: Some pesticides are designed to be absorbed by the plant and become systemic, penetrating into the flesh of the produce. No amount of surface washing, including with baking soda, will remove these internal chemicals. The 2017 study noted that some thiabendazole, a systemic pesticide, remained in the apple peels even after washing. Peeling the fruit or vegetable is the only way to remove these, though this can also mean losing nutrients found in the skin.
Delicate Produce: As mentioned, delicate produce like berries or mushrooms can be damaged by prolonged soaking. For these items, a quick, gentle rinse with the baking soda solution is a safer approach, but may be less effective.
Not a Universal Fix: The 2017 study focused on specific pesticides on apples. While its principles apply to other produce, the exact removal rate can vary significantly depending on the chemical properties of the specific pesticide and the surface of the fruit or vegetable.

Baking Soda vs. Other Cleaning Methods: A Comparison

To understand why baking soda is often touted as a superior method, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against other common cleaning agents.


Washing Method	Mechanism	Effectiveness on Surface Pesticides	Effect on Produce	Cost & Availability
Tap Water	Physical rinsing to remove surface dirt and some residue.	Moderate (Removes 26.7–62.9% in some cases).	Minimal, can miss residues trapped in wax or creases.	Very Low (Free and universally available).
Vinegar Solution	Acidity helps kill bacteria and can loosen some residues.	Varies, can be less effective on some pesticides than baking soda.	Can leave a vinegary aftertaste or alter the texture of porous produce.	Low (Affordable).
Baking Soda Solution	Alkaline properties break down some pesticide molecules and a mild abrasive action helps remove residues.	High (Up to 96% for specific pesticides in a 2017 study).	Long soaks may damage delicate items; must be rinsed thoroughly.	Very Low (Inexpensive and accessible).
Commercial Washes	Specialized detergents and surfactants.	Effectiveness is often no better than water alone in many studies.	Can potentially leave behind chemical residue if not rinsed well.	High (More expensive than homemade options).

What About the "Dirty Dozen"?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually releases its "Dirty Dozen" list, which identifies conventionally grown produce with the highest levels of pesticide residue. Some of the items frequently on this list, such as strawberries, spinach, and apples, are prime candidates for a baking soda wash. While a baking soda soak can effectively reduce surface residue on these items, it's particularly important to buy organic for these fruits and vegetables if you are seeking to minimize pesticide exposure as much as possible. The baking soda method is a great secondary measure for conventional produce, but it is not a perfect substitute for organic choices.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

The evidence suggests that using a baking soda wash is a worthwhile and scientifically-backed method for reducing surface-level pesticide residues on produce, especially for firm-skinned fruits like apples and pears. It is more effective than rinsing with plain tap water and provides better results than vinegar for most pesticide types. The method is simple, inexpensive, and generally safe, provided you rinse thoroughly afterward to prevent any lingering taste. However, it is crucial to remember its limitations; it will not remove systemic pesticides that have been absorbed into the plant's flesh. For delicate produce or an extra layer of safety, choosing organic options from a reputable source is always recommended.

Conclusion

While a baking soda wash isn't a magical cure for all pesticide woes, it is a proven, effective, and accessible way to significantly reduce surface chemical residues on your produce. By creating a simple solution of baking soda and water and soaking your fruits and vegetables for 12-15 minutes, you can take a proactive step toward safer and cleaner eating. Combining this practice with a thorough final rinse and considering organic options for high-risk items provides a comprehensive approach to minimizing pesticide exposure.

For more information on the effectiveness of household washes and pesticide removal, read the full study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry here: Effectiveness of Commercial and Homemade Washing Agents in Removing Pesticide Residues on and in Apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard recommendation, based on research, is to use one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water. For larger batches, one tablespoon per gallon is an appropriate ratio.

For firm produce like apples or cucumbers, a 12–15 minute soak is recommended for the most effective removal of surface pesticides. For delicate produce, a shorter, more gentle wash is better to avoid damage.

As long as you rinse the produce thoroughly with cold, running water after soaking, there should be no lingering baking soda taste. Incomplete rinsing is the primary cause of any residual flavor.

Studies suggest that a baking soda wash is generally more effective at breaking down and removing pesticide residues than a vinegar solution. The alkaline properties of baking soda are more reactive with many pesticides.

Yes, a baking soda wash can help reduce surface pesticide residues on produce like strawberries and spinach that often appear on the EWG's "Dirty Dozen" list. However, for these items, purchasing organic is the best way to minimize exposure completely.

Systemic pesticides are absorbed into the plant's tissue and cannot be washed off. To remove them, you must peel the fruit or vegetable. For items where peeling isn't possible, choosing organic is the best alternative.

No, the FDA and other experts advise against using dish soap or detergent to wash produce, as these are not intended for consumption. They can leave chemical residues that are harmful to ingest and may be absorbed by the produce.

Yes, it is always recommended to wash all produce, organic or conventional. While organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, it can still harbor dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that are best removed before eating.