Does Baking Soda Remove Pesticides? The Scientific Truth

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a landmark 2017 study from the University of Massachusetts, soaking produce in a baking soda solution is more effective at removing certain surface pesticides than washing with tap water alone. This easy and inexpensive kitchen hack has been scientifically proven to help reduce pesticide residue.

Quick Summary

Scientific research confirms that soaking produce in a baking soda solution can effectively remove certain surface pesticide residues. The alkaline solution breaks down chemicals on the surface, making it superior to plain water, though it does not eliminate deeply absorbed pesticides.

Key Points

Alkaline Action: Baking soda works by creating an alkaline solution that helps break down surface pesticide residues on produce.
Scientifically Proven: A 2017 UMass study confirmed that a baking soda wash is more effective at removing surface pesticides from apples than plain water or bleach.
Time is Key: Soaking for 12-15 minutes is recommended for maximum effectiveness on durable produce.
Not a Cure-All: Baking soda cannot remove systemic pesticides that have been absorbed into the flesh of fruits and vegetables.
Better than Alternatives: When compared to plain water, vinegar, or commercial washes, a baking soda solution showed superior performance for removing surface residues.
Safe and Simple: This method is an inexpensive, non-toxic, and accessible way to improve food safety at home.
Consider Produce Type: Delicate fruits like berries may become soft if soaked for too long; a shorter rinse is recommended.

The Science Behind Baking Soda's Cleaning Power

Sodium bicarbonate, known as baking soda, is effective for cleaning produce because it's alkaline. When mixed with water, it forms a basic solution with a higher pH. Many common pesticides become unstable in an alkaline environment and break down. This process, along with washing and rinsing, helps remove pesticide molecules from the waxy surfaces of fruits and vegetables. It works well on non-polar pesticides stuck in the waxy coating. Baking soda's mild abrasiveness also helps dislodge residues without harming the produce.

The Landmark UMass Study on Apple Pesticide Removal

A 2017 study from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, significantly increased awareness of using baking soda to clean produce. Researchers applied two common pesticides to organic apples and washed them using three methods: a commercial bleach solution, tap water, and a baking soda solution. The baking soda solution was found to be the most effective in removing surface residues of both pesticides. The study showed that a 12-15 minute soak in a 1% baking soda solution (about one teaspoon per two cups of water) removed nearly all of the two tested surface pesticides. This demonstrated its superiority over standard washing methods. You can find more information about the study via the authoritative link provided at the end of this article.

Limitations of a Baking Soda Wash

While good for surface residues, a baking soda wash has limitations:

Systemic Pesticides: It cannot remove systemic pesticides absorbed by the plant.
Deeply Embedded Residue: Some pesticides can penetrate the skin and won't be fully removed by washing. Peeling is necessary for these.
Delicate Produce: Long soaking can damage delicate items like berries.
Varying Effectiveness: Results can vary depending on the pesticide and produce type.

How to Wash Produce with a Baking Soda Solution

To wash sturdy produce:

Prepare: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of cold water.
Soak: Submerge produce for 12-15 minutes.
Scrub (Optional): Gently scrub produce with tough skins.
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
Dry: Pat dry with a clean cloth.

Baking Soda vs. Other Produce Cleaning Methods


Cleaning Method	Effectiveness on Surface Pesticides	Effect on Taste	Safety	Cost
Baking Soda Wash	High (scientifically proven for some)	None, if rinsed well	Very safe, food-grade	Very Low
Plain Water	Moderate (removes some surface dirt)	None	Very safe	Very Low
Vinegar Wash	Less effective on certain pesticides than baking soda	Can leave residual taste	Safe, but less effective for pesticide removal	Low
Commercial Washes	Mixed (often no more effective than water)	None	Variable, FDA advises against	High
Peeling	Highest (removes systemic pesticides in skin)	Alters taste and removes nutrients	Safe, but sacrifices nutrients	N/A

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Baking Soda and Pesticides

Baking soda is a safe, cheap, and effective way to reduce surface pesticide residues on produce, especially on those with tougher skins. However, it doesn't remove systemic pesticides. For maximum reduction, combine a baking soda wash with peeling, particularly for produce known to have high residue levels. While conventionally grown produce is regulated, using a baking soda wash is a simple step for added food safety.

Authoritative Link

For more information on the effectiveness of washing agents, see the original research: Effectiveness of Commercial and Homemade Washing Agents in Removing Pesticide Residues on and in Apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard recommendation is to mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water. You can adjust this ratio proportionally for larger batches.

For optimal results, soak produce for 12 to 15 minutes. This timeframe was shown to be most effective for removing surface pesticides in the UMass study.

It is best for firm produce with non-porous skins, like apples and potatoes. For delicate items like berries, a shorter soak or rinse is advised to prevent damage to the texture.

No, a baking soda wash is only effective on surface residues. It cannot remove systemic pesticides that have penetrated and been absorbed into the produce's flesh.

No, studies indicate that a baking soda solution is more effective at breaking down and removing pesticide compounds from surfaces compared to a vinegar solution.

Yes, it is crucial to rinse the produce thoroughly under running water after soaking to remove any lingering baking soda or loosened pesticide residue.

Using a baking soda wash is a great way to reduce surface pesticides, but it doesn't remove systemic ones. If you want to avoid pesticide exposure as much as possible, buying organic is still the most comprehensive choice.

The FDA recommends rinsing produce under plain, cold running water and rubbing it with your hands or a brush. They advise against using household soaps or detergents.

When rinsed thoroughly, a baking soda wash will not alter the taste of your fruits or vegetables. The key is to ensure all residue is washed off completely.