How to remove pesticides from lemons? Your complete guide to washing citrus

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a simple baking soda solution is highly effective at removing certain pesticides from the surface of produce. Learning how to remove pesticides from lemons and other fruits is an important step toward healthier eating and peace of mind.

Quick Summary

This guide provides effective and safe techniques for cleaning lemons, detailing the best DIY washes using baking soda or vinegar. It explains how to remove surface-level pesticides and the waxy coating, highlighting the importance of proper washing for both conventional and organic citrus.

Key Points

Use a baking soda soak: A 15-minute soak in a solution of baking soda and water is highly effective at removing most surface pesticides and wax.
Avoid using dish soap: The porous rind of a lemon can absorb chemical residues from dish soap, which are not safe for consumption.
Wash both conventional and organic lemons: Even organic produce can have dirt, bacteria, and natural pesticides that need to be washed away.
Scrub firm lemons with a brush: For lemons and other firm produce, a gentle scrub with a vegetable brush enhances the cleaning process.
Rinse thoroughly after soaking: Always rinse the lemons well under cold running water after soaking to remove any cleaning solution residue.
Peeling is the ultimate pesticide remover: The only way to remove pesticides that have penetrated the fruit is by peeling the skin, but a proper wash is sufficient for most uses involving the rind.

The Importance of Washing Lemons

Before we dive into the 'how,' let's understand the 'why.' Whether you're planning to zest the peel for a recipe, slice it for a garnish, or simply squeeze the juice, washing is a critical step. Even if you don't use the rind, cutting an unwashed lemon can transfer dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues from the surface to the edible flesh inside. Additionally, commercially sold lemons are often coated with a layer of wax to extend their shelf life and improve their appearance. This wax can trap residues and dirt, making a thorough cleaning necessary.

The Best DIY Lemon Washes

While a simple rinse under cold running water removes superficial dirt, several methods are far more effective at tackling wax and pesticides. Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before starting. Do not use dish soap, as porous rinds can absorb harmful residues from detergents.

1. The Baking Soda Soak This method is backed by a 2017 study and is widely considered one of the most effective for removing surface pesticides.

Fill a large bowl or clean sink with water.
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 2 cups of cold water.
Submerge the lemons and let them soak for 12 to 15 minutes.
For firm produce like lemons, use a clean vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface.
Rinse the lemons thoroughly under cold running water.

2. The Vinegar Solution Vinegar's acidity can help remove residues, though studies show it may be slightly less effective than baking soda for certain pesticides. A vinegar soak can also leave a faint taste on the produce if not rinsed well.

Create a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water.
Soak the lemons for about 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any vinegar taste.

3. The Hot Water Method for Wax Removal For stubborn wax coatings, hot water is an effective tool. A chef suggests a quick blanching technique.

Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Carefully place the lemons in a strainer or colander.
Pour the boiling water over the lemons for about 15 seconds.
Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Gently scrub with a vegetable brush to remove the loosened wax.

Conventional vs. Organic Lemons: What's the Difference?

When considering which lemons to buy, it's helpful to understand the distinctions between conventional and organic farming practices.

Conventional Lemons: These are grown using a wider range of synthetic pesticides. While the residue levels are monitored and regulated, non-organic citrus has been found to contain higher levels of certain fungicides. Conventional lemons are also nearly always coated in a wax layer.
Organic Lemons: Organic farming uses naturally-derived pesticides and follows stricter regulations regarding chemical use. However, this does not mean they are entirely pesticide-free. They also may be coated in natural waxes like beeswax. Washing organic lemons is still necessary to remove dirt, bacteria, and any approved organic pesticide residues.

Comparison of Lemon Washing Methods


Method	Effectiveness on Pesticides	Effectiveness on Wax	Taste Impact	Time Required	Overall Safety	Best For
Running Cold Water	Low to moderate	Low	None	~30 seconds	Very Safe	Basic cleaning, surface dirt removal
Baking Soda Soak	High for surface residues	High	Minimal, if rinsed	12-15 minutes	Very Safe	Most effective for deep cleaning conventional and organic lemons
Vinegar Soak	Moderate	Moderate	Possible residue taste	~10 minutes	Safe, if rinsed well	Light pesticide removal, general cleaning
Hot Water Blanch	High for surface residues	High for wax	None	~15 seconds + cooling	Safe	Removing stubborn wax, preserving zest flavor

A Final Note on Pesticide Removal

It is important to remember that no washing method is 100% effective. Peeling is the only way to remove pesticides that have been absorbed into the fruit's flesh. However, a proper wash can significantly reduce your overall exposure, especially when zesting or slicing. For those with a high concern for pesticide exposure, consider purchasing organic produce, especially if you plan to use the peel. For more detailed information on produce safety, the FDA offers a helpful guide on selecting and serving produce safely.(https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely)

Conclusion

While the sight of a shiny lemon is appealing, a deeper clean is necessary before it makes its way into your food or drink. By using a simple, cost-effective method like a baking soda soak, you can significantly reduce the amount of wax, dirt, and pesticide residues on the surface. For the best results, always combine soaking with a gentle scrub and a thorough rinse. Armed with this knowledge, you can enjoy your citrus with greater confidence in its cleanliness and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washing lemons in plain cold water for about 30 seconds can dislodge surface dirt and some residue, but it is not effective at removing the waxy coating or many pesticides.

You should not use dish soap because lemons have a porous rind that can absorb the soap's chemicals. These chemicals are not meant for consumption and can be harmful if ingested.

A vinegar and water solution can reduce pesticide residues. However, a baking soda soak is generally considered more effective, and the vinegar solution may leave a residual taste if not rinsed thoroughly.

Yes. Cutting an unwashed lemon can transfer dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residue from the rind to the fruit's interior via the knife blade. Always wash the fruit, even if you are only using the juice.

To remove the waxy coating, you can either use a hot water blanching technique or a baking soda soak. A gentle scrub with a vegetable brush will help loosen the wax for removal.

No. Organic farming uses different, often naturally-derived, pesticides and follows stricter regulations, but organic produce is not entirely pesticide-free. Washing organic lemons is still recommended.

Most commercial produce washes are considered safe for food and may be more effective than water alone, but a simple baking soda soak is a very effective and inexpensive homemade alternative.