Best Way to Clean Fruits and Vegetables with Baking Soda at Home

I grew up watching my mom clean fruits and vegetables with baking soda, but back then I never thought it was a big deal. It was just something she did. Everything changed around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I started to be more mindful and pay closer attention to everyday habits. Maybe it wasn’t only because of COVID, but also because I had a toddler at that time. Suddenly, everything carried a different meaning and level of importance. With motherhood came a stronger sense of responsibility, and the small things—like how we wash our food—started to matter much more.

Why are people using baking soda now 🥦?

Washing fruit with baking soda is trending, especially on TikTok and parenting/health blogs. The trend started after studies showed that a baking soda solution can remove certain pesticide residues from produce surfaces better than water alone. For example, soaking apples in baking soda for 12–15 minutes removed more pesticide residue than a quick rinse with water.

As baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is slightly alkaline, it can help break down certain pesticide residues that sit on the surface of produce—especially on apples, grapes, cucumbers, and similar skins. This is the main reason it became popular in washing trends.

Important detail: it only works on the surface. It does not remove chemicals or contaminants that are inside the fruit or vegetable tissue.

What experts actually say?

• Plain running water is still the standard recommendation.
• Baking soda may remove some pesticides, but it:
  • doesn’t kill bacteria or viruses
  • doesn’t remove pesticides that have already entered the fruit
  • can damage delicate fruits if used too long

So it’s helpful in certain situations — but not required.

When baking soda washing makes sense?

Use it if you:

• • are washing produce you eat with the peel (apples, grapes, strawberries)
  • are concerned about pesticide exposure (for kids, pregnancy, etc.)
  • bought non-organic produce and want an extra step

For everyday fruits and veggies, a good rinse is usually enough.

How to do it correctly?

Recipe used in studies:

• • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups water
  • Soak 12–15 minutes
  • Rinse well afterward

Important:

• Don’t soak berries too long (they get mushy)
• Always rinse after soaking

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