There are few things more satisfying than harvesting a basket of fresh produce from your own garden—or bringing home a colorful haul from the farmers’ market. Crisp apples, juicy peaches, plump strawberries, leafy greens, and vine-ripened tomatoes all deserve a place on your table. But before you take that first bite, there’s one important question: What’s the best way to wash fresh fruits and vegetables?

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, you’ve probably seen countless videos recommending everything from vinegar soaks to baking soda baths. Some people swear by one method, while others insist plain water is all you need. So, who’s right?

As it turns out, they all are—depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.

When Baking Soda Is the Better Choice

If your main concern is reducing pesticide residues, baking soda is your best friend.

Many common pesticides are slightly acidic, and baking soda is naturally alkaline. That simple chemical difference helps break down residues that may be clinging to the surface of your produce. While no washing method removes every trace of pesticides, studies have shown that baking soda can be remarkably effective on produce with edible skins.

It’s especially useful for:

• Apples
• Peaches
• Grapes
• Pears
• Nectarines

To make a baking soda wash:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 4 cups (1 liter) of water.
• Soak produce for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Stir occasionally to expose all surfaces.
• Rinse thoroughly under cool running water.

This method also does a nice job of loosening stubborn dirt hiding in tiny crevices.

Why Vinegar Has a Different Superpower

Vinegar doesn’t remove pesticides as effectively as baking soda, but it shines in another area: controlling bacteria and mold spores.

If you’ve ever opened a container of strawberries only to discover fuzzy mold a day or two later, vinegar may help slow that process. A quick vinegar soak can reduce surface mold spores that cause delicate fruits to spoil quickly.

It’s particularly helpful for:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries

To make a vinegar wash:

• Mix 1-part white vinegar with 3 parts water.
• Soak berries for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Rinse under cool running water for at least 60 seconds.

That final rinse is important. It removes the vinegar taste while leaving your fruit fresh and ready to enjoy.

Can You Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar?

It might seem like combining the two would give you the best of both worlds.

Unfortunately, chemistry has other ideas.

When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, they immediately react, producing bubbles of carbon dioxide. While it’s fun to watch, the reaction neutralizes both ingredients, leaving you with little more than salty water.

If you’d like the benefits of both, use them as two separate steps, not in the same bowl.

Don’t Underestimate Plain Water

Here’s something that may surprise you: according to food safety experts, you may not need either baking soda or vinegar for everyday washing.

Simply holding fruits and vegetables under cool running water while gently rubbing them with your hands for 15 to 20 seconds removes most dirt, bacteria, and a significant amount of water-soluble pesticide residue. For produce with firm skins, a clean vegetable brush can make the job even easier.

In fact, for homegrown vegetables that haven’t been treated with pesticides, a good rinse under running water is often all that’s necessary.

Skip the Soap

No matter which washing method you choose, avoid using dish soap, hand soap, or commercial household cleaners on fresh produce.

Fruits and vegetables are porous and can absorb soap residues, which aren’t intended to be eaten. Water, baking soda, and vinegar are all safer choices when used correctly.

A Simple Washing Routine

If you’re looking for an easy rule of thumb, try this:

• Garden vegetables: Cool running water is usually enough to remove soil and debris.
• Hard-skinned fruits: Use a baking soda soak when you’re concerned about pesticide residues.
• Delicate berries: Give them a quick vinegar bath to help reduce mold and extend freshness.
• Leafy greens: Separate the leaves and rinse thoroughly under cool water, gently swishing them to remove hidden dirt.

Fresh, Clean, and Ready to Enjoy

Whether your tomatoes came from your backyard, your blueberries came from a local farm, or your apples came from the grocery store, taking a few extra minutes to wash your produce is a simple habit that pays off.

The good news is there isn’t one perfect method for every fruit and vegetable. Baking soda excels at removing pesticide residues, vinegar helps reduce surface mold on delicate fruits, and plain running water remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to clean most produce.