The right way to wash apples with baking soda

A quick, natural way to remove dirt, wax, and pesticide residue.

Apples look so fresh and delicious at the grocery store—with those shiny, smooth exteriors and bright colors. But that glossy surface is often the result of a thin wax coating, which can actually hide dirt and traces of pesticides. Rinsing with water won’t remove these all of these residues, but luckily, a certain pantry staple can: baking soda. This gentle, affordable cleaner helps scrub away unwanted buildup without leaving behind any chemical aftertaste.

In this guide, we’ll talk you through the process of washing apples with baking soda so you and your family can safely enjoy every bite.

Why It’s Important To Wash Apples

Even the freshest-looking apples can carry more dirt, bacteria, and residues than you think. During harvesting, packing, transport, and display, apples come into contact with multiple surfaces, and to help maintain their appearance and freshness, they’re coated with a thin layer of wax. While the wax locks in moisture and extends the shelf life of the apples, it also seals in pesticides and other contaminants.

Thorough washing removes these so you can enjoy cleaner, safer fruit—especially if you love to eat your apples without peeling them first.

Why Baking Soda Is An Effective Cleaner

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural abrasive that can gently scrub away surface residues like dirt, wax, and pesticide residue without damaging the delicate skin of fresh apples.

But does it really work? A 2017 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that soaking apples in a baking soda solution for 12 to 15 minutes removed up to 96% of one pesticide (phosmet) and 80% of another (thiabendazole)—outperforming plain water and bleach washes. Unlike soap or detergent—which authorities like the CDC and FDA advise against using—baking soda is food-safe and won’t leave a chemical taste behind.

Step-by-Step Guide To Washing Apples With Baking Soda

To wash your apples with baking soda, follow these simple steps:

• Prepare the soaking solution: Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda per 2 cups of cold water in a large bowl. Stir to dissolve.
• Soak the apples: Add the apples and let them soak for 12 to 15 minutes to give the residues time to break down.
• Scrub gently: Use a soft produce brush or a clean kitchen cloth to scrub off any remaining coating or residue.
• Rinse: Rinse the apples thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and any leftover baking soda.
• Dry and store: Pat the apples dry with a clean towel or paper towel before eating or storing.

Short on time? Even a brief soak of 10 to 20 seconds before gently scrubbing can help, though it’s less effective than the full soak.

Tips For The Best Results

For the best results when washing apples with baking soda, keep these pro tips from our Test Kitchen in mind:

• Use cold water: To maintain the crisp texture of the apples.
• Don’t overcrowd the apples: Use a large bowl or container to give the apples space to move around.
• Gentle scrubbing: Scrub gently to avoid bruising the fruit.
• Dry completely: If storing the apples to enjoy later, make sure to dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture that could lead to quicker spoilage.

How To Store Apples After Washing

After cleaning, the washed apples should be dried thoroughly to keep them from spoiling more quickly. Store in a perforated produce bag to maintain good airflow, and place into the crisper drawer. For the best texture, enjoy within a week after washing.

Read the original article on Southern Living