EWG’s guide to washing produce

Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them helps reduce the amount of pesticide residue on produce and improves overall food safety.

For this guide, EWG scientists reviewed dozens of peer-reviewed studies to help determine the efficacy of four common methods of washing: rinsing with tap water, soaking with tap water, or soaking with a solution of either baking soda or vinegar in water. 
 

We’re in this together

Donate today and join the fight to protect our environmental health.

Donate
Topics
Learn about these issues
Vegetables at grocery store

Food & Water

Everyone deserves access to safe and clean food and water. We push for tougher regulations to keep our food and water safe.
Radishes

Food

Where does your food come from? What’s on it? Pesticides are sprayed on millions of acres and may end up on your food. Federal farm subsidies encourage overproduction of the wrong foods. EWG works for farming that produces healthy food in a healthy environment.

Pesticides

Millions of people rely on EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce to reduce their exposure to toxic synthetic pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. The alternative is buy organic.

Toxic chemicals

Toxic Chemicals

Chemical companies aren't required to test chemicals for safety before they go on the market. We offer resources to help you make better, safer decisions.