How to Wash Apples with Baking Soda, According to Our Test Kitchen

It's time to break out the pie and tart recipes. As you seek out and stock up on your favorite types of apples for baking season, you may be well-versed on how to choose and store them—but knowing how to clean them is equally important. Whether you scored your apples from a tree in your backyard, an orchard, farmers market, or the supermarket, one of the most essential steps before you snack on or cook with the fruit is ensuring it’s free from dirt and as many pesticides as possible.

Yes, we know this might sound elementary. Just run the apples under cool tap water, right? Not so fast. There’s actually a better way to clean apples (and it’s not with produce wash). Our Test Kitchen and scientific research agree that this is the ultimate solution for how to wash apples.

Why You Should Wash Apples

Supermarket apples often appear spotless, but tests by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) show that these apples are often coated with an average of four different pesticides.

Before enjoying any produce, including types you might peel like bananas, the FDA recommends rinsing it well under cool running water. This helps remove dirt, bacteria, and as much fungicide and pesticide residue as possible. And, keep in mind that a tiny amount of pesticides can make their way into the outermost layer of the apple flesh.

"If you're worried about pesticide and fungicide residues on apples, consider peeling the skins before eating," says Sarah Brekke, M.S., Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen brand manager.

"However, it's still important to wash the apples first," she continues. "If you skip this step, the vegetable peeler or knife might transfer any surface contaminants to the flesh."  And if you peel the apples, you’ll be increasing your food-waste quota (compost is a good solution!) and sacrifice the vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and other health-boosting elements that are richest in apple skins. 

When and How to Wash Apples

After comparing basic tap water, another solution, and a baking soda soak, researchers found that our Test Kitchen’s go-to method for washing apples—with water and baking soda—was the most effective at removing the most pesticide residue. “Wash apples just before eating so that excess moisture doesn’t accelerate the spoilage process,” Brekke says.

To wash apples the science-backed Test Kitchen way:

Step 1: Prepare Baking Soda Mixture

Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of cold water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. If you're washing more apples, make a bigger batch to ensure there's enough room for the apples you'll use for snacking, cooking, or baking. Stir the mixture with a large spoon until the baking soda is fully dissolved. 

Step 2: Soak

Place the apples in the baking soda solution and let them soak for 12 to 15 minutes. 

Step 3: Scrub and Dry

With clean hands, take each apple out of the solution and rinse it under cool running water. Use a produce brush or a clean dishcloth to gently scrub away any residue on the skin. Then, dry each apple with a clean dish towel or paper towels. 

Do You Need to Wash Sliced Apples?

After slicing the apples, there's no need to wash the pieces again before eating. However, soaking apple slices in plain water or salt water can help prevent browning. Our Test Kitchen found this to be one of the best methods to keep apples from browning. "Soaking apple slices can help to slow the enzymatic browning process," Brekke notes. 

How to Tell if Apples Are Past Their Prime

If you notice any of these signs of spoilage in your apples, it's best to skip washing them and instead add them to the compost or discard them:

• Large bruised spots
• Wrinkled skin
• Leaking moisture
• Unpleasant odors