Rinsing Produce

For most produce, rubbing them under water is the best way to remove pesticides.
Waxed items like apples may benefit from produce washes.

Rinsing your produce under running water appears to work just as well as mild detergents for removing pesticide residue and bacteria. If your fruits or vegetables are hardy enough, use light friction to rub away germs and pesticides. Washing produce in water can lower its bacterial count by tenfold. Some produce, however, like apples, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes have an edible wax coating, which protects them from bruising but can also trap pesticides and dirt underneath. For these items, a mild soap and water mix or ready-made produce wash can help remove the wax and whatever is trapped underneath.