How to Wash Off Pesticides (And What Everyone’s Doing Wrong).

You’re probably rinsing your fruits and veggies with tap water and thinking they’re clean. They’re not. Here’s what actually works — backed by science.

🚫 The Problem: Pesticides Are on Almost Everything

Even organic produce can have residue from drift, post-harvest sprays, or contaminated soil. And conventional produce? Loaded.

🧪 A USDA study found that over 70% of conventionally grown produce had detectable pesticide residues—even after washing.

And here’s the kicker:
A quick rinse with tap water does almost nothing.

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🧂 What Doesn’t Work:

• Just water 🚫

• Apple cider vinegar alone 🚫

• “Organic veggie wash” sprays full of “natural flavors” or fake fragrances 🚫

• Lemon juice? Looks cute. Doesn’t cut it. 🍋❌

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🧠 Why Pesticides Are a Bigger Deal Than You Think

You can’t see them. You can’t taste them. But they’re disrupting your body every single day. Here’s what the science says:

🚨 Top 5 Harms of Consuming Pesticides:

1. Hormone Disruptors (Especially in Kids + Women)

Many pesticides are classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they mimic or block natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
🔁 This can lead to:

• Irregular periods

• Infertility

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Early puberty in children

• Fatigue and weight gain

2. Gut Microbiome Damage

Your gut bacteria — the ones that regulate immunity, digestion, and even your mood — are very sensitive to pesticides.

🚫 Glyphosate (used in Roundup) is patented as an antibiotic, and it kills beneficial gut flora, which can lead to:

• Bloating, gas, constipation

• Leaky gut

• Food sensitivities

• Mood swings and brain fog

3. Neurotoxicity

Pesticide exposure is linked to:

• ADHD and learning disabilities in children

• Increased risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

• Memory problems, depression, and anxiety

🧠 “Prenatal and early life exposure to organophosphate pesticides has been associated with decreased IQ and cognitive deficits.” – NIH

4. Cancer Risk

Several common pesticides (e.g. glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, atrazine) are either classified as probable carcinogens or have been linked to cancer in humans and animals.
🧬 Risk increases with long-term low-level exposure — aka the tiny amounts you eat daily if you don’t wash produce well.

5. Fertility & Reproductive Issues

Studies have linked pesticide exposure to:

• Decreased sperm quality and count

• Miscarriage

• Pregnancy complications

• Birth defects

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👶 Kids Are More Vulnerable

Because children eat more food per pound of body weight and their organs are still developing, they’re at higher risk from even trace pesticide exposure.

🍎 One study showed that switching children to an organic diet for just 5 days almost completely eliminated pesticide metabolites in their urine. (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2006)✅

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✅ What Does Work — Ranked by Effectiveness:

1. Baking Soda + Water Soak (BEST)

• 💡 Harvard and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry both found a baking soda solution removes 96%+ of surface pesticides.

• How to do it:

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 2 cups filtered water

  • Soak produce for 12–15 minutes, then rinse.

This outperforms vinegar and even commercial veggie washes.

2. Peel When Possible (but that’s not always the move)

• Good for cucumbers, apples, etc.

• But: you lose fiber, antioxidants, and flavor.

3. Use Alkaline Water with a High pH (if you have access)

• Studies show alkaline water can denature certain pesticides, especially fungicides.

• Brands like Kangen are used in hospitals for this reason

  

• Not accessible to everyone, but a good upgrade if you’re committed.

4. Vinegar Soaks (Better than Nothing)

• ACV helps reduce some bacteria, but less effective for pesticide removal.

• Add salt for extra antimicrobial power.

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🧠 Pro Tip: What to Soak (And What Not To)

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⚠️ Hidden Danger: Pesticides On Organic Too

Yes, even organic foods are sprayed (just with “natural” pesticides like pyrethrins, which can still irritate your gut and hormones).
Don’t skip the wash—even if it’s organic.

🚫 What Is Apeel and Why Is It On Organic Produce?

🥑 Apeel = “Edible” Produce Coating

Apeel is a synthetic, wax-like coating applied to fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life by sealing in moisture and slowing oxidation. It was created by a Bill Gates–funded company and is now being used on avocados, cucumbers, apples, lemons, limes, mangos, and more — including organic produce.

🧪 It’s marketed as “plant-based,” but don’t be fooled — it’s not a clean ingredient.

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⚠️ Why You Don’t Want Apeel on Your Produce

1. It Creates a Chemical Barrier You Can’t Wash Off

Apeel is designed to be resistant to washing, scrubbing, and water — so if it’s on your food, you’re eating it.

2. It Contains Synthetic Solvents + Preservatives

Apeel products may contain:

• Monoglycerides & diglycerides (often contaminated with trans fats)

• Citric acid (usually from GMO mold)

• Sodium benzoate (can convert to benzene — a carcinogen — in certain conditions)

And since Apeel is considered GRAS (“Generally Recognized As Safe”), it doesn’t require full labeling of these components.

3. It’s Approved for Organic Use… But Doesn’t Belong

The USDA has allowed Apeel on certified organic produce — but many consumers (and organic purists) oppose this loophole. Why?

Because it undermines the idea of truly clean, unprocessed food. Organic should mean minimal intervention — and Apeel is highly processed.

4. It’s New and Understudied

There are no long-term human studies on consuming Apeel regularly.
Many health-conscious experts raise concerns about gut health, hormonal disruption, and accumulation over time.

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🧼 How to Avoid Apeel-Coated Produce:

• Look for stickers or packaging that say “Apeel” or “Edipeel” — especially on organic avocados and cucumbers.

• Shop at farmers markets or small grocers where produce turns over quickly and isn’t coated for shelf life.

• Peel your produce if you suspect it’s coated (but you’ll lose fiber and nutrients).

• Buy frozen organic (no coating needed and flash-frozen at peak freshness).

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🛒 Want to Go One Step Further?

I created a printable PDF cheat sheet with:

• The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen updated for 2025

• My go-to fruit & veggie wash routine

• Clean produce brands + the filter I use on my kitchen sink

👉 Click below to get the guide - for paid subscribers only.