Does washing conventional fruits and vegetable get rid of pesticides?

Washing conventional fruits and vegetables may reduce the amount of pesticides they contain, but does not eliminate the pesticides altogether. Some pesticides are absorbed inside the fruit or vegetable, resistant to any amount of washing or peeling.

Further proof that washing fruits and vegetables does not eliminate pesticides is that pesticides were found in washed and ready-to-eat produce tested by the Environmental Working Group.

Don’t turn to soap to scrub off those pesky pesticides. Experts recommend using plenty of fresh, drinkable water and a vegetable brush to reduce pesticides as well as bacteria. Even mild detergents may be difficult to remove and may add to the residue on your food.

No matter which way you look at it, eating organic is the best way to remove pesticides from your diet.