Food & Diet Baking soda for washing fruits and vegetables Baking soda is more effective than both Clorox bleach and tap water in removing pesticide residues from the surface of apples, a study found. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)