The Claim: A Soap-and-Water Rinse Gets Produce Cleanest - New York Times

The Claim: A Soap-and-Water Rinse Gets Produce Cleanest - New York Times

"Scientists have found some effective household measures that can eliminate germs and pesticides. The simplest? Rinsing with tap water, which works as well as a mild soap solution or fruit and vegetable washes....

"Water temperature was not the key; friction was. "The mechanical action of rubbing the produce under tap water is likely responsible for removing pesticide residues," scientists wrote.

"For micro-organisms, try rinsing produce with a mild solution of vinegar, about 10 percent. In a 2003 study at the University of Florida, researchers tested disinfectants on strawberries contaminated with E. coli and other germs. They found the vinegar mixture reduced bacteria by 90 percent and viruses by about 95 percent."