Fruit and Vegetable Soak with Bicarbonate of Soda
A 12–15 minute bicarb soak cleans fresh produce more thoroughly than a quick rinse.
Takes 15 minutes
What you’ll need
- 1 tbsp Bicarbonate of Soda
- 500 ml Cold water
- Container/Bowl for mixing
- Soft-bristle Brush (optional)
Method
- Combine 1 tbsp of Bicarbonate of Soda with 500 ml of cold water in a container or bowl, stirring until it’s completely dissolved.
- Place your fruits and veggies into the bowl, letting them soak for 12-15 minutes. Give them a gentle swirl in the water or press them down occasionally to ensure every bit gets a good clean. For sturdier produce, use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub their surfaces.
- Once done, take the produce out, give it a thorough rinse, and let it dry completely before you start preparing or eating.
Helps remove surface dirt, wax and some pesticide residues from your produce.
Research on apples found that a bicarb soak removed more surface pesticide residue than plain water.
The science: Washing pesticide residues off apples (PubMed) →
Glass:
Despite being a mild abrasive cleaner, Bicarbonate of Soda has the potential to scratch glass and mirrors, so it‘s best to avoid using it on these surfaces.
Aluminium:
When using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean aluminium surfaces like pans, it can cause oxidisation over time, which turns the surface brown. If you must use Bicarbonate of Soda on aluminium pots and pans, make sure to rinse them immediately after.
Natural Stone:
Avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on natural stone surfaces like quartz, marble, and granite. Repeated use can damage the sealant and leave scratches on the stone.
Sealed Wood::
Bicarbonate of Soda can damage or wear away the finish or sealant on wood furniture, leaving a dull appearance, so it‘s best to avoid using it on wooden surfaces.
Antique Silver:
While Bicarbonate of Soda can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, it‘s too abrasive and can cause it to lose its patina and tarnish more quickly over time.
Gold-Plated Items::
Gold is a soft metal, so using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean gold-plated utensils or dishes can scratch and ruin the finish. Prolonged use can cause the plating to wear off, so it‘s best to avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on these items.
Store Bicarbonate of Soda sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
While Bicarbonate of Soda is generally considered a very safe cleaning agent, it is always a good idea to wear rubber gloves if you have highly sensitive skin to prevent dryness. Alternatively, rinse your hands thoroughly after use and avoid contact with your eyes as it can cause redness.
Quick questions
Leafy greens?
Yes, with a shorter soak, then rinse.
Do I still need to rinse?
Yes, always rinse well in clean water afterwards.
Try this next: Deodorise Sponges and Cloths →
