It is important to clean all produce before eating it to remove dirt, chemicals, and bacteria that may be present on the surface. Here are some ways to clean fruits and vegetables:

• Baking soda and cold water: Use a cold water soak with baking soda to effectively help remove dirt, chemical residue, and other unwanted materials from your fresh vegetables and fruits. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water, wash and sanitize your kitchen sink, and submerge the fruit or vegetables in the baking soda water. Let soak for 12 to 15 minutes, swish the produce around in the water or push it down several times to ensure all sides of the produce is being cleaned, and rinse with cold water.

• White vinegar and salt: Soaking in diluted white vinegar is a great way to reduce bacterial and fungal contamination. Add 1 1/3 cup vinegar and 1 tbsp salt to a bowl of water, soak thin-skinned produce (like berries and leafy greens) for 5 minutes and firm-skinned (like apples and squash) for 10 minutes, then rinse under running water. Fill a large bowl partway with 4 cups of water and let it sit to let any remaining dirt come off and float to the surface.

• Vinegar water: Add a generous splash of white vinegar to warm water and let fruits and vegetables soak for 15 minutes. Rinse really well with cool water. The water always looks pretty gross after soaking so it seems to do something.

• Running water: Hold produce under a steady stream of cold tap water and run your fingers gently down the sides to loosen dirt and bacteria. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria.

It is important to note that the FDA does not recommend washing produce with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash, as it may leave additional residues.