Home remedy to remove harmful chemicals from the vegetables

Here are a few effective home remedies to reduce pesticide and chemical residues from vegetables before consumption:

🥬 1. Salt Water Soak

• Add 1–2 tablespoons of salt to a large bowl of clean water.
• Soak the vegetables for 10–15 minutes.
• Rinse them well with fresh water.

Salt helps loosen surface residues and remove dirt/insects too.

🍋 2. Vinegar Solution

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water.
• Soak the vegetables for 10 minutes.
• Rub gently and rinse thoroughly.

Vinegar has acidic properties that help break down chemical residues and kill bacteria.

🫗 3. Baking Soda Wash

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 litre of water.
• Soak for 10–12 minutes and then rinse.

Baking soda is very effective in neutralizing most pesticide residues.

🌿 4. Turmeric + Salt Water (Traditional Method)

• Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder + 1 tablespoon salt to 1 litre of water.
• Soak the vegetables for 10 minutes, then rinse.

Turmeric has natural antimicrobial properties and can reduce surface toxins.

💦 5. Running Tap Water & Scrubbing

• For firm vegetables (cucumber, gourds, carrots, etc.), wash under running water while gently scrubbing with a brush.

It reduces around 75–80% of surface pesticides if done thoroughly.

✅ Pro Tip

Combine baking soda + vinegar (½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup vinegar in 2 litres of water) for tougher residues. But don’t soak delicate leafy greens for more than 3–4 minutes in this mix.