How to Wash Grapes to Remove Dirt, Pesticides, and Other Residues

Prepping one of the most pesticide-prone fruits isn't hard—and it's not a task you should be skipping.

Someone washing grapes in a colander under a faucet — Credit:
Getty Images

Key Points

Washing grapes with running water—or a brief soak—meaningfully reduces dirt, pathogens, and pesticide residues.
A 20-second rinse works, but soaking grapes in baking soda or vinegar for up to 10 minutes boosts residue removal.
Skip soaps and produce washes, and remember that organic grapes need the same cleaning since washing lowers risks for all types.

Grapes are one of the most popular fruits in the produce aisle—and one of the most heavily scrutinized. They land in fourth place on the Environmental Working Group’s 2025 Dirty Dozen, a list of fruits and vegetables found to have the most pesticide residues. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid grapes altogether; instead, it’s a reminder to wash them well before eating. We spoke to a scientist from EWG to get the lowdown on how to wash grapes properly. It's not difficult, and it does make a difference.

Dayna de Montagnac, MPH, associate scientist at the Environmental Working Group

Why Washing Grapes Is Important

Experts want us to eat more produce. “Everyone should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as the benefits of a produce-rich diet outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure,” says Dayna de Montagnac, MPH, associate scientist at EWG. Grapes are sweet, juicy, and easy to eat. They're a handy snack and a food that often suits even the pickiest of eaters. So knowing how to wash grapes effectively is vital. “Washing produce, including grapes, is an important step consumers can take for overall food safety and to reduce exposure to pesticide residues.”

Only wash grapes when you’re ready to eat them: They’ll last longer in the refrigerator unwashed because additional moisture from washing will trigger faster spoilage.

Rinse, Soak, or Produce Wash?

Both rinsing and soaking grapes with regular tap water help remove dirt and reduce pesticide residues.

Rinsing

Rinsing is quick and easy, but a quick pass under the faucet won’t cut it. Rinse grapes under cool running water for at least 20 seconds. If you have the time, soaking—followed by a rinse—provides an extra layer of cleaning.

Soaking

Soaking may be more effective when you add either baking soda or vinegar—as research shows that these solutions can break down residues more efficiently. If you choose to soak, submerge grapes for 10–15 minutes (or no more than 10 minutes if using vinegar or baking soda so their flavor isn’t affected), then rinse thoroughly.

What Not to Use

Soaps, detergents, bleach, or commercial produce washes should be avoided, according to the FDA. “The efficacy of such products for cleaning produce remains in question,” de Montagnac says.

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Should You Wash Organic Grapes Differently?

No. “It’s a good practice to wash both your organic and conventional grapes, and they can be washed the same,” de Montagnac notes. Washing helps reduce pesticide residues and also lowers the risk of exposure to germs, regardless of how the grapes were grown. (Remember: Pesticides are also used on organically grown produce.)

Can You Tell If Grapes Are Clean?

Unfortunately, no. “It’s not possible to visibly determine the impact” of washing, says de Montagnac. Still, while washing may not remove every trace of pesticides, it does meaningfully reduce residues and the presence of dirt and pathogens. Any washing is better than none.