USDA-funded researchers determined the most efficient way to reduce pesticides on fruits and vegetables. They doused apples with two common pesticides and then washed them with either tap water, an EPA-approved bleach produce wash or a solution of baking soda. The baking soda solution recipe was one teaspoon for every two cups of water.
Soaking the apples in the baking soda solution got rid all of the pesticides within 15 minutes. Neither of the other two methods were as effective. If you choose to use tap water alone it is essential that you rub the fruit under the tap water for at least 30 seconds. A quick rinse does nothing useful.