On Tuesday, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of 12,000 pounds of organic bulk blueberries which was distributed by Alma Pal International LLC. According to the agency, the blueberries have been tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacteria known to cause foodborne illness.READ: FDA Recalls Blueberries Over Listeria Risk Ahead of July 4th FestivitiesAmid all this, one question that concerns many is how to wash blueberries the right way? While water alone can remove debris, food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., says, as reported in marthastewart.com that it is not enough to eliminate pathogens or pesticide residue. However, there are tips and tricks that can remove such residue. For this, your household staples like white vinegar or baking soda can work. Vinegar's low pH makes it very effective at dissolving certain pesticide residues and inhibiting bacterial growth. Baking soda too works well when it comes to neutralizing bacteria through its alkaline nature. However, it may leave a bitter residue if it is not rinsed properly.Also Read: Healthier Popcorn Alternatives You Can Try For Your July 4 Movie Nights Why Isn't It Enough To Just Rinse Blueberries With Water?Simply rinsing blueberries with water may wash away visible dirt, but it’s not enough to tackle bacteria, mold, or pesticide residues. According to Le, using vinegar or baking soda is more effective, as both alter the pH of the berry’s surface—creating an environment that disrupts microbial growth and helps extend shelf life better than neutral water.Washing Trick: Why Do Baking Soda and Vinegar Work?Baking SodaAs an alkaline cleaner, baking soda is effective against a different range of bacteria. However, it may leave a slightly bitter residue if not rinsed off thoroughly.VinegarWhite distilled vinegar is ideal for cleaning produce. Its acidity helps break down certain pesticides—especially those with a basic pH—and inhibits bacterial growth. “It’s the pH that matters, not the vinegar type,” says Dr. Le. Apple cider vinegar works too, but white vinegar is more affordable and equally effective.How To Clean Blueberries The Right Way?For vinegar wash, follow these steps:Start with mixing 3 parts cold water to 1 part white vinegar. Use a large bowl to mix properly. Now, add blueberries and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Wash your hands and then you can then wash the blueberries thoroughly, rub it with your hands to help loosen debris. Once done, drain the water and wash the blueberries again with running cold water to remove any vinegar residue Dry completely on a clean dish towel or paper towel before you store it in the refrigerator. For baking soda wash, follow these steps:In a large bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 cups of cold water. Stir well until fully mixed.Gently add the blueberries to the solution and let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps loosen dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues.Drain the berries and rinse them well under cool running water to remove any remaining baking soda.Spread the blueberries out on a clean dish towel or paper towels and pat them dry. Let them air dry completely before storing in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth.Note: Make sure you do not soak the blueberries for longer than 15 minutes. Food scientist warns that the skin can begin to degrade if the blueberries are soaked for too long and it can cause flavors to dissolve in the cleaning solution.