Choose Fresh, Firm Berries Pick berries that are firm and unbruised to ensure they stay fresh and last longer after cleaning.
Wash Right Before Eating Rinse berries only when you’re ready to eat or use them; washing them too early can make them spoil faster.
Use Cold Water Place berries in a colander and rinse them gently under cold running water to remove dirt and debris.
Try a Vinegar Solution for Extra Cleaning For a deeper clean, soak berries in a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for a few minutes to kill bacteria.
Rinse Thoroughly After a vinegar soak, rinse the berries again under cold water to remove any lingering vinegar taste.
Dry Gently with a Paper Towel Spread the berries on a clean paper towel and pat them dry to prevent moisture from causing mold.
Avoid Crushing During Cleaning Handle berries gently to maintain their shape and prevent bruising, especially with delicate varieties like raspberries.