How to Clean Mushrooms Properly (Without Ruining Them)

You may have heard mushrooms should never be washed, only wiped with a damp cloth. This is slightly overstated — a quick rinse under cold running water is fine, as long as you dry them immediately and don't let them soak.

Soaking is the real problem: mushrooms absorb water like a sponge, which waterlogs them and stops them browning properly when cooked, leading to a soggy rather than seared texture.

The practical method: rinse briefly under cool water right before cooking, pat dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel, then cook immediately. Don't wash mushrooms in advance and store them wet — that's what actually shortens their shelf life.