The best way to clean strawberries so that they’re safe to eat

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.WellnessHow to clean strawberries so that they’re safe to eat and stay fresh for daysWhile you can wash them with just water, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure that they’re really clean.July 21, 2026, 1:40 PM EDTCory FernandezCommerce EditorSkip to table of contentsProducts like vinegar and salad spinners are affordable and effective at cleaning strawberries.GettyStrawberries are one of those fruits that you can almost always expect to be in abundance at your local grocery store. But as much as stores handle and process strawberries and other fresh produce, they still need to be thoroughly washed and cleaned when you bring them home. This is particularly important with cases of cyclosporiasis rising in the United States. The illness, which is caused by a parasite (cyclospora) contracted from eating feces found on produce like lettuce, apples and, yes, strawberries, has severe symptoms including digestive issues like diarrhea.To avoid the risk of cyclosporiasis and to extend the shelf life of strawberries, I spoke to experts, including microbiologists and culinary instructors, to find the best way to clean strawberries and the most effective products to help do it. RelatedselectedselectedBeast blender review: A sleek, reliable appliance for creamy smoothies and dipsThe best way to clean strawberries, according to expertsWhile contracting an illness from eating fruit is a serious matter, it doesn’t mean you have to cut out all fruit. Washing your produce properly can help you avoid issues and, as a bonus, make your fruit last longer. There are a few different cleaning methods you can adopt for strawberries, which I outline in detail below based on advice I received from experts.Sort through the unwashed strawberries and toss out any that are visibly bruised, spoiled or moldy.If you aren’t eating the strawberri...