Inspect Before You Wash Before washing, check strawberries for visible signs of bugs, such as small black or white specks near the seeds or leaves. Inspect each berry thoroughly.
Soak in Salt Water Fill a bowl with cool water and add 1-2 teaspoons of salt. Submerge the strawberries and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This will draw out tiny insects hiding in the crevices.
Use a Vinegar Solution For added cleansing, mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water and soak the strawberries for 5 minutes. This helps kill bugs and remove pesticide residue.
Rinse Thoroughly After soaking, rinse the strawberries under cool, running water. Gently rub each berry with your fingers to dislodge any remaining bugs or dirt.
Dry Properly Place the rinsed strawberries on a clean towel or paper towels and pat them dry. This prevents mold from developing during storage.
Trim Leaves and Stems Bugs often hide near the leafy cap and stem. Trim these parts off if you’re especially concerned about thorough cleaning.
Freeze to Kill Hidden Bugs If you plan to use the strawberries for smoothies or desserts, freezing them is a great option. Freezing kills any remaining bugs and preserves the fruit for longer.