Learning how to clean mushrooms properly is one of the most misunderstood steps in mushroom cooking. For years, home cooks were told a single rule: never wash mushrooms. Instead, you were supposed to delicately brush away dirt and avoid water at all costs.

The reality is more nuanced.

Modern culinary research and professional kitchen practice show that both washing and brushing mushrooms are valid cleaning methods—when used correctly. The key isn’t avoiding water entirely; it’s understanding when, why, and how to clean mushrooms without damaging their texture or flavor.

This guide explains exactly how to clean mushrooms, when to wash them, when to brush them, and what mistakes to avoid.

Why Knowing How to Clean Mushrooms Matters

Fresh mushrooms grow close to the ground and often carry bits of soil or growing medium. At the same time, mushrooms are about 90% water and have a porous structure, which means excess moisture can affect how they cook.

The goal of cleaning mushrooms isn’t to keep them dry forever—it’s to remove dirt while minimizing unnecessary moisture before cooking.

What matters most is:

• Timing (clean right before cooking)
• Method (wash vs. brush)
• Duration (never soak)

How to Clean Mushrooms: The Short Answer

If you’re wondering how to clean mushrooms properly, here’s the simplest rule:

• Brush mushrooms when they’re lightly dirty
• Wash mushrooms quickly when dirt or grit is visible

Both methods work. Problems arise only when mushrooms are soaked, left wet, or cleaned too far in advance.

How to Clean Mushrooms by Brushing

Brushing is best when mushrooms are mostly clean and only lightly soiled.

When to Brush Mushrooms

• The caps have a little surface dirt
• You’re working with delicate mushrooms
• You want to avoid adding surface moisture

How to Brush Mushrooms

• Use a soft mushroom brush, pastry brush, or dry paper towel
• Gently wipe dirt from the cap and stem
• Trim the very end of the stem if it’s dry or dirty

Brushing is quick and effective—but it won’t remove sand or soil lodged in crevices.

How to Clean Mushrooms by Washing

Despite old kitchen myths, washing mushrooms is safe when done correctly.

When to Wash Mushrooms

• Dirt or sand is clearly visible
• Mushrooms were grown outdoors or foraged
• Brushing smears dirt instead of removing it

How to Wash Mushrooms the Right Way

1. Place mushrooms in a colander
2. Rinse briefly under cold running water
3. Gently rub away dirt with your fingers
4. Shake off excess water
5. Pat dry immediately with a clean towel

A quick rinse adds minimal water, most of which evaporates during cooking.

What Research and Professional Kitchens Agree On

Tests by chefs and food scientists consistently show that briefly rinsed mushrooms do not absorb enough water to ruin texture or prevent browning.

What causes issues:

• Soaking mushrooms in water
• Washing mushrooms long before cooking
• Storing mushrooms after washing

Moisture left sitting on mushrooms—not the act of rinsing itself—is what leads to slime and poor results.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Mushrooms

If you want to master how to clean mushrooms, avoid these mistakes:

• ❌ Soaking mushrooms in a bowl of water
• ❌ Washing mushrooms before storing them
• ❌ Leaving washed mushrooms wet
• ❌ Using soap or produce wash

Always clean mushrooms right before cooking, not days ahead.

Does Cleaning Method Affect Flavor or Texture?

When mushrooms are cleaned properly:

• Flavor stays the same
• Texture remains firm
• Browning still happens

Mushrooms releasing water during cooking is normal—it’s part of their structure, not a result of rinsing.

How to Clean Different Types of Mushrooms

• Button, cremini, portobello: Brush or quick rinse
• Oyster mushrooms: Gentle brushing preferred; rinse only if gritty
• Shiitake: Brush caps; rinse only if necessary
• Wild mushrooms: Often require rinsing to remove grit

The Root & Cap Perspective

At Root & Cap, we believe good results come from understanding mushrooms, not fearing them.

If mushrooms are dirty, clean them.
If they’re clean, don’t overdo it.
And always dry them before they hit the pan.

Knowing how to clean mushrooms properly leads to better texture, better flavor, and less waste.

Bottom Line

Brushing works for lightly dirty mushrooms.
Washing is perfectly fine when mushrooms are gritty—as long as it’s quick and right before cooking.

Once you understand how to clean mushrooms, the process becomes simple, flexible, and stress-free.