Remove any mushy, moldy, or bruised berries before washing to prevent spreading spoilage.
Place the berries in a colander and rinse them gently under cold, running water — avoid hot water, which can soften them.
Never soak berries in water, as they absorb moisture and can become mushy or spoil faster.
For extra cleaning, mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water, soak berries for 1-2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove bacteria and pesticide residue.
Let the water drain through the colander and give it a light shake to remove surface moisture.
Lay the berries on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and pat them dry carefully to avoid bruising.
Place the dry berries in a container lined with paper towels and leave the lid slightly open, or use a produce container designed for airflow to keep them fresh longer.