How to Wash Mushrooms
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023
See a few specks of dirt on your portabellos? Here's how to wash mushrooms the right way according to our Test Kitchen pros.
Mushrooms are always in my refrigerator (and decorating every square inch of my home). I love how they add substance and savoriness to everything from my go-to wild rice soup to skillet pasta carbonara. Despite using all kinds of mushrooms in my kitchen, I will admit, I’m always asking myself how do you wash mushrooms?
To get to the bottom of this question, I decided I had to consult with the pros: the Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Here’s what they have to say about cleaning mushrooms.
How to Clean Most Mushrooms
The secret to learning how to wash mushrooms is to not wash them at all, according to our experts in the Test Kitchen. Getting them soaking wet is considered a big mushroom mistake.
“I typically wipe my shrooms off with a damp paper towel and call it a day,” says the Test Kitchen’s Josh Rink.
But what about the dirt? Well, it’s not dirt at all! “That ‘dirt’ you see on mushrooms purchased at the grocery store is actually growing medium—not soil,” explains Josh. “The growing medium is inoculated and ‘cooked’ to kill mold and bacteria so it is not unsafe.” You’ll see this same growing medium or peat in mushroom growing kits.
That means if you stir a little of that peat into your dish, it’s absolutely safe. It may cause your sauces to take on an earthier color, but overall won’t impact the flavor or texture of your dish.
Use this method with cultivated mushrooms like:
- Button mushrooms
- Crimini mushrooms
- Enoki
- Oyster mushrooms
- Portobellos
- Shiitake
If the mushrooms you purchased are really really dirty—more than what can be handled with a damp towel or mushroom brush—rinse them very quickly under cool water and pat dry.
How to Wash Foraged Mushrooms
The above method works for most, but not all mushrooms. If you’re at the farmers market and spot foraged mushrooms like chanterelles, you’ll want to clean them differently.
Shannon Norris in the Test Kitchen recommends dunking these mushrooms into a saltwater bath. Agitate the mushrooms a bit in the bath to shake loose any specks of dirt or critters. Then move the mushrooms to a clean dishtowel to dry completely.
Use this method with the following types of mushrooms:
- Chanterelles
- Hen-of-the-woods (AKA maitake)Â
- Lion’s mane
- Morels
- Other foraged varieties
Why You Don’t Want to Get Mushrooms Wet
So why is everyone so hesitant to get mushrooms wet? It’s because of the texture of these fungi. Mushrooms absorb moisture incredibly well.
If the mushrooms are saturated with water before they go into your recipe, they won’t soak up as much of those delicious cooking liquids and sauces. Also, “getting mushrooms wet makes the browning process more difficult,” explains Josh.
The bottom line is to avoid water as much as possible with cultivated mushrooms and to rinse your foraged finds quickly and carefully.
Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
At my house, we love all types of mushrooms! We use plenty in this quiche and add asparagus for color in this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Grilled Mushroom Kabobs
Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the savory side. Before you grill, make sure you learn how to wash mushrooms the right way. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta 
Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup
My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. It's now one of our favorite mushroom recipes and we share it with all our loved ones. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey 
Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario 
Mushroom Marsala with Barley
This vegetarian recipe is a tasty mashup of chicken Marsala and mushroom barley soup. It's terrific as a main dish, but it can also be served, with or without the barley, as a side. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois 
Chili-Lime Mushroom Tacos
I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas 
Portobello Risotto with Mascarpone
Portobello mushrooms add a beefy flavor to this creamy classic. Each serving is topped with soft, buttery mascarpone cheese, which makes it extra special. —Carmella Ryan, Rockville Centre, New York 
Mushroom and Brown Rice Hash with Poached Eggs
I made my mother's famous roast beef hash healthier by using cremini mushrooms instead of beef and brown rice instead of potatoes. It's ideal for a light main dish. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia 
Portobello Mushroom and Cream Cheese Taquitos
This party appetizer was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified it a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. The taquitos can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia 
Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper
This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah 
Air-Fryer Turkey and Mushroom Potpies
I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia 
Swiss Mushroom Loaf
I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It's excellent not only as an appetizer but also as a side for pasta or chili. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin Meaty Mushroom Chili
Since our two daughters did not like beans in their chili, I adapted a recipe to suit our whole family's tastes. We all agree that mushrooms are an appealing alternative and go very well with the ground beef and sausage. —Marjol Burr, Catawba, Ohio Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida Dutch Oven Pizza
We created this Dutch oven pizza to get more use out of our favorite piece of cookware. We couldn't believe how well it turned out! If you're not a mushroom fan, feel free to substitute different toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 
Porcini Mac & Cheese
This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia Mushroom Wild Rice
This is one of my favorite mushroom recipes from my mother. With only seven ingredients, it's quick to assemble in the morning before I leave for work. By the time I get home, mouthwatering aromas have filled the house. —Bob Malchow, Monon, Indiana
Dilled Mushroom Turnovers
My bite-sized mushroom pastries are hard to resist. For parties, I prep and freeze them ahead, then pop them into the oven when guests are on the way. —Isabella Michel-Clark, Sparks, Nevada 
Mushroom Panzanella
My fresh take on classic Italian bread salad pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia Mushroom Pasta Carbonara
I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal. —Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin 
Portobello Ropa Vieja
I created this version of a Mexican favorite for my family using meaty portobello mushrooms to mimic meat. Serve with rice to round out the meal. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois 
Chicken, Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California Pressure-Cooker Mushroom Pork Ragout
Savory, quickly made pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware. 
Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo
As a child, I wouldn’t eat veggies. As a parent, I try to include them in creative ways. I'm proud to say this eggplant sandwich is a hit with my son. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas Mushroom Palmiers
I found this recipe while working at a small-town museum in West Texas. It was the appetizer for a fundraiser a long, long time ago, and it’s still a huge hit at parties. Frozen puff pastry helps make it easy and impressive. The palmiers also freeze well. —Judy Lock, Panhandle, Texas
Mushroom Corn Chowder
Chock-full of veggies, ham and cheese in every spoonful, this thick, creamy chowder will take the chill off even the nippiest of fall evenings. Serve it with crusty French bread. —Elaine Krupsky, Las Vegas, Nevada Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
Here's a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic vinegar and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California Grilled Cheese and Mushroom Sandwich
Give your favorite grilled cheese sandwich a boost with the addition of earthy portobello mushrooms. This savory recipe takes this portobello mushroom sandwich into gourmet territory. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist 
Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake
I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I'd see at our monthly moms' meetings, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia 
Hash Brown Nests with Portobellos and Eggs
Hash browns make a fabulous crust for these individual egg quiches. They look fancy yet they're easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.—Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee 
Mushroom Swiss Burgers
This mushroom Swiss burger recipe is perfect to make on the stovetop or the grill. Heaping with mushrooms and the wonderful flavor of Swiss cheese, these burgers are a family favorite. —James Bowles, Ironton, Ohio 
The Best Sausage Pizzas
What makes this recipe unique is the slow overnight fermentation of the dough. The flour has time to hydrate and relax, which makes the dough so much easier to roll out! —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist 
Mushroom & Leek Strudel
This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota 
Tuscan Portobello Stew
Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin 
Chicken Loaf with Mushroom Gravy
Try a twist on traditional meat loaf with this chicken loaf that begins in the food processor. Here, ketchup is replaced with an easy mushroom sauce for a more upscale topping. —Keri Schofield Lawson, Brea, California
Favorite Marinated Mushrooms
This is a nice way to serve mushrooms as an appetizer, and it also makes a great side dish for any type of meat. Sometimes I add these marinated mushrooms to salads for extra flavor, too. —Brenda Snyder, Hesston, Pennsylvania 
Chicken Marsala en Croute
I love puff pastry and chicken Marsala, so I decided to combine the two. The result is a very special meal perfect for Sunday dinner or any special occasion. Be sure to keep the puff pastry chilled so it is easier to work with. —Lorraine Russo, Mahwah, New Jersey 
Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark 
Steakhouse Mushroom Casserole
This meatless mushroom casserole is one of my all-time favorites. Loaded with mushrooms and draped in a rich sauce, it's a home-style side dish that will have everyone scooping up seconds.—Rosemary Janz, Concord, North Carolina 
Portobello Mushrooms Florentine
A fun and surprisingly hearty breakfast dish packed with flavor and richness.
—Sara Morris, Laguna Beach, California
Chicken Merlot with Mushrooms
Slow cooked and savory, this dish is perfect for any night of the week, and is sure to become a staple in your home.–Shelli McWilliam of Salem, Oregon Parmesan Mushroom Tartlets
My easy tartlets loaded with a cheesy mushroom filling take advantage of refrigerated crescent roll dough. I think they’re best warm from the oven with a sprinkling of green onion.—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota 
Country Chuck Roast with Mushroom Gravy
This tender, savory roast practically melts in your mouth. It looks a bit complex, but the hands-free oven time makes it my go-to company recipe on a cold day. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida 
Lemony Mushroom-Orzo Soup for Two
Here's a versatile soup that works as an appetizer or as a side for a sandwich lunch. It's loaded with mushrooms and orzo pasta—and lemon livens up its mild flavor.—Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado All-Veggie Lasagna
People often tell me you can't call something "lasagna" if it doesn't have meat. Then they try my zucchini and mushroom lasagna and ask for the recipe. —Kim Bender, Aurora, Colorado 
Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Onion
Tender potato gnocchi are so delicious with sauteed mushrooms and onions. This is one of my family's go-to side dishes. —Kris Berezansky, Clymer, Pennsylvania Grilled Steak and Portobello Stacks
You don't need a special panini maker for these bistro-style sandwiches. They make take some time to prepare, but it's well worth it! —Judy Murphy, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho 
Shiitake and Manchego Scramble
This savory breakfast dish takes everyday scrambled eggs up a few notches. The rich flavor is so satisfying in the morning, and it's even better served with buttery toasted Italian bread. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Easy Salisbury Steak
This easy Salisbury steak recipe can be made in 25 minutes or made ahead and reheated with the gravy in the microwave. I often double the recipe and freeze a batch for busy nights. —Carol Callahan, Rome, Georgia 
Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
I used this recipe when I was in a culinary-arts program and had to prepare an entire buffet by myself. It’s an impressive party appetizer yet goes together so easily. —Amy Gaisford, Salt Lake City, Utah
