Mushrooms are a hotly debated food. While some people hate even the thought of them, others love any and every type of mushroom. If you're wondering, Ree Drummond is firmly on Team Mushroom. She once proclaimed that they "are one of my most favorite foods of all time." (Never ask her about bananas, though!)

If you're like the Pioneer Woman herself, you probably have mushrooms stored already as you scroll through lists of mushroom recipes to get the most out of the versatile fungi. But that leads to an even more controversial debate: Should you wash mushrooms before using them? You'd figure it would be an easy lesson you learn in Mushroom 101, but there's still a lot of discourse around the topic.

The main point of contention is that moisture can make mushrooms slimy (ew!) and can make them difficult to brown if they are wet. But on the other hand, they are often covered in dirt when you get them home (also ew). So what's a home cook to do? Read on to find out the best way to clean mushrooms.

Should You Wash Mushrooms?

Long story short: You should clean your mushrooms, but it's up to you whether you want to wash them or not. According to the Mushroom Council (yes, that's a thing): "Mushrooms can be cleaned with a wet paper cloth or towel" to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a mushroom brush, which will be more delicate. The USDA agrees with both of these options.

But hold on! The council further advises that "it is okay to quickly rinse with cool water―just make sure to dry them off prior to cooking." If you find your mushrooms are particularly dirty, this might be a helpful step. Cultivated mushrooms sold in a store will most likely need less work, but foraged mushrooms will benefit from an extra rinse.

Also, keep in mind that some mushrooms are more absorbent than others. Mushrooms with exposed gills (think: portobellos and shiitakes) will absorb more moisture, so you might want to brush them rather than rinse. For mushrooms without exposed gills (like button mushrooms), a rinse might be the easier way to go.

The Best Way to Wash Mushrooms

If you're still a firm believer in washing your mushrooms no matter what or just have particularly dirty 'shrooms, there are some guidelines to follow so they don't break down and start to get slimy:

  • Do not soak your mushrooms. Place them in a colander and give them a quick rinse under cool water.
  • Dry your mushrooms right away. Place them on dry paper towels or a clean kitchen down and pat them down. You can also use a salad spinner to help remove excess moisture.
  • Wash full mushrooms. To avoid extra moisture being absorbed, wash and dry your mushrooms before slicing them.
  • Use washed mushrooms right away. Clean them right before you use them, whether that means cooking or freezing mushrooms.