is it better to wash mushrooms or brush them while dry here at sunset we believe that since mushrooms grow in the rain then a little more water to get them clean won't hurt for regular button and cremini switch the mushrooms in a bowl of water and rub the dirt away as it's loosened set them on a kitchen towel to drain as you go for really stubborn dirt or mud that's kicked on you can also use a paper towel to wipe the dirt off clean gorgeous and delicate chanterelle mushrooms the same way being sure not to leave them in the water too long then after you've switched away the outer dirt use the point of a paring knife to carefully scrape and lift any dirt off the top of the mushroom and especially on the underside where dirt gets trapped in the gills and stuck to the stem set them on a kitchen towel to help absorb any extra water as you go again use a paper towel or soft napkin to wipe after and also to clean your knife as you work portabella mushrooms which are actually very large creminis can be quickly rinsed in water to remove dirt and dust from the smooth topside then turn the mushroom over and using a spoon scrape away the dark gills from the underside of the mushroom this way the gills won't turn slimy when they're cooked and they won't turn the rest of the dish black when pieces break off from here you can grill them whole for sandwiches or you can slice them into big chunks for stir-fries and salads if your recipe calls for any of these mushrooms now you know the best way to clean them for sunset magazine i'm amy macnack