Strawberries will be fresh for longer if they're washed with 1 household item

It's the perfect season for strawberries, but if you're picking up a punnet of these sweet treats, you need to wash them properly. Strawberries can be sprayed with pesticides which can leave a nasty taste in your mouth.

If you prefer organic strawberries, they can still need washing. This is because they can have soil, bugs or just residue from being handled on them if they haven't been sprayed. By washing them properly you can make your berries last longer in the fridge.

Whilst some people use white vinegar to clean their fruit, this can make the berries taste off if they're not rinsed properly. There is a much better way to wash strawberries that will clean them thoroughly without leaving an odd taste - and you likely already own it.

This secret ingredient is baking soda. Baking soda can remove pesticide residue and gently clean your fruit without disrupting their flavour.

How to use it

• Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in several cups of cool clean water.
• Add the mixture to a large bowl, then pour your strawberries into the bowl.
• Using your hands, gently swish the strawberries through the baking soda and water mixture.
• Let them soak for around 5 minutes, then rinse the strawberries clear of any baking soda residue.
• Pat them dry with a paper towel and store in the fridge.

It's important to keep your fruit dry and in the fridge to prevent mould growth.

If you're not planning on eating them immediately, wait to wash your berries and just keep them in the fridge in their original containers.

Once washed and dried, transfer them to a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.