How To Properly Clean Cilantro

You can properly clean cilantro with just cold water, a salad spinner, and a few minutes of your time.
 
Whether you call it cilantro or coriander, this herb is famous for its bright, citrusy flavor that can make or break a dish.
 
But here’s the thing: cilantro grows close to the ground, which means it’s often covered in dirt, sand, and sometimes even tiny bugs.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to properly clean cilantro without bruising the delicate leaves, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to properly clean cilantro, from a quick rinse to a deep soak, plus how to dry and store it so it stays fresh for days.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Need to Properly Clean Cilantro

Cilantro is one of those herbs that really benefits from a thorough wash.
 
Here’s why properly cleaning cilantro matters so much:
 

1. Cilantro Grows Low to the Ground

Cilantro grows in dense, low clumps, which means soil, sand, and grit easily splash onto the leaves and stems.
 
That’s why you have to properly clean cilantro before you chop it, otherwise you’re basically sprinkling dirt into your salsa.
 

2. Pesticides and Chemicals Linger on the Leaves

Unless you’re buying certified organic cilantro, there’s a good chance it’s been sprayed with pesticides.
 
Rinsing alone won’t always remove those residues, which is another reason to properly clean cilantro with a more careful method.
 

3. Hidden Bugs Love Hiding in the Stems

Because cilantro grows in tight bunches, tiny insects and their eggs can tuck themselves deep between the stems.
 
If you want to properly clean cilantro, you need to separate the stems so water can reach every crevice.
 

How to Properly Clean Cilantro Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of how to properly clean cilantro.
 
Follow these steps and you’ll have spotless, fresh-tasting herbs every time.
 

1. Fill a Large Bowl with Cold Water

Start by filling a big bowl with cold water.
 
Cold water is key because warm water can wilt the delicate leaves, and you want your cilantro to stay crisp.
 
This first soak is the foundation of how to properly clean cilantro without damaging it.
 

2. Trim the Stems and Submerge the Cilantro

Cut off the very bottom of the stems, then submerge the whole bunch in the water.
 
Swish the cilantro around gently with your hands so the water can loosen dirt and sand.
 
This is the most important move when you properly clean cilantro, so don’t rush it.
 

3. Let the Dirt Sink to the Bottom

After swishing, let the cilantro sit for a minute or two.
 
Dirt and sand are heavier than water, so they’ll sink to the bottom of the bowl, leaving the leaves floating clean above.
 
This simple trick is why properly cleaning cilantro in a bowl beats rinsing under the tap.
 

4. Lift the Cilantro Out, Don’t Pour It Out

Here’s a mistake a lot of people make: they pour the whole bowl into a colander, which just dumps the dirt back onto the herbs.
 
Instead, lift the cilantro out of the water with your hands and transfer it to a colander.
 
Then dump the dirty water and repeat the process if the water still looks gritty.
 

5. Rinse Under Running Water One Last Time

Once the soaking water runs clear, give the cilantro a final rinse under cool running water.
 
This last rinse ensures you’ve properly clean cilantro from top to bottom.
 

How to Dry Cilantro After You Clean It

You’ve learned how to properly clean cilantro, but drying it correctly matters just as much.
 
Wet cilantro spoils fast, so here’s how to handle it.
 

1. Use a Salad Spinner

A salad spinner is the fastest way to dry cilantro after you properly clean it.
 
Spin it gently a few times, and most of the water will fly right off.
 

2. Pat Dry with Paper Towels

No spinner? No problem.
 
Lay the cilantro on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat it dry.
 
Just be gentle, because crushed leaves bruise quickly and turn mushy.
 

3. Air Dry Completely Before Storing

Let the cilantro air dry for a few minutes before you store it.
 
Any leftover moisture will speed up spoilage, which would undo all your hard work to properly clean cilantro.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Clean Cilantro

Even seasoned cooks mess up when they properly clean cilantro.
 
Watch out for these common slip-ups.
 

1. Using Warm Water

Warm water wilts cilantro almost instantly.
 
Always use cold water when you properly clean cilantro so the leaves stay firm and vibrant.
 

2. Skipping the Soak

A quick rinse under the faucet won’t cut it.
 
If you truly want to properly clean cilantro, the bowl-soak method is the way to go.
 

3. Chopping Before Washing

Never chop cilantro before you wash it.
 
Chopping first makes it almost impossible to properly clean cilantro because the tiny pieces trap dirt and release flavor into the water.
 

4. Storing It Wet

Storing damp cilantro in the fridge is a one-way ticket to slime.
 
Dry it thoroughly after you properly clean cilantro, then wrap it loosely in a paper towel and store it in a bag or container.
 

So, How Do You Properly Clean Cilantro?

You properly clean cilantro by soaking it in cold water, swishing it gently, lifting it out instead of pouring, and giving it a final rinse.
 
It’s not complicated, but it does take a few extra minutes, and those minutes are absolutely worth it.
 
Once you know how to properly clean cilantro, you’ll never go back to a lazy rinse again.
 
Clean cilantro tastes brighter, lasts longer, and keeps grit and bugs out of your guacamole.
 
So next time you bring home a fresh bunch, take the time to properly clean cilantro the right way.
 
Your taste buds will thank you.