Blueberries are a delicious summer treat, but it can be frustrating to reach into the fridge for some only to find them covered in fuzzy white mould. They can also harbour some nasty bugs and pesticides if you don’t wash them properly – and according to Martha Stewart, just water isn’t enough to make sure they are squeaky clean.

If you’re just rinsing your blueberries, you could be leaving behind all kinds of nasties, plus you might find they don’t last as long in the fridge as they do with a proper wash. But you don’t need to shell out on expensive food-safe fruit and vegetable rinses – the most effective way to wash blueberries is with simple kitchen ingredients you almost certainly already have. 

Baking soda and distilled white vinegar are what will disrupt the pH levels on the skins of your favourite summer snack, which in turn will lead to them being able to be stored for longer without going mouldy in the fridge.

If you want to extend the life of your blueberries and remove any chemical pesticides from them, here’s a couple of methods to try.

Vinegar rinse

• Mix three parts cold water with one part vinegar in a large bowl.

• Add in your berries, let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes

• After they have sat,  gently stir them with your hands, being careful not to bruise or break them

• Carefully drain the berries and rinse thoroughly to remove any vinegar before drying on a paper towel and storing in the fridge