How to Wash & Store Blackberries to Prevent Mold

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Plus, how to freeze blackberries after washing them

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: December 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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Should you wash blackberries before storing?

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How to Store Washed Blackberries

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Where to Store Them

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How long do they last?

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How to Freeze Them

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What to Do with Mushy Blackberries

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Video

Do you ever feel like you buy fresh blackberries just to throw them out a day or two later? Blackberries are pretty delicate, but don’t resign yourself to tossing them just yet. You may be able to extend the freshness of your blackberries and keep them from molding for up to a week. We’ll explain exactly what to do, from how (and whether) to wash them before storing them to our best storage tips, so let’s get started!

How do you store blackberries after washing them to prevent mold?

An illustration showing the steps to wash and store blackberries.

Soak the berries in 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water for 5 minutes.
Drain the berries and rinse them in cool water.
Spread the blackberries on a single layer on paper towels.
Let the berries air dry for up to an hour.
Store the berries in a ventilated container lined with paper towels.
Refrigerate for up to a week.

Section 1 of 6:

Should you wash blackberries before storing them?

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It’s best to wash blackberries right before you eat them. Moisture can cause blackberries to spoil more quickly. If you’re planning to eat the berries fairly quickly, it’s often better to store them dry and wait to wash them until right before you eat them.^{[1]
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Research source} Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
- Go through the container and remove any mushy, moldy, or dried-out berries.
- Line the original container (or another container) with paper towels, then carefully put the unwashed berries back into the container.
- Place them in the fridge.
- Before you eat the berries, gently swish them in a bowl full of cold water, then drain them in a colander and enjoy.^{[2]
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If you really need to wash them before storage, soak the berries in vinegar. Washing blackberries in vinegar may help prolong their freshness. Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts cool water in a large bowl. Carefully place the berries into a colander, then place the colander into the bowl of water. Let the blackberries soak in the vinegar mixture for about 5 minutes, then remove the colander and rinse the berries again under cool running water.^{[3]
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- The vinegar will help kill mold spores and bacteria on the berries, which can help them last longer.
- Rinsing the berries with running water after should remove any vinegar taste.
- Make sure to dry the blackberries completely before storing them—wet berries are more likely to spoil and grow mold.
- If you don’t have vinegar, soak the blackberries in 120–140 °F (49–60 °C) water for about 30 seconds, then dry them.

Section 2 of 6:

How to Store Washed Blackberries

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Spread the freshly-washed blackberries on a dishcloth or paper towels. After soaking and rinsing the blackberries, lay them out in a single layer on paper towels or a clean dish towel. Use another paper towel or cloth to gently blot the blackberries dry, but take care not to damage the fruit.^{[4]
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- The blackberries may release some juice, so keep in mind that any dish towel you use may become stained.
- If you have a salad spinner, line it with about 3 layers of paper towels, then gently place the blackberries inside. Spin them for about 15 seconds or until they’re dry.^{[5]
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Allow the blackberries to air dry for 30–60 minutes. Leave the blackberries on the dishcloth or paper towels for up to an hour to ensure they’re completely dry.^{[6]
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Research source} Any dampness on the berries will contribute to mold growth, causing them to spoil much more quickly.^{[7]
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- Cover the berries with another clean cloth or layer of paper towels if you’re concerned about leaving them exposed.
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Line a container with paper towels. The best way to store blackberries is in a shallow, ventilated container lined with paper towels. Both the paper towels and some air flow will prevent moisture from sitting on the berries, causing them to spoil.^{[8]
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Research source} And a wide, shallow container will mean fewer berries are stacked on top of each other, which may limit damage to the fruit.^{[9]
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Research source} There are several container options you can use:
- The original packaging
- A food saver container that allows airflow while preventing the berries from touching the bottom
- A glass jar with the lid left partially open
- A shallow food storage container with the lid left slightly open
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Add the berries in a single layer, if possible. If you’re using a wide enough container, gently add the berries so they’re spread out in a single layer.^{[10]
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Research source} If you’re using something like a mason jar, place a paper towel between each layer of berries. This will absorb extra moisture and help prevent the berries from smushing each other.^{[11]
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- Don’t seal the lid of your container tightly, leave it slightly open to allow air flow.
- Refrigerate the blackberries for up to a week.^{[12]
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Section 3 of 6:

What is the best refrigerator location for berries?

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Place blackberries in the crisper drawer or the back of the fridge. Pick a cool spot where the temperature won’t fluctuate a lot. Ideally, blackberries should be kept between 32–35 °F (0–2 °C) and at 90–95% humidity.^{[13]
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- The crisper drawer is a good option because you can adjust its humidity level.
- A shelf near the bottom or back of the fridge will also work well.

Section 4 of 6:

How long do washed blackberries last?

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Blackberries can last up to 5–7 days if you soak them in vinegar. Blackberries are a relatively delicate fruit, and they usually only last a few days. If you soak them in vinegar and dry them very well before storing them, they may stay good for up to a week—but it’s still a good idea to use them within about 3–5 days to avoid losing them.^{[14]
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- Check the berries regularly, removing any that are moldy or mushy.

Section 5 of 6:

Can you freeze blackberries after washing?

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Yes, you can freeze blackberries on a baking sheet after washing. Carefully pat the blackberries completely dry with a dish towel or paper towels. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the blackberries on the baking sheet in a single layer so they aren’t touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, then transfer the blackberries to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag labeled with the date.^{[15]
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- If you don’t dry the blackberries before you freeze them, ice will form on the berries, and they’ll be mushier when you thaw them out.^{[16]
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- Placing the blackberries in a single layer keeps them from sticking together when they’re frozen.
- Blackberries will last up to a year in the freezer.

Section 6 of 6:

What should you do with mushy blackberries?

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Use soft blackberries in smoothies, jams, or purees. Blackberries can get a little mushy if they’re overripe, bruised, or recently thawed out. But as long as they’re obviously not spoiled or moldy, you can use them in a recipe where they’ll be cooked down or blended, since the texture won’t matter as much. For instance:
- Add them to your favorite fruit smoothie.
- Make a homemade blackberry jam.
- Put them in a blackberry pie or cobbler.
- Cook them down into blackberry syrup or blackberry compote.