Prepare a clean space
Wash your hands and use clean utensils. Inspect the strawberries and discard any rotten fruit. Keep them separate from raw meat and its preparation surfaces.
Rinse with plain running water
Gently rinse the fruit under running water. Do not use soap or household cleaning products on food. Washing can reduce surface contamination but does not make spoiled fruit safe.
Dry and prepare
Pat the strawberries gently with a clean towel, then remove the tops and cut as needed. Refrigerate perishable produce, including cut fruit. For broader handling guidance, follow the FDA source below.