To clean fresh mushrooms: Trim the mushroom stems if they’re tough; either gently twist them off or cut with a small, sharp paring knife. To remove any dirt or grit from the surface of the mushrooms, gently swipe with a small, soft-bristled brush (there are special mushroom cleaning brushes if you want to go that route) or lightly brush with dry paper towels (for more stubborn particles, use a dampened paper towel). Avoid soaking in water, since mushrooms can become soggy; rinsing is okay. Blot dry with paper towels before using.