How to Clean Cabbage

Co-authored by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: March 6, 2024 Fact Checked

Before you cook that cabbage, studies suggest you wash it before beginning to cook it. Read the following for tips on how to clean cabbage.

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Taking your cabbage, place it underneath the running water.^{[1]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} Using your hands or a vegetable scrubber, gently start scrubbing the cabbage. Make sure to leave no space uncleaned. Also make sure not to miss cleaning the inside as well. Sometimes dirt can be hidden deep within so make sure to be thorough. When finished cleaning, pat down dry with a paper towel.^{[2]
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US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health

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For general use in the kitchen, avoid using cleaning detergents with added scents. They can leave an unwanted taste on the food or contaminant the food. Also a tip to bear in mind is not to use scented detergents with cooking utensils as well.^{[3]
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An old trick to use is to leave the cabbage lightly doused in vinegar water for a couple of minutes before proceeding to wash the cabbage with water. Usually between two or four minutes. Vinegar kills some types of bacteria and helps killing mold and mildew that could have grown on the cabbage.^{[4]
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I picked a head of cabbage from my garden, doused it with vinegar, and while I was rinsing it off, it split in half. Why would this happen?

Caeiia

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You might have handled it roughly. If there are rotting/black parts, that's a reason, too.

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Do I leave the large outside leaves on the cabbage to cook?

Caeiia

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If they aren't too dirty, browned, ripped up, or spotted, yes.

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Do I separate each cabbage leaf?

Caeiia

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You don't have to. Just chop it up to use!

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Use clean surfaces and clean utensils when prepping or cooking.^{[5]
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Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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Use hot water when washing the vegetable to kill bacteria and get dirt off easily.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for vegetables and raw meat.
Always wash your hands before handling cabbage or any other food.

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Warnings

Please be cautious of hot water, which may burn you.

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Avoid eye contact with vinegar.

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Use good cleaning practices in all your cooking.^{[6]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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