“She rinsed her fish fillet like always — but then noticed something strange on her hands…” 🐟😬💦 What if that quick wash is changing more than just the smell? The real risk may be sitting right on your kitchen counter. Full story in the article below 👇
“It’s just water — what harm could it do?”
That’s what most people think when they give their fish a quick rinse in the sink before cooking. The smell of raw fish alone is enough to make anyone want to “freshen it up” a little. But what if that innocent splash is actually ruining your dish… or worse, putting your health at risk?
Let’s talk about it.
The Instinct to Wash
There’s something that just feels right about washing meat or fish. It’s a habit passed down through generations — if it’s raw, it must be dirty, right? That’s why many home cooks rinse fish fillets under cold water, hoping to remove bacteria, slime, or that fishy odor.
But here’s the thing: water doesn’t kill bacteria. Heat does.
Rinsing your fish may remove a bit of surface residue, but it can’t remove harmful pathogens. In fact, it can actually spread them around your kitchen. When water splashes off a raw fillet, it carries germs with it — onto your sink, your countertop, your dish rack, maybe even onto other foods nearby.
The Flavor You’re Washing Away
Here’s what many don’t realize: fish fillets are delicate. When you rinse them, you’re not just washing off “gunk” — you’re often rinsing off the very elements that make fish flavorful and tender. Those surface oils contribute to both taste and texture. Remove them, and you’re left with something much blander.
Want your salmon to have that crispy sear? Your cod to flake perfectly? Then don’t soak it beforehand. Just pat it dry with a paper towel and season as needed. That surface dryness is what helps it cook beautifully, especially when searing or grilling.
When Is Washing OK?
If your fish is fresh and professionally cleaned, there’s really no need to wash it at all.
But if you’re dealing with whole fish or fillets from a local market that still have scales or visible residue, a gentle rinse may be acceptable — as long as you’re incredibly careful not to let anything splash. And always clean the sink afterward.
Also, if your fish smells overwhelmingly “fishy,” that’s not a cleaning issue — it’s a freshness issue. Trust your nose: fresh fish should smell like the sea, not like a dockyard in July.
