Directions

1. Rinse dried beans several times. If you have beans that are already cleaned, the easiest way to do this is to put beans in a large bowl and fill the bowl up with water at the facet. Swirl the beans around with your hands. Remove any rocks or shriveled looking beans. Pour out most of the water along with any floating bean skins, dirt, etc. Do this multiple times. If your beans aren't already cleaned, spread the beans out (in batches) on a flat surface and pick out rocks and sticks. Then rinse in a colander under running water.
2. Soak dry beans for eight hours (or over night, but be careful not to soak them too long; max ten hours). Cover with plenty of water because they will soak most of it up. Add 1-2 tsp salt if you want to prevent "blow out".
3. After the beans have soaked, pour out the soaking water.