Yes, There Is a Right Way to Wash Lettuce—Here's How to Do It

From vibrant salads to delicious vegetarian sandwiches, lettuce is a staple in many dishes, and we always like to have it on hand. But to enjoy what lettuce has to offer, it's crucial to wash it well. Lettuce grows close to the ground, so it's prone to picking up dirt and bugs. It's also typically eaten raw, so the leaves aren't exposed to heat, a factor that can kill potentially harmful bacteria.

Thus, eating unwashed lettuce can pose the risk of foodborne illness, along with unwelcome grit and insects in your food. Learn the best ways to wash lettuce, along with answers to frequently asked questions about keeping our beloved greens fresh, according to experts.

Methods for Washing Lettuce

According to the CDC, the best way to wash lettuce is to rinse the leaves under cool running water. To do this properly, only wash a few leaves at a time and place them in a clean bowl afterward. Here's a closer look at that, plus two other methods.

Rinsing Under Cool Water

Again, rinsing is the recommended method for washing lettuce, says Kimberly Baker, PhD, RD, LD, director of the Clemson Extension Food Systems and Safety Program Team. Not only will the physical movement wash away dirt and microorganisms, but it will do so without potentially contaminating the remaining leaves, she says. Plus, the water will only touch the lettuce once, ultimately reducing exposure to bacteria-contaminated water.

Using a Salad Spinner

If you're preparing a small amount of lettuce, using a salad spinner is a smart choice. The gadget plays double duty, as it can be used to wash and dry the lettuce. Case in point: The built-in colander will hold the lettuce during rinsing, while the spinning mechanism will quickly dry the lettuce, keeping it crisp, says Baker.

Cold Bath Soaking

Soaking lettuce in a cold bath is a convenient way to wash a large amount of lettuce. It's also the preferred method of chefs and food professionals, though Baker mentions it can be unsafe. If a small area of a lettuce leaf (or several leaves) is contaminated with bacteria and soaked with other leaves, the bacteria can spread during the soaking process, she says.

"Additionally, depending on the temperature of the lettuce and water, microorganisms present on the outside of the lettuce could be transported inside the leaf [during soaking]," notes Baker. This can happen especially quickly if the lettuce is warmer than the wash water, or it soaks for a long time.

Don't Miss

How to Wash Every Type of Vegetable, According to Food Safety Experts

10 Salad Mistakes You’re Making—and How to Fix Them for Perfect Greens Every Time

Step-by-Step Guide: Washing Lettuce

Before washing lettuce, trim the ends off the stem and separate the leaves. By cutting the lettuce away from its core, you'll be able to reduce spaces for dirt and microorganisms to settle, says Baker.

While you're at it, only remove as much lettuce as you need, as leftover leaves won't retain their crispness off the head. 

Method 1: Rinsing Under Cool Water

To use the rinsing method, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the leaves under cool running water. Only handle a few leaves at a time, says Baker.
2. Be sure to thoroughly rinse each leaf, taking care to wash both sides.
3. Place the leaves in a clean bowl.

Method 2: Using a Salad Spinner

Before using a salad spinner to wash and dry lettuce, cut larger leaves into smaller pieces, says Gill Boyd, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. This will help the leaves wash and dry more efficiently, he adds.

If the spinner has drain holes in the bottom, make sure there's a sheet pan underneath, says Boyd. You can also place the salad spinner on top of a clean towel or bowl.

1. Place the lettuce leaves in the colander portion of the spinner. Avoid overloading it.
2. Rinse the leaves under cool running water, making sure to wash both sides of each leaf.
3. Assemble the salad spinner.
4. Spin the inner colander.
5. Remove the lid and take out the colander. Pour water from the outer bowl into the sink.  
   

Best Practices for Washing Lettuce

For the best quality and longest shelf life, only wash as much lettuce as you need. The leaves will begin to deteriorate after they're taken off the head. Also, if the leaves aren't dried properly, the extra moisture can speed up spoilage, says Baker. "Water present on the leaves for an extended period can also promote the growth of mold," she adds. Here are some other ways you can keep your lettuce fresh for longer.

Remove Damaged Leaves First

Always remove damaged or wilted leaves before washing lettuce, says Boyd. Otherwise, the bacteria from said leaves might spread to the good ones. This also prevents slimy, gross leaves from ending up in your dish.

Use Clean Water and Equipment

When washing lettuce, always use clean water, utensils, and towels. This will ensure any present bacteria will not spread to the lettuce leaves, says Baker. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before handling lettuce as well.

Skip the Cleaners

"Vinegar and vegetable washes are not more effective at washing produce than rinsing with cool water," says Baker. You can use vinegar for other household tasks, but it's not necessary to wash vegetables. Some experts, including Baker, also recommend skipping produce washes due to the risk of not rinsing them out entirely. Soap should also be avoided, as it's not food-grade and potentially poses a risk for chemical contamination.

Dry Lettuce Well

After washing lettuce leaves, dry them well to prevent extra moisture from ruining your salad or sandwich. To do this safely, use a clean salad spinner or paper towels, says Baker. Take extra care to avoid drying the lettuce on any surfaces or equipment that could have bacteria, as this could contaminate the lettuce, she adds.

Store Properly

The best practice for washing lettuce is to only prepare as much as you need. However, if you must wash and store extra lettuce, always dry it well with a clean paper towel. Without proper drying, the excess moisture will make the leaves decay faster during storage, says Boyd.

Next, line the bottom of a container or plastic bag with paper towels and put the lettuce on top. Add a layer of paper towels on top of the lettuce, then store it in the crisper drawer. It's also important to avoid storing washed lettuce next to unwashed leaves, as this can increase the risk of cross-contamination. The lettuce will last for one to two weeks.