Mistakes You're Making With Your Salad Spinner—and How to Use It the Right Way

A salad spinner is one of those kitchen gadgets that seems straightforward: you toss in your greens, give it a spin, and ta-da: dry lettuce. Turns out most of us have been doing it wrong. According to Veronica Santoso, product manager at OXO, not only are we missing out on the full potential of our salad spinner, but common mistakes are making it less effective. Here’s how to properly use a salad spinner for better, crisper, and drier salad. Also, how to unlock the full range of uses beyond leafy greens.

Why You Need a Salad Spinner

The salad spinner's fundamental job is to quickly and efficiently remove excess water from leafy greens, making them crisp and ready for dressing. But there's more to it than helping you make a delicious salad. “It’s great for rinsing and drying herbs, berries, and even mushrooms,” says Santoso. She explains that many models also have an outer bowl that doubles as a serving dish—making it a handy, all-in-one prep item.

The Most Common Salad Spinner Mistakes

Even the best salad spinner won’t work well if you’re using it incorrectly. Santoso highlights the most frequent missteps.

• Overfilling the basket: This prevents proper airflow, slowing down the drying process. Instead, spin in smaller batches.
• Not emptying the outer bowl first: If water is left in the bowl, the greens will sit in it, defeating the purpose—so make sure to empty the bowl.
• Skipping the soaking step: Letting greens soak for a few moments helps loosen dirt before spinning.

Unexpected Ways to Use Your Salad Spinner

Another "mistake" you might be making? Just using it for lettuce! Consider these alternative uses for your salad spinner.

• Rinsing and drying herbs: The salad spinner is gentle enough for delicate herbs like cilantro and parsley.
• Washing berries: Spin strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries dry without crushing them.
• Prepping mushrooms: Remove dirt without waterlogging them.
• Draining canned beans: A quick, no-mess way to rinse off excess sodium.
• Removing moisture from grated vegetables: Use for zucchini or potatoes before cooking.
• Wringing out small towels: A handy trick if you're in a pinch.

How to Use a Salad Spinner the Right Way

Follow these simple steps to get the most out of your salad spinner:

1. Rinse: Place your greens in the basket and rinse them under cold water.
2. Soak: Set the greens-filled basket into the outer bowl and fill it with water. Let the greens soak for a few minutes to thoroughly remove dirt and sand.
3. Lift and drain: Lift the basket out, dump the dirty water, and place the basket back inside.
4. Spin: Secure the lid and spin until dry. If the greens are still wet, empty the outer bowl and repeat.
5. Store or serve: Use the outer bowl as a serving dish, or transfer the greens to a container for later use.
   

Final Tips for Spinner Success

• Clean it regularly: Rinse and dry it thoroughly after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Store it smartly: Pump-handle models often store flat for easier kitchen organization.

With the right technique and a few creative uses, a salad spinner can be one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen.