---
slug: how_to_use_a_salad_spinner
category_path: home_kitchen/kitchen_dining/kitchen_utensils_gadgets/salad_spinners
type: informational
title: "How to Use a Salad Spinner"
lead: "Wash the greens in the basket, lift it to drain, then spin in short bursts to fling the water off through the holes — stopping to pour out the collected water so it doesn't splash back up. Dry leaves keep longer and let dressing cling instead of sliding off."
recommendation:
  name: "Wash in the basket, spin in short bursts, and empty the bowl between spins — dry greens hold dressing and last longer"
  reason: "A salad spinner dries leaves by spinning the basket so centrifugal force throws the water out through the holes into the bowl, and doing it well is mostly about not letting that water sit. Wash and drain the greens right in the removable basket, set it in the bowl, put the lid on, and spin — pump or crank in short bursts rather than one long whirl. Stop after a few spins, lift the basket, and tip the pooled water out of the bowl, then spin again until the leaves are dry, because water left in the bowl just splashes back onto them. Don't overfill: a loosely packed basket dries far better than a stuffed one. Dry greens matter twice over — dressing clings to dry leaves instead of sliding off diluted, and washed greens stored dry (loosely, with a paper towel) stay crisp for days longer. The basket also doubles as a colander, and the bowl as a serving bowl."
published: 2026-07-08
updated: 2026-07-08
---


<ComparisonTable
  columns={["Step", "Do", "Why"]}
  rows={[
    ["Wash", "Rinse and drain in the basket", "The basket is your colander"],
    ["Spin", "Short bursts, not one long whirl", "Better contact throws off more water"],
    ["Empty", "Pour the bowl out between spins", "Standing water splashes back"],
    ["Load", "Don't overfill", "A loose basket dries far better"],
  ]}
/>