How to Clean a Salad Spinner

Salad Spinners: More Parts Than You Think

A salad spinner has multiple components — the outer bowl, inner basket, lid, and spinning mechanism — that all need regular cleaning. The spinning mechanism in particular traps water and food particles that can grow mold if not cleaned properly. Here's how to clean every part thoroughly.

What You'll Need

Non-scratch scrub sponge
Small brush or toothbrush
Baking soda
White vinegar
Mild dish soap
Warm water

After Every Use: Basic Cleaning

Disassemble completely — separate the outer bowl, inner basket, and lid
Wash the outer bowl with warm soapy water and a non-scratch sponge
Wash the inner basket, scrubbing the mesh or holes with a brush
Clean the lid, paying attention to the spinning mechanism housing
Rinse all parts thoroughly
Air dry completely before reassembling — trapped moisture causes mold

Cleaning the Spinning Mechanism

The spinning mechanism (pull cord, push button, or pump) is the hardest part to clean. Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub around the mechanism housing. Rinse by pouring water over it while spinning to flush out residue. Never submerge the lid if the mechanism has internal components that can trap water.

Removing Mold or Mildew

If you notice mold or a musty smell, soak all plastic parts in a solution of white vinegar and water (1:3 ratio) for 20–30 minutes. Scrub with a brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. For the mechanism housing, use a vinegar-dampened toothbrush to scrub all crevices.

Removing Stains

For staining from beets, berries, or other colored vegetables, apply a baking soda paste to the stained areas, let sit 15 minutes, scrub, and rinse. For the inner basket, soaking in diluted white vinegar helps lift staining.

Is a Salad Spinner Dishwasher Safe?

Many salad spinners are dishwasher safe for the bowl and basket — check your model's instructions. The lid with the spinning mechanism is usually hand-wash only to protect the mechanism.

Final Thoughts

The key to a clean salad spinner is complete disassembly and thorough drying after every use. The spinning mechanism needs special attention with a small brush. Never reassemble while wet — trapped moisture is the main cause of mold in salad spinners.

Back to blog