Is it safe to wash fresh produce in a plastic salad spinner?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studykitchen
Verdict: Use Caution
Mostly yes with cold water. Friction still sheds a little plastic, but cold is the easy case.
What's actually in it
Salad spinners use polypropylene bowls and baskets. Cold water plus spinning produces friction but keeps temperatures low, which limits chemical release. Scratched or cloudy spinners are worse.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Agric Food Chem documented particle release from polypropylene in hot and cold water. Cold released far less.
For most home cooks, a plastic salad spinner in cold water is acceptable. Glass or stainless steel salad spinners exist if you want the cleaner version.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Release of Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Containers. | J Agric Food Chem | 2025 |
What to use instead
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