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Salad Spinner Not Working (2026)
Fixes for common salad spinner problems: basket will not spin, lid will not lock, greens stay wet, and smells after washing.
Most salad spinner problems come from a lid that is not seated, a basket that is packed too tight, or water left in the bowl. Work through the fixes below before assuming the spinner is broken.
The basket will not spin
Check that the lid is seated and locked, since most spinners will not engage the mechanism until the lid clicks into place. Lift the basket out and check that nothing is caught between the basket and the bowl, then put the basket back so it sits flat on the spindle. If the pump presses down without resistance, the pump seal may be worn, and if the crank turns without moving the basket, the gear may be stripped, in which case the lid needs replacing.
Greens come out still wet
Tip the water out of the bowl before spinning, since a bowl full of wash water throws water back onto the leaves. Spin in two smaller loads rather than one packed load, tear large leaves so air can move through them, and spin a second time after the first. If the leaves are still damp, the basket may be turning too slowly, which points to a worn pump or a crank that needs a faster rhythm.
The lid will not lock or keeps popping off
Check that the basket is seated flat and that no leaves are caught between the basket rim and the lid. Wipe the rim clean, since a film of water or dressing stops the lock from catching. If the lock is a latch, check that the latch tab is not cracked; a cracked latch will not hold, and the lid needs replacing.
The spinner smells after washing
Take the lid apart and wash the pump or crank parts by hand, since water sits inside the mechanism after a dishwasher cycle. Dry every part by hand, leave the bowl and basket apart to air dry, and do not stack the spinner away while it is damp. If the smell persists, wash the parts with warm soapy water and leave them in the sun for an hour.
Questions, answered
Can I fix a broken pump on my salad spinner?
Sometimes. A pump that has lost its seal can often be fixed by cleaning the seal and the valve, since grit stops the seal from closing. A pump with a cracked body or a broken spring cannot be fixed, and a replacement lid is the only repair. Check the warranty first, since the Zyliss Swift Dry carries a five-year warranty.
Why does my spinner wobble while spinning?
The base is not gripping the worktop, or the basket is loaded unevenly. Wet the non-slip base lightly so it grips, put the spinner on a flat surface, and spread the leaves evenly in the basket. A wobble that continues with an even load points to a bent spindle, which needs a replacement.
Can I put the whole spinner in the dishwasher?
Most parts are dishwasher safe, but the lid mechanism should be washed by hand and dried after. A dishwasher cycle leaves water inside pump and cord lids, which smells if it is put away damp. Wash the bowl and basket in the dishwasher, and wash the lid by hand.