
A bubbler, or aerator, is a useful tool for efficiently and effectively washing produce that may accumulate soil, debris, or insects in hard to wash places. They are most often used to wash leafy greens. Spa or jacuzzi blowers are used in conjunction with a piping system (most commonly PVC) with small holes drilled through it. The blower agitates and circulates the water in a tank. As air bubbles rise to the surface and water is circulated, soil, debris, and insects are gently loosened from the leafy greens. Greens bubblers are easy to DIY, but you should consider principles of hygienic design in choosing your materials and set-up. See “Building a Better Greens Bubbler” for tips on designing bubblers with cleaning and sanitizing in mind.