Keeping the popcorn machine clean is very important as it helps control the flavor of the popcorn, helps in the healthy production of popcorn, and prolongs the life of the popcorn machine.
If not properly cared for, popcorn machines can quickly deteriorate due to the accumulation of oil, burnt popcorn, and dirt.
Here in this blog, we will give a detailed guide on how to clean a popcorn machine. Here we will discuss how to clean Nostalgia Popcorn Machines, Commercial Popcorn Machines, and Great Northern Popcorn Machines.
Also, you will learn how to clean a very oily or very dirty machine and how to maintain the machine so that it lasts longer. With this blog, you will learn how to clean a small or home popcorn machine and how to clean the inside of the machine and kettle.
Why Should Popcorn Machines be Cleaned?
If the popcorn machine is not cleaned regularly, it can cause several major problems:
The efficiency of the machine decreases
If the oil accumulates in the machine, then when the popcorn is made, a bad smell comes from the food and spoils the taste of the popcorn.
A mechanical problem can occur, if oil accumulates at the bottom of the kettle.
Popcorn may turn black easily or the popcorn may stick to each other causing it to burn.
Some Guidelines on What to Do Before Cleaning the Popcorn Machine:
First, cool down the machine completely
The first and probably the most important step would be to first cool down the machine for some time. After the popcorn machine is turned off after running, the outside of the machine gets very hot and the hardness of the oil and other coatings used decreases. After that, let the machine cool down completely, which usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Safety Preparation
Switch off the machine when cleaning the machine. Live electrical connections are very dangerous when cleaning if it is an electrical machine.
Accessories for Cleaning the Popcorn Machine
The cleaning process of the machine will require a few items. These are easily available at home or can be purchased from the market.
Hot water: Oil and dirt can be easily dissolved by hot water.
Mild soap or detergent: To remove stubborn stubborn dirt, a suitable solvent such as soap or detergent should be used for gentle cleaning.
Non-abrasive sponges: Non-abrasive sponges should be used for washing machine glass and metal part and soap or glass cleaner may be used.
Soft brush: A soft brush should be used to clean the thick black matter accumulated on the inside of the kettle or pot.
Microfiber cloth: Microfiber cloth is used to clean the exterior and interior of the machine and to wipe all its surfaces.
Steps How To Clean a Popcorn Machine
Cleaning the exterior
First, soak a microfiber cloth in lukewarm water. Wipe and clean the exterior metal and glass parts. If you have oily skin, wipe with mild soap.
Clean a popcorn machine kettle
This (kettle) is the most important part of the popcorn machine. It produces oil and is prone to burnt popcorn. If the kettle is not properly cleaned, performance will be compromised.
- Allow the kettle to cool completely.
- Remove any popcorn kernels or oil layer inside the kettle.
- Wet a sponge with warm water and mild soap then gently wipe the inside of the kettle.
- If you have oil and burnt dirt in the kettle, clean the bottom and sides of the kettle with a brush to clean the bottom and sides of the kettle.
- Rinse the kettle with hot water then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning glass doors and windows
Wipe the glass window and door of the popcorn machine using soap and water. The glass part of the popcorn machine gets an oily coating, so to clean it, it is best to use warm soapy water.
Cleaning the Popcorn Machine Tray
The bottom of the popcorn machine has a tray where excess popcorn and oil accumulate.
- Separate the tray and soak in warm soapy water.
- Clean the tray with a brush and rinse and dry well.
- Cleaning inside and outside the popcorn machine kettle.
How to Clean a Greasy Popcorn Machine
If the machine’s kettle becomes too oily, follow a few simple steps to clean it
- Thoroughly remove dirt from the bottom and sides of the kettle first using hot water and dishwasher liquid.
- Once the machine oil has melted, wipe the entire kettle with a soft cloth.
- If solid oil accumulates at the bottom of the kettle. Use a brush to remove it with warm water and soapy water.
How to Deep Clean a Popcorn Machine
There are times when your popcorn machine hasn’t been cleaned in a long time and the machine has accumulated so much oil that there is no other option than a deep clean.
- All parts of the kettle, tray, door, and glass must be separated from the machine first.
- Soak each part in warm soapy water and then dry with a rag to shine.
- Loosen the kettle and other parts of the machine then clean the oil and dirt with a brush.
- Next, rinse each part with warm water and dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
When to Deep Clean a Popcorn Machine
Regular use of the popcorn machine causes the accumulation of oil, dirt, and burnt popcorn. To keep the machine functioning properly and the food tasting good, the machine needs to be cleaned occasionally.
Below are some signs that indicate it’s time for a deep cleaning of your machine:
- The machine smells bad.
- The popcorn tastes bad.
- The heat is not working properly and the popcorn is taking too long to make.
- There is a buildup of burnt popcorn inside the popcorn machine and in the kettle.
For deep cleaning, each part of the machine must be cleaned separately and oil and dirt must be removed from each part. By following this procedure, the machine will perform like new.
Cleaning different types of popcorn machines
How to Clean a Nostalgia Popcorn Machine
These are usually small and nostalgic popcorn machines used in your home. Cleaning such a machine is very easy. All the parts in the machine can be disassembled and cleaned easily while cleaning it.
- When the machine is cold, separate the kettle first.
- The kettle and other parts of the machine must be cleaned with hot water and a mild soap.
- Clean the exterior of the machine with a non-abrasive sponge.
How to Clean a Great Northern Popcorn Machine
Generally, Great Northern popcorn machines are used commercially and are larger in size. The very important thing when cleaning it is to thoroughly clean all the machines, especially the kettle and the interior.
- Unplug the Machine: Ensure the machine is powered off and unplugged for safety.
- Allow to Cool: Let the machine cool down completely before cleaning.
- Remove Popcorn Kernels: Empty any leftover kernels and unpopped corn from the kettle.
- Clean the Kettle: Wipe the kettle with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners.
- Clean the Interior: Use a soft cloth to wipe the interior surfaces of the machine, including the glass panels.
- Wash Removable Parts: Remove and wash any detachable components, such as the kettle and popcorn chute, with warm soapy water.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.
- Reassemble the Machine: Put all components back in place.
- Wipe the Exterior: Clean the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Store Properly: If not in use, cover the machine to keep it clean and dust-free.
How to clean a commercial popcorn machine
Commercial popcorn machines tend to be quite large in size, so care must be taken when cleaning them.
Commercial popcorn machines tend to accumulate more oil and require a step-by-step procedure to clean the popcorn machine. Commercial machines are mostly large in size and used by many users. This means they accumulate more oil, dirt, and burnt popcorn.
Below are the steps to clean a commercial popcorn machine:
Disconnect power
You will find that commercial popcorn machines are powered by high-voltage connections. Be sure to unplug the machine when cleaning it. Doing this will prevent any accidents during cleaning.
Removing the kettle from the kettle grid
At the end of the day, commercial stovetop popcorn machine kettles have heavy oil and dirt deposits. The first is to separate the kettle from the housing and soak it in warm soapy water. Next, remove accumulated oil and dirt from the bottom and sides of the kettle with a nonabrasive sponge or brush.
Cleaning the inner tray
The trays and floor areas of commercial machines tend to accumulate the most dirt. Place the tray awkwardly to separate the tray and then soak the tray in hot soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Then clean the tray with a brush. In case of heavy oil and dirt, stronger cleaning products can be used.
Exterior and window cleaning
It is important to clean the exterior and windows of commercial machines, as they collect oil and popcorn kernels. Clean the outside of the machine and the window using a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water. While cleaning, you can use a brush to remove the dirt stuck in the gap of the glass window.
Cleaning of cooling and airflow parts
Keeping the ventilation system of a commercial popcorn machine clean is very important, as it controls the temperature of the machine. Use a brush to remove dust and dirt from the airflow area. This will ensure that the machine can cool properly and maintain performance.
How to Clean a Small Popcorn Machine
Small popcorn machines are usually used at home and do not require regular cleaning. But after a long time of use, the machine starts to accumulate oil.
Follow the steps below to clean the mini popcorn machine:
- Take each part of the machine apart when cool.
- Wipe down the kettle, tray, and exterior using a microfiber cloth with warm soapy water.
- Use a brush to clean the inside of the machine, so that dirt and oil do not accumulate.
- After cleaning everything, dry the machine completely.
Proper Maintenance of Popcorn Machine and Preparation for Next Use
Properly maintained after cleaning the popcorn machine will last longer and will not require repeated cleaning.
Let’s take a look at how to take proper care of the machine:
Dry the machine
After cleaning the popcorn machine, dry each part of the machine thoroughly. Any moisture, especially on the inside of the kettle and machine, can later trap dirt and rust. Allow the machine to dry completely. If you want to use heat for quick drying, you can use a hair dryer, but it must be used on low heat so as not to damage the electrical parts of the machine.
Cover the machine
If the popcorn machine is not going to be used regularly, cover it or wrap it in a cloth. It will not accumulate dust in the machine, and will not require repeated cleaning.
Clean the oil regularly
After using the machine, clean the excess oil accumulated in the kettle. Oil build-up can cause odors and dirt to build up in the machine. Cleaning the kettle after each use will make the machine last longer.
What kind of Problems Can Occur if the Popcorn Machine is Not Cleaned?
Not cleaning the popcorn machine can lead to various problems, such as:
- The machine’s heat is not working properly.
- Bad smell in food.
- Popcorn is burnt or stuck to the bottom.
- Increased chance of electrical damage.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care of Popcorn Machines
Proper maintenance of the popcorn machine makes it useful for a long time and its performance remains intact.
Below are some maintenance tips:
- Clean the kettle and other parts of the machine immediately after each use.
- Clean the exterior of the machine regularly to prevent dust and oil build-up.
- Clean each part of the machine separately, taking time to deep clean.
- Dry and cover the machine after use to prevent dust accumulation.
Tips for proper use of popcorn machines
A few tips should be followed for long-term use of the popcorn machine:
Don’t use too much oil: Don’t use too much oil while making popcorn, as it may stick to the kettle.
Allow the machine to cool down: Allow the machine to cool down after use, then clean it. Cleaning a hot machine is dangerous and can damage the electrical parts of the machine.
Use the right stuff: Use non-abrasive sponges, soft brushes, and mild detergents when cleaning the machine. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the machine.
Conclusion
Keeping the popcorn machine clean is very important, especially when it is used regularly. A clean machine not only improves the performance of the machine, it also improves the taste of the popcorn. By following the step-by-step procedures outlined in this blog, you can easily clean any type of popcorn machine—from small home machines to commercial machines.
So wait no more, clean out your popcorn machine today and enjoy delicious, crunchy popcorn!
Related FAQ
How to clean popcorn machine oil? (How to clean a greasy popcorn machine)
To clean oil stains, you can first use warm water mixed with soap. If it is too oily, you can make a mixture of dish washing liquid and hot water and spray it. After the oil melts, wipe it with a soft cloth.
What to do to clean a dirty machine? (How to clean a very dirty popcorn machine)
If the popcorn machine is very dirty, first rinse the loose dirt with warm water. Then wipe each part of the machine using a strong cleaning agent and rinse and dry thoroughly.
How often should the machine be cleaned?
Popcorn machines should be cleaned immediately after each use. But if not used regularly, cleaning the outside of the machine and the kettle once a week is enough to keep the machine clean.
Is the machine kettle easy to clean?
Yes, but oil and burnt popcorn inside the kettle may take some time to clean. After the kettle has cooled, clean it by scrubbing it with warm water and a non-abrasive sponge.
How to remove burnt popcorn from the kettle of the machine? (How to clean the kettle on a popcorn machine)
To remove burnt popcorn that has accumulated on the bottom of the kettle, first, soak it in hot water and soap. Then clean the burnt area with a soft brush.
