How to Clean a Popcorn Machine? Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning a popcorn machine can be a tedious task, but it’s an important one. Grease, oil, and other debris can accumulate over time, leading to a decrease in the quality of your popcorn and even damage the machine if left unattended. Regular cleaning can help maintain the popcorn machine’s performance and extend its lifespan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Popcorn Machine

How to clean a popcorn machine? Here is the step-by-step guide to cleaning a popcorn machine. Follow these steps and get the best result.

Disassembling the Popcorn Machine:

1. Unplug the popcorn machine.
2. Let it cool down completely.
3. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to disassemble the machine properly.
4. Remove glass panels, kettle, warming deck, and other removable parts.
5. Save all the screws or bolts that you remove during the disassembling process.
6. Using a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry cloth, carefully wipe away any loose debris from disassembled parts. This will help ensure that the parts are properly cleaned and ready for reassembly.
7. Clean each part but remember the manufacturer instructions.

Cleaning the Interior of the Machine:

Follow these steps of cleaning the interior of the popcorn machine.

• Soak the removable parts of the popcorn machine, such as the kettle and warming deck, in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes.
• Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the interior of the machine with warm soapy water, make sure that no electrical parts get wet.
• For tougher stains or built-up grease, mix a solution of vinegar and water and apply it to the affected areas, allowing it to sit for a few minutes.
• Use a brush or a clean sponge to scrub the interior of the machine, focusing on areas with tougher stains or grease build-up.
• Thoroughly rinse the interior of the machine with clean water to remove any soap residue or vinegar solution.
• Dry the interior of the machine with a clean towel, or let it air dry completely before reassembling the machine.

Cleaning the Exterior of the Machine:

Here are the steps for cleaning the exterior of a popcorn machine.

• For cleaning the exterior of the machine, use non-abrasive cloth or a sponge. Dip cloth or sponge into the warm soapy water and wipe down the exterior of the machine (Avoid getting any electrical part wet).
• For removing hard stains or grease, use a vinegar water solution. Apply the solution on hard stains and leave it for a few minutes. 
• Now use a sponge or cloth to scrub the parts of the stains. After this process, clean all parts with a cloth of clean water.
• Dry the exterior of the machine with a clean towel or let it air dry completely.

Reassembling the Popcorn Machine:

1. Carefully reinstall any screws or bolts you removed during the disassembling process.

2. To maintain cleanliness, wipe down the exterior of the machine with a soft cloth or towel to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

3. Securely place the kettle back onto the machine.

4. Attach any glass panels, warming deck, and other removable parts to the machine.

5. Make sure all parts are securely fastened and in their proper place.

6. Plug in the machine and let it heat up for a few minutes before use.

7. Test the machine to ensure it is working correctly.

Tips for Keeping Popcorn Machine Clean 

Regular cleaning is essential to ensure that your popcorn machine stays in good condition and produces high-quality popcorn. Make sure to clean your machine thoroughly after each use, wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth and warm, soapy water. If you use your machine frequently, you may need to clean it more often to prevent grease build-up and other debris.

Proper Storage: Proper storage is crucial to prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from accumulating on your popcorn machine. When not in use, cover the machine with a clean cloth or plastic wrap to keep it clean and free from dust. Additionally, store the machine in a dry, cool place away from any moisture or humidity to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

One more tip, which is very important for maintaining the popcorn machine neat and clean. Use the correct amount of Oil and corn according to your kettle size. Here we mention the sizes of kettle with the amount of oil and corn.

Size of Kettle	Amount of Oil	Amount of Corn
4 oz.	1⁄4 cup	1⁄2 cup
6 oz.	1⁄4 cup	1⁄2 cup
8 oz.	1⁄3 cup	1 cup
12 oz.	1⁄2 cup	11⁄2 cups
14 oz.	1⁄2 cup	13⁄4 cups
16 oz.	2⁄3 cup	2 cups
20 oz.	3⁄4 cup	21⁄2 cups

We are sure you will clean your popcorn machine very well after reading this how to clean a commercial popcorn machine guide blog.

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