Most really good machines out there have tempered glass panels, stainless steel clean out trays, aluminum corner posts, etc. and these are the parts that you must maintain. The best way to maintain something is to clean it. If you do not clean properly then your popcorn can come out chewy or not to your, or your customers, satisfaction. This can lead to a downturn in business.
Most of the time you can get away with cleaning the required surfaces with window cleaner – just the regular ones you buy in the supermarket or auto shop. This recommendation of course applies more to the glass panels.
Other parts of the popcorn machines you have can be cleaned with a clean cloth every time you use it. This is the best thing to do - you should clean your machine after every use if it is a home one. However, if you have a business one then you should do so at the end of each day. The freshest popcorn will come of this.
Remember, Safety First! In all types of cleaning where a fluid is involved with an electrical product you should be very careful. Never submerge a kettle in any type of liquid or expose it to water. It has electrical components inside of it and these can short out, or even worse, you can get electrocuted.
Many popcorn machines makers have special cleaning kits or products that you can get. These are especially useful for the burned on oil stains that can occur. A good one will usually have this available for you. If not, you will have to make do with your usual methods of cleaning around the house, but never forget what you are cleaning and that these are very different to your other household appliances.
If you have a business, then it is imperative that you train your staff on the correct safety and cleaning technique for your equipment. You need to remember that if you have a bad batch of popcorn, this might turn any new or potential popcorn lovers away from your place.
If you want to get down to the basics of cleaning then, you will need a damp cloth, your standard dish washing liquid or detergent and some water. But you must not forget that safety comes first when using water with electrical items. Happy cleaning and enjoy your perfect popcorn that comes out of a perfectly clean machine.
