Are you looking for a complete guide on how to clean a stovetop popcorn popper? Well, you’re in the right place, so grab your popcorn, have a seat, and read every point carefully.

While operating a stovetop popcorn popper is a pretty straightforward exercise, it’s only right that you must know the proper way of cleaning it else it won’t last as long.

Now, contrary to what you might think, popcorn poppers are quite easy to maintain, and you might as well find the cleaning exercise to be a fun and entertaining activity, especially when you do it with the kids.

It goes without saying that regularly cleaning your stovetop popcorn popper will keep it smelling fresh and mint and will give you an opportunity to enjoy delicious popcorn all the time.

You do not want to have dirt or grease adhere to the popper’s steel and prevent you from using it in the future.
In this article, we share tips on how to clean a simple stovetop popcorn popper and an outdoor stovetop popcorn popper.

First things first, Here are the tools that you’ll need:

  • Dishwashing Soap (More about this later)
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Warm Water

What type of soap should I use?

Mild dish soap should do the trick, however, even regular dish soap shouldn’t cause too many problems. Some people use vinegar too, however, be careful not to let it sit on your aluminum popcorn popper for too long else it’ll cause damage and corrosion to the aluminum surface.

Here are some of our recommended dishwashing soaps:

What type of cloth Should I use?

Any regular Kitchen cloth can do the job, however, be sure to avoid those with rough surfaces as they might leave some little scratches on your popper.
A soft/non-abrasive sponge or paper towel can work too.

How to clean a simple stovetop popcorn popper:

Simple stovetop popcorn poppers are generally used by moms to prepare healthy and nutritious snacks for their kids. Popcorn from plastic bags cannot be considered healthy and cannot be tastier than fresh and warm mom-cooked popcorn.

If you use your simple stovetop popcorn popper frequently, then you need to clean it properly each time in order to maintain your popcorns’ wonderful taste.

All you need is warm soapy water and a clean cloth, and If you clean the kettle and its lid frequently, you will not need any extra effort.

Follow the following simple steps on how to clean a simple Stovetop popcorn popper:

  1. Soak your cloth in warm soapy water
  2. Remove the screw of the popper and clean the base with the cloth properly.
  3. Clean the lid and shaft of the popper with the cloth.
  4. Align the shaft of the lid and assemble it with the popper.

Now your popper is clean and ready to pop tasty popcorn for you kids or for yourself. Enjoy your warm healthy popcorns with your loved ones which are good for your health and yummy for your tongue.

How to clean an outdoor popcorn popper:

The steps for cleaning outdoor popcorn poppers will vary based on the material of the popper. Aluminum poppers are often coated with paint that can be removed easily. Cast iron poppers can be washed easily in a pan or just dipped in cold water.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when cleaning the popper to avoid damaging the material.

How often should I clean my stovetop popcorn popper?

Cleaning the stovetop popcorn popper after you’ve finished using it will help extend its life and make it easier to use over time. If the popper gets dusty, wipe it down with a damp cloth. You may need to purchase special dishwashing soap for the task.

For even better protection, you should also, consider seasoning the surface of your popcorn.

Seasoning your stovetop popcorn popper

Its recommended that you season your stovetop popcorn popper every once in a while. Seasoning creates a non-stick coating at the bottom of the pot that helps prevent popcorn from sticking to the pot surface.

Follow these steps on how to season your stovetop popcorn popper:

  1. Pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil into the pot
  2. Put the popper on the stove and heat it at about 70% heat
  3. When the oil starts to heat up, tilt and roll the popper to evenly distribute the oil across the surface of the pot.
  4. Remove the popper from the stove once the oil gets hot and put it aside for about 30 minutes so that it can cool.
  5. Wipe the popper with a clean cloth.

How should I store my stovetop popcorn popper?

If your stovetop popcorn popper isn’t used frequently, it is important that you store it away from other items that could possibly damage it.

Store the popper in a clean and dry place when you’ve finished using it and you’ll almost always enjoy the best popcorn each and every time.

Here are a few things you should avoid to keep your popcorn popper in good condition:

  • Never put your popcorn popper in a dishwasher
  • Avoid using cheese, butter, or dairy in the popper
  • Never leave your popper empty on a heated stove
  • Never put your popper in a microwave
  • Do not let unsupervised kids use your stovetop popcorn popper
  • Use baking soda or vinegar with caution when cleaning aluminum pots

Unlike many other snacks, the taste of popcorn can easily get overridden by the smell and taste of the pot it was prepared in, and thus it goes without saying that the popcorn you make with your popper is only as good and fresh as the tools you use to prepare it.

It’s for that reason that you should take great care of your stovetop popcorn popper so that you and the kids can always enjoy that healthy homemade fresh popcorn.

It’s our hope that this article on how to clean a stovetop popcorn popper will come in handy the next time you take on this exciting task.

Cheers to more years of enjoying healthy tasty and fresh popcorn.

popcorn popper stovetop cookware