Cleaning Whirley Pop: Easy Steps For Sparkling Popcorn Pans

Cleaning a Whirley Pop popcorn pan is important to prevent the transfer of rancid burnt popcorn taste to new batches. Even a few unremoved burnt kernels or debris can impart a nasty burnt flavour as heat is applied during popping. The smooth, synchronized spinning of the gears and rod is critical to proper popcorn agitation and even cooking. If the gears bind up, the popcorn will cook unevenly. Residual moisture and oils left behind after popping can also cause metal components like the pan and lid to develop rust over time. This guide will show you how to clean your Whirley Pop popcorn pan.

Remove the lid

To remove the lid from your Whirley Pop, you'll need to start by holding the pan by the handle on a flat surface. While straddling your index finger and thumb across the centre crossbar, hold the clamp like a trigger and squeeze upward. Repeat this procedure on the other clamp. Finally, release the half-moon clip, and you should be able to easily remove the lid.

Once the lid is off, you can start cleaning it. Fill the lid with warm water and a squirt of eco-friendly dish soap. Allow it to soak for 2-3 minutes. Then, scrub the inside and outside of the lid with a dish sponge or soft brush, focusing on removing any oil buildup on the inner surface. Use a toothbrush to scrub around the perimeter, small gaps, and vented holes where oil and residue can collect. Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the lid under running water to wash away all the dish soap. Make sure to dry the lid completely with a towel to prevent water spots.

If you're removing the lid to clean the gears, rods, and other interior parts, you'll want to use a toothbrush to scrub and loosen any burnt food residue. Rotate the gears during scrubbing to hit all sides, but be careful not to bend the thin metal stirring rod. After scrubbing, rinse the toothbrush and use it to rinse all the baking soda off the gears. Finally, wipe down the stirring rod with a microfiber cloth until it's shiny and dry.

Remember to always exercise caution when handling the hot lid and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model of Whirley Pop.

Hand wash with warm soapy water

Hand washing your Whirley Pop popcorn pan with warm soapy water is a straightforward and effective way to keep it clean. It is important to note that the manufacturer does not recommend putting the popper in the dishwasher, as the aluminium is not dishwasher-safe. Here is a step-by-step guide to hand washing your Whirley Pop:

• Remove the lid from the popper by pulling up the big tab in the front of the lid. This will release the handle-side clip, allowing you to easily remove the lid.
• Fill the sink or a basin with warm water and add a mild dish soap that can cut through oil and grease. Look for eco-friendly brands without harsh chemicals.
• Place the popper in the warm soapy water and use a sponge or soft brush to scrub away any residue. For hard-to-reach areas, such as crevices and gears, use a toothbrush. Pay extra attention to the grooves near the gears and other common areas where gunk builds up.
• Rinse the popper thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that all the soap residue is removed.
• Dry the popper with a clean towel or a soft, non-abrasive sponge. You can also let it air dry.
• Reattach the lid by first putting the handle-side clip on and then pushing down the clip on the opposite side to hold it in place. While holding the pot, give the lid a slight counter-clockwise turn so that the clip on the right side holds the right side flap firmly.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your Whirley Pop popcorn pan and maintain its performance and longevity. Remember to dry it thoroughly and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent rust and keep it in optimal condition.

Rinse and dry

Rinse the pot using clean water. You can use a paper towel, a soft/non-abrasive sponge, or a microfiber cloth to dry the Whirley Pop. Make sure to dry all parts of the popper thoroughly, including the interior metal pan, lid, gears, and rod. This will prevent oxidation and rust from forming. You can also use a Q-tip to get into crevices.

If you want to go the extra mile, rub metal parts with half a lemon when they are still slightly wet. The acid in the lemon neutralizes oxidation and helps prevent rust.

Always ensure that your Whirley Pop is completely dry before reassembling and storing it. Double-check that all parts are arid by going over them with a towel.

It is important to note that you should not put your Whirley Pop in the dishwasher, as it is not dishwasher-safe. The aluminum is not dishwasher-safe, and the dishwasher can cause the wooden parts of the lid to crack.

Avoid harsh chemicals

To clean your Whirley Pop popcorn pan without harsh chemicals, you can use a few simple household items. Firstly, it's important to note that you should never submerge your Whirley Pop in water or put it in the dishwasher. Always hand-clean the Whirley Pop with mild detergent and warm water to keep the finish on the base.

A good routine cleaning method is to simply wipe the inside of the pot with a paper towel. If you want to be more thorough, you can follow these steps:

• Remove the lid from the popper by pulling up the big tab in the front of the lid and releasing the handle-side clip.
• Hand wash the popper using warm soapy water. You can soak the pot in warm water to help remove burn marks.
• Rinse the pot with clean water and dry it with a towel or paper towel.
• Put the lid back on.

If you're dealing with burnt kernels, you can remove them with a wooden scraper or spoon, as metal can damage the pot. For tougher stains, you can use a dishwasher tablet to scrub the stain, then dampen it and leave it to work overnight. Rinse the pot thoroughly the next day.

For burnt-on grease, make a paste with baking soda and vinegar and scrub it with a brush. The chemical reaction will help dissolve the grease. You can also try boiling lemon in the pot, as the acidity of lemon can help loosen burnt food particles.

To remove built-up oil in the pan, fill the pan with warm soapy water and add 1/4 cup of vinegar. Soak for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse multiple times until the vinegar smell dissipates.

Seasoning

Here's how to season your Whirley Pop pan:

• Pour in one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Tilt the pan to swirl the oil or use a brush to coat the bottom and sides of the pan evenly.
• Heat the pan on a burner over medium heat for about 20 seconds to a minute, rotating it slightly to ensure the oil is distributed evenly.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.
• Wipe out any remaining oil with a paper towel or napkin.

Your Whirley Pop pan is now seasoned and ready for popping!

Frequently asked questions