Candy apples are a classic treat that can be tricky to make at home. While they may seem straightforward, properly cleaning the pan after making candy apples is key to avoiding a sticky mess. There are some important steps to take after cooking candy apples to remove the hardened candy coating and allow for easy washing.
Why Cleaning the Pan is Important
The first question many wonder is why it’s so important to properly clean the pan right away after making candy apples. There are a few key reasons:
- Hardened candy is difficult to remove – Candy coating hardens quickly at room temperature. Once set, it can be extremely difficult to scrub off.
- Sugar can damage pans – Burnt sugar that is left to sit can potentially damage non-stick coatings or react with aluminum or other metals.
- Prevents ants/bugs – Leftover sugar residue will attract pests like ants or fruit flies.
- Easier to wash – Removing candy when still warm allows food and grease to wash away much more easily with just hot water.
Taking the time to promptly clean the pan makes the job much quicker and prevents damage.
What You’ll Need
Before tackling your used candy apple pan, gather the following cleaning supplies:
- Pan used for candy apples
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- Nylon scrubbing pad or brush
- Oven mitts or hot pads
- Distilled white vinegar (optional)
The pan will need to be cleaned while still warm from cooking, so be sure to have hot pads or mitts on hand to handle it safely. An abrasive scrub pad or brush is also helpful for removing stuck-on candy.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these steps for how to easily clean a pan after making candy apples:
- Remove apples and let pan cool slightly – Take finished candy apples out of the pan and let the pan sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows it to cool down enough to handle safely.
- Add hot water to pan – Place the warm pan in the sink and pour in 1-2 inches of very hot water from the tap. This will help soften the hardened candy coating.
- Scrub with dish soap – Add a generous squirt of dish soap and use a nylon scrubbing pad to scrub the entire pan surface. Focus on any visible candy drips or residue. The heat from the pan will melt the candy.
- Drain water and repeat – Drain out the soapy water and give the pan another scrub with hot water and scrubbing pad to remove all soap.
- Use vinegar for tough spots – For any pieces of candy still stuck on, boil 1 cup distilled vinegar in the pan for 2-3 minutes. This will help dissolve sugar. Scrub pan again.
- Dry thoroughly – Ensure no water spots or residue are left behind by completely drying with a dish towel.
Taking the time to clean the candy apple pan right after use prevents a time-consuming mess later on.
Tips for Easy Cleaning
Here are some helpful tips to make cleaning a used candy apple pan even easier:
- Wash pan while still warm – Don’t wait for the pan to cool completely or cleaning will be much more difficult.
- Use hottest tap water – Very hot water from the faucet helps dissolve candy residue quickly.
- Avoid cold water – Cold water can shock hot sugar and cause it to seize onto pan surfaces.
- Soak if needed – If pan won’t scrub clean, try soaking 15-20 minutes in hot, soapy water to loosen candy.
- Use baking soda – For extra scrubbing power, sprinkle baking soda and scrub with a wet sponge.
- Remove apples ASAP – Take finished candy apples out of pan right away so candy drips don’t harden.
What Not to Do
There are also some common cleaning mistakes to avoid:
- Do not use cold water on a hot pan – This can cause sugar to seize and stick.
- Don’t let pan sit overnight unwashed – This allows candy to fully harden and adhere.
- Don’t use abrasive scouring pads – This can damage non-stick surfaces.
- Don’t put pan in dishwasher – Handwashing is best to fully remove candy residue.
- Avoid metal utensils – These can scratch pans when scrubbing off sugar.
Being aware what not to do when cleaning your candy apple pan will help ensure best results.
For Severely Stuck-On Candy
If candy residue fully hardens and sticks firmly to the pan, try these extra steps:
- Simmer water and vinegar – Boil 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water to help loosen stuck-on candy.
- Use baking soda – Sprinkle baking soda and rub gently with a soft sponge.
- Soak overnight – Fill pan with hot water and dish soap. Let soak 8-12 hours to soften candy.
- Use plastic scraper – A plastic pancake flipper can help gently pry off candy pieces.
- Avoid metal scraper – Metal can damage pan coating.
With some extra effort, even the most stubborn candy mess can be removed.
Storing Candy Apple Pans
Once your pan is cleaned, be sure to dry it thoroughly and store properly to avoid any lingering sticky residue:
- Dry immediately with towel – Don’t air dry, moisture can re-stick sugar.
- Hang or stand upright – Allow airflow around the pan.
- Wrap handle in towel – Protects handle grip from getting sticky.
- Store with baking soda – Sprinkle soda in pan to absorb odors.
- Use plastic liners – Line pans with plastic wrap or bags before stacking.
Proper storage keeps your candy apple pans fresh for next time.
Cleaning Other Candy-making Equipment
Candy thermometers, spoons, and other kitchen tools used when making candy apples also need special treatment to remove clinging sugar:
- Candy thermometer – Rinse under hot water and gently wipe probe with soft cloth or sponge. Do not submerge base.
- Spoons – Wash with dish soap and hot water. Soak if needed to loosen candy before washing.
- Mixing bowls – Wash bowls promptly after use. Soak in hot, soapy water for stuck-on candy.
- Countertops – Wipe down counters with a hot, wet cloth. Rinse and re-wipe to remove sugar residue.
Be sure to wash any item that touched candy coating or syrup as soon as possible. Prompt cleaning makes removing sugar simple.
Removing Dried Candy from Counters and Tables
Candy coating can drip on counters, tables, and work surfaces during the candy apple making process. Here are some tips for cleaning up dried-on candy drips:
- Use a plastic scraper or spatula to lift any hardened drips.
- Wipe the surface with a hot, damp cloth to melt sugar. Re-wipe with clean wet cloth.
- For textured surfaces, use an old toothbrush and baking soda scrub.
- Spray vinegar and scrub with a nylon brush to dissolve stuck-on drips.
- Avoid metal scrapers or stiff scrub brushes which can damage surfaces.
With some scrubbing, counters and tables used for candy making can be restored to their former clean state.
Conclusion
Cleaning up after candy apple making doesn’t have to be a scary mess if you follow a few key tips. Promptly washing equipment with hot water, dish soap, and some elbow grease allows pans and utensils to be cleaned before sugar residue fully hardens. Avoid common mistakes like cold water shock and letting pans sit, and even the most stubborn candy mess can be dissolved. Follow these guidelines for how to clean a pan after candy apples, and your kitchen will be back to shiny and spotless in no time. Sweet success!