Coffee Tap System: Line Cleaning for Keeping Coffee Lines Happy
As cold brew becomes more and more popular, the process of cleaning and sanitizing cold brew equipment has become more important for serving cold brew coffee. Coffee line cleaning is important because it helps to keep dispensing systems running smoothly. Having a regular cleaning schedule will help you dispense a more consistent product for customers.
If you are using a commercial cleaner, always read the instructions, and follow them exactly. Many commercial cleaners have a specific set of instructions as to what ratio the chemical to water should be. This ratio will clean the system properly so you can pour delicious coffee to your customers.
Importance of Coffee Line Cleaning
Regular cleaning of coffee lines is crucial to maintain the quality and flavor of the coffee served. Coffee lines can harbor bacteria, mold, and old coffee oils, which can affect the taste and aroma of the coffee. If not cleaned regularly, these contaminants can lead to a buildup of residue, causing the coffee to taste bitter or stale. Moreover, dirty coffee lines can also lead to equipment failure, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. By cleaning the coffee lines regularly, businesses can ensure that their customers receive a consistently high-quality coffee experience.
Types of Coffee Lines
There are several types of coffee lines used in the industry, including stainless steel, and plastic lines. Each type of line has its own advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel lines are durable and resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice for commercial coffee equipment. Plastic barrier lines are less expensive than stainless steel and copper lines but may not be as durable. When choosing a coffee line, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning.
Choose the Right Coffee Line Cleaner
When choosing a cleaner for your coffee lines. It is important to select one that is designed specifically for coffee equipment. Coffee line cleaners are available at most homebrew stores, but we use MicroMatic's Coffee Line Cleaner. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
Use a Brush to Scrub Dispensing Parts
One of the best ways to clean your coffee lines is by using a brush. A brush will help you remove any build-up or residue that has accumulated outside the lines. Be sure to use a brush outside the coupler. Around the Cornelius keg fittings, and when you take your Nitro Faucet apart. Use the brush to get into the nooks and crannies and make sure the faucet and parts are cleaned. Ensure that your nitrogen tank is properly connected to achieve a smooth and thorough cleaning process.
Steps for Coffee Line Cleaning
- Disconnect the keg coupler or ball lock fitting from the product keg.
- Fill the cleaning tank with warm tap water (80-95 degrees).
- Place an empty bucket under the faucet.
- Engage the coupler on the water-filled keg. Open the faucet until the line is thoroughly cleared or until clear water flows out.
- Close the faucet.
- Vent the pressure from the cleaning vessel by pulling the vent ring.
- Open the pressurized vessel, and add the Coffee Line Cleaner.
- Use 1 oz of Coffee Line Cleaner per foot of line, plus 10 oz for any Nitro coffee equipment like Mini Nim.
- Place an empty bucket under the faucet.
- Reconnect the keg coupler and pressurize the container. Open the faucet until the line is filled with the blue-colored cleaning chemical. Close the faucet and let the chemical soak for 20 minutes (static clean).
- Disconnect the keg coupler, vent the pressurized vessel, and open it to rinse out any remaining chemicals. Refill with fresh water and use pH paper to test for any leftover chemical residue.
- Rinse and attach the coupler to the product keg. Pull 12-20 oz of coffee from the system and discard it.
- Rinse and dry the remaining cleaning equipment.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
To ensure that coffee lines remain clean and free of contaminants, it’s essential to establish a regular maintenance schedule. This schedule should include daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks. Daily tasks may include wiping down the coffee machine and lines with a damp cloth, while weekly tasks may include running a cleaning solution through the lines. Monthly tasks may include descaling the coffee machine and lines to remove mineral deposits. By following a regular maintenance schedule, businesses can ensure that their coffee lines remain clean and free of contaminants.
Daily Maintenance For Cold Brew Nitro Coffee Systems
It’s smart practice to remove the nitro faucet spouts and soak them in carbonated or plain water. Also, be sure to remove and rinse the inlet dissolved filter inside. This practice will keep the Nitro Faucet in working order.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues that can arise with coffee lines include clogs, leaks, and contamination. To troubleshoot these issues, it’s essential to identify the source of the problem. For example, if the coffee line is clogged, it may be due to a buildup of old coffee oils or residue. In this case, running a cleaning solution through the line may resolve the issue. If the line is leaking, it may be due to a loose connection or damaged line. In this case, tightening the connection or replacing the line may resolve the issue. By identifying the source of the problem and taking corrective action, businesses can quickly resolve common issues with their coffee lines.
Best Practices for Coffee Line Cleaning
To ensure that coffee lines are cleaned effectively, it’s essential to follow best practices. These practices include using a cleaning solution specifically designed for coffee lines, running the solution through the lines regularly, and descaling the lines monthly. It’s also essential to use a cleaning brush to remove any buildup or residue from the lines. Additionally, businesses should ensure that their coffee lines are properly installed and maintained to prevent contamination and other issues. By following these best practices, businesses can ensure that their coffee lines remain clean and free of contaminants, providing their customers with a consistently high-quality coffee experience.
Conclusion
Coffee line cleaning is an important step in making sure your cold brew draft system produces a consistent product. By using a commercial cleaner and following the directions carefully, you can clean your coffee lines in no time. Be sure to use a brush to scrub any build-up or residue from outside the lines. Use a bucket to catch the water from the faucet. While you rinse your system free of chemical. Finally, be sure to perform a daily maintenance routine on your faucets to keep your nitro coffee system running smoothly. This is especially important for cold brew coffee, which requires clean lines to maintain its smooth taste and less acidic nature.
For more information on cleaning techniques check out the rest of our blog. If you have any further questions you can always reach us here.
Lastly, if you are looking for a professional company to off-load beer line, wine, or coffee line cleaning we can help you with that. Give us a call.
Cheers!
