How to Clean a Kegerator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning a kegerator is an essential task for every beer enthusiast who wants to ensure that their beer tastes fresh and free from contaminants. A kegerator is a refrigeration unit that stores and dispenses beer from a keg. Over time, the beer lines, faucets, and other components of the kegerator can accumulate bacteria, yeast, and mold, which can affect the taste and quality of the beer. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary to maintain the optimal performance of your kegerator and ensure that your beer tastes great. In this post, we will talk about how to clean a kegerator.

Understanding the importance of cleaning a kegerator is the first step in ensuring that your beer tastes great. A dirty kegerator with dirty beer lines can cause foaming, off-flavors, and other issues that can ruin your beer. Moreover, if you neglect to clean your faucet and keg coupler, the build-up of contaminants can lead to health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to clean your kegerator regularly to prevent these issues and enjoy fresh, delicious beer every time.

To clean a kegerator, you need to identify the cleaning supplies, disassemble the components, clean them thoroughly, and reassemble the kegerator. However, the cleaning process can vary depending on the type of kegerator you have and the cleaning supplies you use. Therefore, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the right cleaning supplies to ensure that your kegerator is cleaned properly.

Understanding the Importance of Cleaning a Kegerator

Regularly cleaning a kegerator is essential for maintaining the quality of the beer and ensuring its longevity. A kegerator is a device that stores and dispenses draft beer. It is a refrigerated unit that is designed to maintain the temperature of the beer and keep it fresh.

Beer is a perishable product that can be affected by bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms. When a kegerator is not cleaned regularly, these microorganisms can build up in the lines and faucets, leading to off-flavors and a decrease in the quality of the beer.

When beer lines and faucets are not cleaned regularly, they can become clogged with beer residue and other particles. This can cause the kegerator to work harder to dispense the beer, leading to increased wear and tear on the device. Regular cleaning can prevent clogs and keep the kegerator running smoothly.

Cleaning a kegerator can also save money in the long run. When a kegerator is not cleaned regularly, the beer can become contaminated, leading to wasted beer and money.

Components of a Kegerator

A kegerator is a specialized refrigerator that stores and dispenses kegs of beer. It is composed of several components that work in tandem to keep the beer fresh and cold. Understanding the different components of a kegerator is essential for proper cleaning and maintenance.

Faucet

The faucet is the part of the tap or kegerator that dispenses the beer. It is usually made of stainless steel and has a lever that controls the flow of beer. The faucet must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast, which can affect the taste of the beer.

Keg Coupler

The coupler is the device that connects the keg to the kegerator. There are different types of couplers for different types of kegs, so it's important to make sure you have the right one. The coupler also has a valve that controls the flow of CO2 into the keg.

Beer Line

The beer line is the tubing that connects the keg to the faucet. It is usually made of food-grade vinyl or polyethylene and must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast. The length of the beer line affects the pressure and flow rate of the beer, so it's important to make sure it's the right length. Most kegerators will use 3/16 Chokeline with a vinyl or 1/4" I.D with XtraFlexmaster® Tubing.

CO2 Tank

The CO2 tank is the container that holds the carbon dioxide used to pressurize the keg and dispense the beer. It is usually made of aluminum or steel and must be refilled or replaced when it runs out. The pressure of the CO2 must be regulated to prevent over-carbonation or under-carbonation of the beer. For most kegerators, an applied pressure of 12 lbs is all you need.

Beer Tower

The beer tower is the vertical column that holds the beer faucet, and connects it to the keg. It is usually made of stainless steel or chrome and must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast.

Gas Line

The gas line is the tubing that connects the CO2 tank to the coupler. It is usually made of food-grade vinyl or polyethylene and must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast. This is the red air line connected to the kegerator.

Regulator

The regulator is the device that controls the pressure of the CO2 going into the beer keg itself. It is usually attached to the CO2 tank and must be adjusted to the correct pressure for the type of beer being dispensed. Applied pressure of 12 psi.

Drip Tray

The drip tray is the tray that sits under the faucet to catch any spills or drips. It is usually made of stainless steel or plastic and must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast.

Identifying the Cleaning Supplies

Before starting the kegerator cleaning process, it is important to have all the necessary cleaning supplies on hand. Here are some of the essential cleaning supplies that one may need:

Cleaning Kit

A beer line cleaning kit is a must-have for cleaning a kegerator. It usually includes a cleaning hose, bucket, faucet wrench, spanner wrench, and beer line cleaner. Some cleaning kits also come with a hand pump cleaning kit that can be used to clean the beer lines.

Another option to clean your kegerator is to use the mixed solution in a keg like the one above and use the keg coupler to tap the cleaning keg and dispense the chemicals out of your faucet. You can also use this for a static clean as well.

Cleaning Solution

A cleaning solution is used to clean the kegerator, beer lines, and faucets. It is important to use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for cleaning kegerators to ensure that the beer lines and faucets are cleaned thoroughly. An alkaline-based cleaning solution is highly recommended. We recommend Draft Tech Line Cleaner.

Bucket

A bucket is used to hold the cleaning solution and fresh water used during the cleaning process. It is important to use a bucket that is large enough to hold the cleaning solution and water, as well as the keg coupler and faucet parts.

Brush

A brush is used to scrub away any debris or buildup on the keg coupler and faucet parts. It is important to use a brush that is specifically designed for cleaning kegerators to avoid damaging the parts.

Sanitizer

After cleaning the kegerator, beer lines, and faucets, it is important to sanitize them to prevent any bacteria or mold growth. A sanitizer solution is used for this purpose. It is important to use a sanitizer that is specifically designed for cleaning kegerators. One we recommend after cleaning is Star San.

Gloves

Cleaning a kegerator can be messy, so wearing gloves is recommended to avoid getting cleaning solution or sanitizer on the hands. Black Nitrile Gloves work best.

PH Paper

Use this to make sure all of the chemical is out of the system when you flush it with water. You'll want a reading of 7 before you hook everything back up.

Step by Step Cleaning Process

Cleaning a kegerator is an essential task to maintain its performance and ensure that the beer tastes fresh and delicious. Here is a step-by-step process to clean a kegerator:

1. Turn off the power: Before starting the cleaning process, turn off the power and disconnect the CO2 tank from the kegerator.
2. Disassemble the kegerator: Take apart all the parts of the kegerator, including the beer faucet, beer line off the coupler, and coupler. You'll need to take off the gas line to do this. Place the parts in a bowl of warm water mixed with a cleaning solution. Read the directions on the cleaning chemical and wear gloves doing this. Soak the parts for about 20 minutes.
3. Scrub the parts: After soaking, use a faucet brush to scrub away any residue or mold on the parts. Rinse the parts with clean water and set them aside to dry.
4. Clean the interior: Use a cleaning hose and pump to flush out the interior of the kegerator. Make sure to sanitize the interior with a cleaning solution and rinse it with clean water. Check to make sure all the chemical is out of the system with PH Paper. Looking for a 7 on the PH paper.
5. Clean the drip tray: Remove the drip tray and clean it with soap and water. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry.
6. Put it all back together: Once all the parts are dry, put them back together and connect the CO2 tank. Turn on the power and test the dispenser to make sure it's working correctly.
7. Regular cleaning: It's essential to clean the kegerator regularly, at least once a month, to prevent any buildup of residue or mold. Use a cleaning kit to make the process easier and more efficient.

Dealing with Common Cleaning Issues

Cleaning a kegerator can seem like a daunting task, but it is essential to keep your beer tasting fresh and free from contaminants. Here are some common cleaning issues that you may encounter when cleaning the keg, and how to deal with them.

Bacteria and Yeast

Bacteria and yeast can grow in your kegerator, causing off-flavors and odors in your beer. To prevent this, it is important to clean your beer lines and kegerator regularly with a beer line cleaning compound. This compound will kill any bacteria and yeast that may be present in your beer lines and faucets.

Beer Residue and Beer Stone

Beer residue and beer stone can build up in your kegerator over time, causing clogs and affecting the taste of your beer. To remove beer residue, use a soft-bristled brush and warm water to scrub the inside of your kegerator. For beer stone, use a specialized cleaning solution that is designed to break down and remove the buildup. May need to use an acid clean to the beer lines. If the lines are really bad replacing them might be the solution.

Rubber Gasket

The rubber gasket on your kegerator can become dirty and moldy over time. To clean it, soak this in the warm solution with the faucet and other parts. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely before reassembling your kegerator.

Mold and Sediment

Mold and sediment can also grow in your kegerator, especially if it is not cleaned regularly. To prevent this, make sure to clean your kegerator thoroughly with a cleaning solution that is designed to kill mold and remove sediment.

Microbial Infection and Contaminants

Microbial infection and contaminants can occur if your kegerator is not cleaned properly. To prevent this, make sure to use a cleaning solution that is designed to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. It is also important to clean your kegerator regularly and to replace any parts that may be contaminated or damaged.

Reassembling the Kegerator

Once you have cleaned all the parts of the kegerator, it's time to put it all back together. First, make sure all the parts are completely dry before reassembling them into the kegerator.

Next, reattach the keg coupler to the beer line. Make sure to check the washers and o-rings to ensure a tight seal. It's important to replace these parts regularly to prevent leaks and contamination.

After reattaching the coupler, insert the beer line back into the kegerator, making sure it is properly secured in place. Then, reattach the faucet to the top of the kegerator. With a spanner wrench.

If your kegerator has a drip tray, clean it separately and put it back in place.

Once everything is back in its place, turn on the kegerator and check for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, turn off the kegerator and double-check that all parts of the draft system are properly secured and tightened.

Maintaining Your Kegerator for Optimal Performance

Keeping your kegerator clean is essential for ensuring quality beer and the longevity of your equipment. Regular cleaning of your kegerator will not only provide fresh draft beer but also keep your customers happy.

To ensure a clean kegerator, it is recommended to clean the beer lines every time a new keg is added. Beer lines can become contaminated with yeast, bacteria, and other impurities, affecting the taste of your beer. Cleaning the beer lines will eliminate these impurities and provide quality beer every time.

In addition to cleaning the beer lines, it is important to clean the faucets regularly. New taps should be dismantled and all stainless steel parts soaked in a cleaner. This process should be repeated after every keg use. Brewers Association recommends cleaning beer lines every 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Use to Clean My Kegerator Lines?

To clean kegerator lines, a cleaning solution made specifically for cleaning beer lines, should be used. Commonly used solutions include BLC (Beer Line Cleaner), PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash), and Acid Line Cleaner. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any cleaning solution. Also, Draftech and Micromatic are great cleaners.

How Do You Clean The Inside of a Kegerator?

To clean the inside of a kegerator, first, unplug the unit and remove all kegs, couplers, and faucets. Then, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent solution to clean the inside of the kegerator. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely before reassembling. Isopropyl alcohol can be used to spray inside a kegerator for cleaning.

How Often Do You Clean a Kegerator?

It is recommended to clean kegerator lines after every keg is emptied. The inside of the kegerator should be cleaned as needed. However, if the kegerator is used frequently, it may need to be cleaned more often.

Beer Line Cleaning Service Near Me

To find a beer line cleaning service near you, search online or ask for recommendations from local breweries or homebrew stores. Many companies specialize in beer line cleaning and maintenance. If you are in the Oregon area we obviously will recommend Renny's Draft Solutions.

Summary

Cleaning a kegerator is an essential step in ensuring the quality of your beer. A dirty kegerator can lead to off-flavors and spoilage of clean beer. The following steps will help you clean your kegerator:

It is recommended to clean your kegerator every time you switch out a keg. Regular cleaning will help prevent bacteria growth and keep your beer tasting fresh. For other dispensing questions please check our beer education blog, and for further questions give us a call, or reach out to us here.