Keg washers are machines that are used to clean empty beer kegs in order to prepare them for re-use. Their main purpose is to quickly and efficiently sanitize the kegs so that they are ready for fresh beer.
Keg washers work by using a combination of high pressure water spray, hot water, disinfectants, and sometimes alkaline and acidic detergents. The water is sprayed onto the interior and exterior of the keg and is circulated at high pressure and temperatures that are intended to kill off virtually any microbes, bacteria and other contaminants that would interfere with the quality of the beer.
The pressure also removes any residue or build-up that may have developed in the keg over time. Following the washing process, the kegs are rinsed and drained, and are then filled with CO2 or Nitrogen to purge any remaining residue, and are finally ready for loading with new beer.
Can you use OxiClean to clean kegs?
Yes, you can use OxiClean to clean kegs. OxiClean is a powerful and effective cleaner that is safe to use on most surfaces, including metal surfaces. When using OxiClean on a keg, first make sure the keg is thoroughly drained and empty, and then fill it with warm water and a small amount of OxiClean.
The proper ratio is usually one cup of OxiClean per gallon of water. Allow the mixture to sit in the keg for 15-20 minutes before draining it, then rinse with clean water. This process can then be repeated if necessary until the inside of the keg is clean.
It is important to note that OxiClean should never be used to clean any keg that contained beer or wine, as it can adversely affect the flavor of the beverage. Finally, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, such as goggles and gloves, when handling a chemical cleaner like OxiClean.
What can I use to clean a keg?
When it comes to cleaning a keg, the best thing you can use is a food grade keg cleaner. A good keg cleaner should be free of chlorides, phosphates, phenols and caustic chemicals and should also provide a sanitizing effect.
It’s important to also use a good quality brush and hot water to provide adequate scrubbing of the inside of the keg while cleaning. Additionally, you need to ensure that no foreign materials are in the keg before sealing it up, such as jewelry, socks, rags, paper towels, gloves and anything else that may be contaminating the keg.
To truly clean a keg correctly, you should always let the cleaner and hot water sit for 20 minutes to really sanitize the keg before rinsing with hot water. Once you have rinsed, it is important to tap the keg with an oil free tap and then insert a new CO2 stopper or integrated tap cleaner into the keg.
Finally, it is important to ensure that the keg is sealed properly and is not leaking.
Can you clean a keg with dish soap?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to use dish soap to clean a keg as it could adversely affect the flavor, smell, or taste of the beer contained within. While it’s possible to use dish soap to clean the exterior of a keg, the interior should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized with a cleaning solution specifically designed for kegs, such as one that contains a mixture of citric acid and sodium percarbonate.
To properly clean a keg, the liquid cleaning solution should be used to scrub the interior of the keg and then the keg should be filled with the solution and left to sit for 10-15 minutes. Once the keg has soaked for the designated amount of time, it should be flushed with cold water to remove the cleaning solution and any particulates that it has loosened.
If the keg still appears to be dirty, the process can be repeated again. After the keg has been thoroughly cleaned, sanitizing solution (such as an oxygen-based sanitizer, chlorine bleach, iodophor, or Star-San) should be used to sanitize it and make it safe for use.
Sanitizing solutions typically need to remain in contact with the keg for at least a few minutes before being flushed out with cold water. It’s important to pay special attention to any handles, knobs, or other areas that may come into contact with hands as they could aid in the spread of bacteria or contamination.
After these steps have been completed, the keg should be visually inspected, and if it is free of dirt and particulates, it can then be filled with beer and ready to be enjoyed.
Which OxiClean to use for brewing?
It depends on the specific brewing needs. OxiClean is a versatile and effective cleaning product, but there are several different kinds. OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover is great for deep cleaning and eliminating odors from glassware, kettles and utensils, while OxiClean Odor Blasters is effective for tougher odors and also disinfects.
OxiClean White Revive is specifically formulated for whites, removing extra tough soils and stains without fading. OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Spray is designed for pre-treatments before washing and can be used to remove stains from mugs, teacups and pitchers.
How do you clean a keg without a Pbw?
It is possible to clean a keg without using Powdered Brewery Wash (PBW), but it may take a bit of extra effort and time.
The first step is to rinse out the keg thoroughly with very hot, fresh water. This will help to flush out any lingering remnants of beer and bacteria, and if possible, use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the keg with hot water to remove dirt and buildup.
Once all of the water is drained, mix together a teaspoon of chlorine bleach, 2 tablespoons of citric acid, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 3 gallons of warm water. Submerge the keg and let it sit for an hour or two to disinfect and clean the keg, then drain.
Fill the keg with a cleaning solution of 1 cup of citric acid, 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide, 1 cup of table salt and 3 gallons of warm water. The citric acid and hydrogen peroxide will both break down foam while the salt helps to clean, deodorize, and disinfect the keg.
Again, let the keg soak up the cleaning solution for an hour or two, then rinse and drain the keg.
Finally, fill the keg with sanitizing solution. You will want to use a food-grade sanitizer that is approved for use on brewing equipment, such as Star-San or Iodophor. Pump or pour the sanitizer into the keg, and let it sit for a few minutes, then drain.
Rinse the keg with clean, hot water one last time and then allow it to dry before putting your beer in it.
How do I clean and sanitize a keg?
To clean and sanitize a keg, you’ll need some basic cleaning supplies, such as a keg brush and stainless steel cleaner, and items to sanitize such as sanitizer or starsan. Start by emptying the keg of any remaining beer and giving it a good rinsing.
A water hose and sprayer attachment is ideal for a thorough cleaning but if that’s not available, you can use a bucket of clean water. Once cleaned, it’s a good idea to open the keg up by removing the lid and breathing tube and check for any rusted parts or scrapes which may indicate a weakness in the keg.
Once the keg is empty and rinsed, use the keg brush and stainless steel cleaner to scrub it thoroughly, taking care to get into every nook and cranny and paying particular attention to any valves or tubes.
Rinse the keg one last time and then set it on its side to drain.
Once the keg has been cleaned, it’s time to sanitize. This can be done by either soaking a clean towel in a sanitizing solution such as Iodophor, StarSan, or even household bleach, or by filling the keg with sanitizer solution.
If you’re using a sanitizing solution, make sure to let it soak for a few minutes before rinsing it out with clean water.
Once the keg has been sanitized, you can then attach the lid and breathing tube and it’s ready for use. Just make sure to inspect the keg for any signs of weakness or damage prior to use.
How are Sanke kegs cleaned?
Sanke kegs must be properly cleaned and cared for in order to keep them in good condition. Sanke kegs must be cleaned both inside and out, as the buildup of organic material such as beer, yeast, and hops can lead to contamination and off-flavors in the new beer.
The most important step for proper cleaning is to first empty the keg and rinse out any remaining beer. Then, the outside of the keg should be wiped down with a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.
For the interior cleaning, a keg washer should be used to remove any organic material that may be in the keg. This involves filling the keg with a cleaning solution and then circulat- ing it throughout the keg with air or CO2.
The cleaning solutions usually consist of an alkaline solution like caustic soda or sodium hydroxide, and may also include acid based solutions like chlorine, sulfuric acid, or phosphoric acid. After a thorough cleaning, the keg should be purged with CO2 or a special relief valve opened in order to push out any remaining cleaning solution.
Finally, kegs should be sanitized with a sanitizing solution before filling them with new beer. This can be done with either a sanitizing solution like iodophor or with an oxygen-based sanitizer such as StarSan.
The keg must be in a closed state during the sanitizing process and should be purged with CO2 again after use so as not to contaminate the new beer.
By following these steps, a Sanke keg can be properly cleaned and will be able to hold new beer for many years to come.
How do Breweries clean kegs?
Breweries typically clean their kegs using either a CIP (Clean-in-Place) system or manually. With a CIP system, the kegs are loaded into a machine that sprays a high-pressure sanitizing solution into them, which is then pumped out.
The solution is typically a combination of hot water and caustic chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Through this process, the kegs are effectively sterilized and made safe for re-filling.
Manually cleaning kegs involves a bit more effort. First, the keg is filled with a hot sanitizing solution. The solution is then agitated by tipping and rolling the filled keg several times. This helps the solution to reach all areas of the keg, effectively sterilizing it.
After the agitation process, the keg is tipped back, allowing the solution to flow out. The keg is then manually scrubbed and rinsed with hot water to remove any debris or contaminants. Finally, a rinse cycle is performed to remove any leftover residue.
Do you need to clean new kegs?
Yes, new kegs should be cleaned before putting them into service. This is to ensure that all of the debris, dirt, and other materials left behind during the manufacturing process are removed. Before you begin cleaning your keg, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies.
This should include a sanitizer, a brush, CO2, and a cleaning solution. Start by lifting the top of the keg off and then removing any dirt or other debris. Make sure the keg is completely dry before beginning the cleaning process.
Once it is clean, use the brush to scrub the interior and make sure the rinse solution has reached all areas of the keg. Thoroughly rinse the keg using CO2 and then use the sanitizer to ensure it is completely sanitized.
Lastly, leave the keg filled with water overnight to make sure it holds water reliably.
