The most common chemical used to clean beer lines is a combination of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. This combination of harsh alkalies dissolves beer stone (that is, calcium oxalate), a mineral precipitate, and proteinaceous residues.
Generally, this is called “beer line cleaner” and is of a concentrated strength.
The most important thing to remember when cleaning beer lines is thorough rinsing of the lines after the chemical has been used. A dilute acid rinse, such as a citric acid solution, should be used to neutralize any remaining alkaline residues before the beer is re-used in the lines.
Some companies also manufacture less aggressive beer line cleaning chemicals that utilize carbonic and phosphoric acids, as well as enzymes and surfactants in order to effectively clean beer lines without being as hazardous as sodium and potassium hydroxide.
No matter what cleaning chemical is chosen, the most important step is to be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Additionally, it is important to use new cleaning solutions if the lines are not cleaned regularly, as residual deposits will build up and potentially reduce the effectiveness of the chosen chemical.
How do you clean a keg tubing?
Cleaning keg tubing is essential for proper sanitation of your beer or beverage. The process can be broken down into four main steps: preparation, cleaning, sanitizing, and rinsing.
First, make sure to disconnect the tubing from the keg and remove any attachments, like spouts or clamps. To simplify the process, you can use a beer line cleaning kit.
Next, mix enough hot water with a blend of cleaning powder to flush the line and then manually run the solution through the tube. This ensures that all of the internals and attachments have been thoroughly washed.
Make sure to allow some time for the powder to dissolve and do its job.
Third is the sanitizing stage. Use a sanitizing solution designed specifically for keg lines, and soak the tubing and attachments in the solution for at least 20 minutes.
Finally, rinse the line with fresh water to get rid of any residual cleaning or sanitizing solution. It’s also a good idea to blow some additional air through the line to ensure that no solution remains.
Once everything is rinsed, the tube can be reconnected to the keg and ready to use. Following these steps will ensure that your beverage is served with a clean and sanitized line.
Do you need to clean keg lines?
Yes, keg lines do need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Neglecting to clean the beer lines can lead to bacteria and sediment buildup and cause harm to your draught beer system, leading to taste issues, foaming problems, and a shortened shelf life.
This is especially true for bars and restaurants that offer multiple types of beer.
In general, it’s important to clean beer lines about every two weeks. If you serve multiple types of beer, it is often recommended that you clean your lines after each keg change.
The cleaning process involves using a combination of hot water and cleaning chemicals designed for draught beer lines, such as caustic, or a mild acid-type licensee cleaner. To properly clean a draught beer system, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right dosage of cleaner.
After the cleaning process is complete, the draught beer lines must be flushed with plain cold water.
Overall, cleaning and maintenance of draught beer lines is an essential part of owning a draught beer system. Regular cleaning with the right combination of hot water and cleaning chemicals will help ensure that the quality of the beer is maintained.
Can I use OxiClean to clean beer lines?
Yes, you can use OxiClean to clean beer lines. OxiClean has a variety of cleaning products designed for a variety of purposes, including beer line cleaning. Its oxygen-based, water-soluble cleaner is safe and effective for removing residue, such as beer stone, from beer lines and kegerators.
It is also biodegradable and does not contain harsh chemicals, making it a safer choice for the environment than other cleaning products. To use OxiClean for beer line cleaning, you will need to mix it with water and run it through the lines.
Allow the solution to sit in the lines for 10-15 minutes and then flush with clean water to remove any residue. Make sure to follow the product label carefully for usage instructions and safety information.
How often should keg lines be cleaned?
Keg lines should be cleaned and maintained regularly to help ensure the quality and freshness of the beer. The frequency of cleaning depends on the usage of the keg lines and the type of beer being served.
A general rule of thumb is to clean the lines every 2-3 weeks for normal usage and every week for heavy usage. The kegs should also be checked for sediment build-up and the overall condition of the lines to ensure the beer is in its best condition.
Additionally, all fixtures, such as taps and faucets, should be periodically disassembled and checked for build-up and leakage. Cleaning the lines regularly will also help prevent bacteria growth, therefore extending the shelf life of the beer.
Can you leave water in beer lines?
It is generally not recommended to leave water in beer lines. When water is left in beer lines, bacteria and sediment can build up and create an undesirable flavor. Additionally, leaving water in the lines can create pressure imbalances that can cause beer lines to become blocked.
Furthermore, water can corrode the interior of the beer lines, which is especially problematic for beer lines made of copper. Finally, leaving water in beer lines can result in the formation of microbiological contaminants such as wild yeast, lactobacillus, and other bacteria which can drastically alter the flavor and quality of the beer.
For these reasons, it is typically recommended to remove all water from beer lines after each batch is complete. To ensure all water is removed, it is best to flush the lines with a cleaner solution.
How do I clean the lines on my corny keg?
Cleaning the lines on a corny keg is essential for maintaining the quality and flavor of your beer. A corny keg typically consists of three hoses: a gas in and out line, a liquid in and out line, and a pressure relief valve.
When cleaning the lines on your corny keg, you’ll want to begin by sanitizing them. Start by removing the hoses from the keg and rinse them with hot water. Next, mix a sanitizing solution in a bucket, such as a mixture of hot water and a no-rinse sanitizing solution.
Soak the hoses in the solution for at least 5 minutes before rinsing them with hot water. Additionally, use a bottle brush or something similar to scrub the inside of the hoses. Make sure to rinse the hoses thoroughly before reattaching them to the keg.
Once the hoses are reattached, it’s important to fill the keg with a cleaning solution such as PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash). Fill the keg with enough cleaning solution to cover the entire interior. Allow the cleaning solution to sit in the keg for at least 20 minutes before purging the keg with CO2.
This will help to remove any debris from the interior of the keg. Finally, rinse the keg with hot water and allow the keg to dry before reusing.
Can you clean keg lines with bleach?
Yes, you can clean keg lines with bleach. However, you will need to do so with caution as bleach is a corrosive chemical. You will need to make sure the bleach is thoroughly rinsed before dispensing beer, and be aware that prolonged contact with bleach could corrode the stainless steel lines or the valves and fittings on the keg itself.
To properly clean the keg lines with bleach, you’ll need to mix a solution of unscented household bleach and warm water, usually 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. You will then want to run this solution through the lines for about one minute, followed by a good flushing of clean water in order to rinse out the bleach.
If you are using a counter-pressure line filling system, you will want to also flush the bottle filler. Lastly, it is imperative that you rinse the entire system again with water just to be sure all the bleach has been completely removed.
How do you make a beer line cleaner?
Making beer line cleaner is an important way to ensure that the beer being served tastes great. In order to make a beer line cleaner, you will need some basic supplies such as:
1. Citric Acid or Phosphoric Acid Beer Line Cleaner
2. Siphon and/or Faucet Wrench
3. Hose and Faucet Brush
4. Cleaning Bucket for the Cleaner Solution
5. Clean Water
Step 1: Before beginning the cleaning process it is important to disconnect all lines from the kegs and make sure that the beer lines are completely drained of any beer.
Step 2: Fill the cleaning bucket with 8 to 16 ounces of either citric acid or phosphoric acid beer line cleaner per 3 gallons of water. It is important to note that some brands of commercial beer line cleaners may require you to use a different ratio of each.
Step 3: Insert end of the beer line into the cleaning solution. Start the suction with a siphon or similar device in order to create a vacuum. This will help to ensure that all of the beer line is filled with the cleaning solution.
Step 4: Let the beer line sit in the cleaning solution for approximately 15 minutes.
Step 5: After the 15 minutes have passed, flush the beer line with clean water from a bucket of clean water or from a tap.
Step 6: Thoroughly clean all faucets and other components using a brush and with the remaining cleaning solution in the bucket.
Step 7: Make sure that all components are rinsed off with clean water in order to prevent any residues or flavors from remaining.
Step 8: Leave the beer lines and faucets open to air dry or use a towel or cloth in order to dry them off.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your beer lines get a thorough cleaning in order to serve great tasting beer.
Can dirty beer lines make you sick?
Yes, dirty beer lines can make you sick. Beer lines typically contain bacteria, mold, yeast, and other contaminants. When these contaminants come into contact with beer, they can impart flavors and aromas that are off-putting and can cause illness.
In addition, these contaminants can become breeding grounds for more harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli and Salmonella, which can make you ill if consumed. To prevent illness, it is necessary to properly clean and maintain your beer lines on a regular basis.
This can include removing organics, changing out lines, performing daily line rinses, and sterilizing any components. For larger operations, investing in a comprehensive professional brewery cleaning service can help to ensure that all lines are thoroughly cleaned and protected against microbes and other contamination.
Is beer line cleaner safe?
Yes, beer line cleaner is generally safe when used as directed. Beer line cleaner is designed to remove bacteria and organic materials from beer lines that can cause issues with taste, odor and overall quality.
When used as instructed, line cleaners will not affect the flavor of the beer and can be safely used in the home or professional setting. As with all cleaning chemicals, it is important to use the right amounts, read the instructions on the product and follow safety guidelines.
Additionally, gloves should be worn when handling the product and any remaining cleaner should be completely flushed through the lines.
