A Guide to Home Kegerator Cleaning and Maintenance
Having a kegerator in your home can be a great investment if you’re an avid beer, wine, cocktail, or coffee drinker. However, not many people know the ins and outs of maintaining their kegerator and keeping it clean. Cleaning homebrew equipment is incredibly important because not only does it eliminate residue, bacteria, and mold, but failure to do so can also affect the taste of your beverage.
Clean the Lines and faucet
Cleaning your homebrewing system’s lines is one step in maintaining your investment, ensuring long-lasting use and fewer maintenance issues over time. It is recommended that you clean your lines every couple of weeks, or at least every time you change your kegs, with a caustic kegerator line cleaning solution. For a deeper clean, you should use an acid-based cleaning solution every three months to get rid of any harsh sediments that could end up in your beverages.
Alongside cleaning your kegerator lines, it is recommended that you clean your faucet after every use to decrease the chances of spreading bacteria.
Replace Lines Regularly
While keeping your kegerator lines clean can avoid serious bacteria or mold, your kegerator lines should also be replaced periodically. It is recommended that you replace your lines about once a year, however, that will depend on how much you use your kegerator. The more you use your kegerator, the more often you should be replacing your lines.
Methods of Cleaning with the Right Tools and Products
One way to keep your homebrewing equipment clean is by hiring a professional. At Northwest Draft Technicians, our team can take care of things like line cleaning, line replacement, inspection, and more. If you’re looking to take the do-it-yourself route, there are a few methods of cleaning that you can try, including:
- Hand pump cleaning: Use a hand pump to pump the cleaning solution through your lines.
- Pressurized cleaning: Use a CO2 canister to push the solution through your lines.
- Re-circulating cleaning: Re-circulate water and cleaning solution until the water runs clear.
It is important to note that using the wrong products and tools to clean your system can lead to damage or the spread of bacteria. It is recommended that you should use non-abrasive scrubbers to clean your kegerator to avoid scratches. Scratches in your lines give bacteria a place to hide, leading to the further spread of microbial contaminants. Using a non-abrasive scrubber will not only clean your kegerator but also keep your lines safe from harmful contaminants spreading.
Learn More about Kegerators from Northwest Draft Technicians
The best way to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of your home kegerator is by hiring a professional. At Northwest Draft Technicians, we can assist you with a variety of tasks, including installations, regular and monthly cleanings, as well as customization freedom. For installations, you can choose the finish of your home kegerator with a wide selection of materials such as brass, copper, or stainless. We can even custom laser your logo or brand to give your home kegerator a personal touch. For more information about maintaining homebrew equipment in the Portland, Oregon area, contact us today.
