Importance | Tools | How to | Benefits | Conclusion
Ah, kegerators – the ultimate party starter! Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just love a good cold one after a long day, there’s nothing quite like having a kegerator at home.
But wait!
Before you grab a cold one, there’s something you need to do first: clean that kegerator! Sure, it’s not the most exciting task, but trust us, it’s worth it. Not only will it keep your beer tasting fresh, but it also ensures your kegerator runs smoothly for years to come. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to tackle this necessary (but not-so-fun) task. It’s time to get your drink on, but not before we clean that kegerator!
Why It’s Important to Clean Kegerator
Having a kegerator in your home or business can be a great convenience, allowing you to enjoy cold draft beer whenever you want. But like any other appliance, it needs to be taken care of and regularly maintained. Cleaning your kegerator is essential for ensuring its longevity and the quality of the beer it dispenses. Here are three reasons why it’s important to clean your kegerator regularly:
1) To Prevent Bacteria Growth
The last thing you want to do is pour yourself a cold brew, only for it to have an off-taste or smell like spoiled milk. This can be a sign of bacterial growth in your kegerator, which can make your beer go bad and even cause illness if consumed. Regularly cleaning the inside of your kegerator will help prevent bacteria from building up on its surfaces and spoiling any beer you have stored there — and it’ll ensure that you won’t get sick from your next taste of beer.
2) To Remove Sediment
Beer can pick up some sediment when it’s stored in a keg, which means that you may notice small particles floating around in your beer or clinging to the sides of its container after a few weeks or months. This is normal, but if you want your brew to be as clear and crisp as possible then it’s important to remove this sediment before serving. Regularly cleaning out your kegerator will help keep your beer looking fresh and tasting great — no matter how long it’s been sitting there!
3) To Prevent Off-Flavors
If you don’t clean your kegerator regularly, it can lead to off-flavours in your beer. That’s because beer is an organic beverage that comes with natural yeasts — and these yeasts can grow out of control if they’re not properly monitored. Regularly cleaning out your kegerator will help prevent this from happening by removing any leftovers or residue that may have been missed the first time around.
What Tools You’ll Need to Clean Kegerator
Before you get started cleaning your kegerator, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:
1) Warm water
You’ll need plenty of warm water to clean the inside of your kegerator.
2) Cleaning solution
There are a variety of cleaning solutions available specifically for cleaning kegerators. You can also make one yourself by mixing warm water and a small amount of dish soap or a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
3) Soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge
Make sure you have a soft cloth or sponge on hand for wiping down the inside of your kegerator.
4) Sanitizer
Once you’ve cleaned your kegerator, you’ll need to sanitize it to kill any bacteria or other microorganisms that may still be present. You can use a commercial sanitizer or make your own by mixing warm water with a small amount of bleach.
5) Brush
A small brush can be useful for cleaning hard-to-reach places inside the kegerator, such as the faucet or beer lines.
6) Gloves and eye protection
It’s always a good idea to wear gloves and eye protection when handling cleaning solutions or sanitizers.
7) Spanner wrench
A spanner wrench may be needed to remove and install the beer faucet or coupler for cleaning.
8) Beer Line Washers
These small rubber washers are used to clean the beer lines and keep them in good condition. Make sure you have a few on hand for the cleaning process.
TIP: You can purchase all these things individually or buy a Beer Line Cleaning Kit
10 Steps on How to Clean a Kegerator
Step 1: Turn off the Power
The first step in cleaning your kegerator is to turn off the power. This means unplugging it and disconnecting the CO2 tank. This is important to prevent any electrical shock or accidents while cleaning.
Step 2: Take Out All the Beer Kegs
Remove all the beer kegs from the kegerator. If necessary, place them in a cooler to keep them cold while you clean the kegerator.
Step 3: Pull out All the Parts
Disassemble all the parts that can be removed, including faucets, couplers, beer lines, and drip trays. Remove any leftover beer or debris from these components.
Step 4: Soak the Parts in Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add your cleaning solution of choice. Place all the removable parts in the solution and let them soak for at least 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Scrub the Parts
Using a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge, scrub all the parts thoroughly. Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies, including the faucet and beer lines. Use a brush if necessary to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Step 6: Rinse the Parts
After scrubbing, rinse all the parts with warm water to remove any leftover cleaning solution or debris. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any residual cleaning solution getting into your beer.
Step 7: Sanitize the Parts
Sanitize all the parts by dipping them in a sanitizer solution or spraying them down with a sanitizer spray. Leave them to sit for a few minutes to ensure all bacteria has been eliminated.
Step 8: Dry the Parts
Once all the parts have been sanitized, dry them with a clean cloth or air dry them. Make sure they are completely dry before reassembling them into the kegerator.
Step 9: Clean the Interior of the Kegerator
Using warm water and a cleaning solution, wipe down the interior of the kegerator, making sure to get all the surfaces. Pay extra attention to any areas that may have had spillage or buildup.
Step 10: Reassemble the Kegerator
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the kegerator, including the beer lines, couplers, and faucets. Reconnect the CO2 tank and plug in the kegerator. You’re now ready to enjoy a cold, refreshing beer!
Major Benefits of Cleaning Your Kegerator Regularly
Enlisted are some of the major benefits of cleaning your kegerator every month or so:
1) To Prevent Health Issues
If you don’t clean your kegerator regularly, it can lead to health issues. That’s because the build-up of beer residue and other particles in the lines can cause contamination. Contamination can lead to off-flavors that are not only unpleasant but also harmful to your body — especially if they’re consumed on a regular basis over time.
2) To Maximize the Quality of Your Beer
Cleaning your kegerator regularly will help to maximize the quality of your beer. That’s because it allows you to ensure that the lines are in good working order and properly connected. It also helps to remove any residue or leftovers that may have built up over time, which can cause off-flavors in your beer.
3) To Prevent Potential Damage
Cleaning your kegerator regularly can also help to prevent potential damage. That’s because it helps to remove any dirt or debris that may have built up over time, which can cause issues with your beer lines and other components — which can ultimately lead to more serious problems.
4) To Prevent Mold and Mildew
In addition to helping to prevent potential damage, cleaning your kegerator can also help to prevent mold and mildew growth. That’s because it helps remove any debris that may have built up over time, which can cause issues with your beer lines and other components.
Final Conclusion
Cleaning your kegerator may not be the most exciting task, but it’s an essential one if you want to ensure the longevity of your appliance and the quality of your beer. So, take the time to clean your kegerator regularly using the steps outlined above. Not only will it prevent health issues and potential damage, but it will also maximize the quality of your beer and prevent mold and mildew growth. And with a clean kegerator, you’ll be able to enjoy a cold, refreshing beer with confidence!