How Often Should You Clean Your Kegerator Lines, and Why It Matters
Maintaining a clean kegerator isn’t just about extending the lifespan of your equipment—it’s crucial for ensuring your beer tastes fresh and delicious every time. But how often should you be cleaning your kegerator lines? And what’s the best way to do it? Let’s dive in.
How Often to Clean Your Kegerator Lines
A good rule of thumb is to clean your lines every two weeks if you're regularly pouring beer. If your kegerator sees infrequent use, aim for once a month.
Special considerations:
Cream Ale, Wheat Beers, or Hazy Styles: These beers tend to be more prone to yeast and sediment buildup, so cleaning every 10-14 days enhances flavor stability.
Multiple Kegs or Different Beer Styles: More frequent cleaning can help maintain each beer’s unique flavor profile.
High Turnover or Commercial Use: Clean lines weekly to ensure optimal freshness and prevent contamination.
Pro tip: Notice an off-flavor, sourness, or lingering bad taste? It’s likely time for an immediate clean, regardless of your schedule.
What to Use for Cleaning
Two main products are part of the cleaning arsenal:
PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash): An alkaline cleaner, excellent for removing organic residues, yeast, and beer stains.
Star San: A non-rinse sanitizer that eliminates bacteria, wild yeast, and mold when used properly.
Using these in tandem ensures your lines are both clean and hygienic .Use the a hot water and PBW solution to clean out the lines, Hot water to rinse out the PBW, and A cold water and Star San solution to sanitize the lines.
Why Clean Your Kegerator Lines?
Preserve Pure Flavors: Bacterial or yeast build-up can alter the taste of your beer.
Maintain Hygiene: Prevent harmful microbes from growing in your lines.
Extend Equipment Life: Regular cleaning reduces corrosion and maintains seals.
Consistent Quality: Clean lines give you reliable foam and carbonation.
How to Clean Your Kegerator Lines: Step-by-Step
You will need:
PBW solution
Star San sanitizer
Cleaning kit with brushes and tubing attachments
Hot water
Step 1: Prepare PBW Solution
Mix PBW according to instructions—typically 1 oz per gallon of hot water. Fill your cleaning container.
Step 2: Run PBW Through Lines
Attach your cleaning kit and push the solution through all lines and faucets. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to break down residues.
Step 3: Rinse with Hot Water
Flush the lines thoroughly with hot water to remove all PBW traces, ensuring no cleaning agents remain.
Step 4: Sanitize with Star San
Mix Star San (about 1 oz per 5 gallons of water). Run this solution through the lines, allowing it to sit for at least 2 minutes for effective sanitization.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Hook your keg back up and pour your first fresh beer.
Troubleshooting Tips
Persistent Off-Flavors: Double-check your cleaning routine, and make sure to replace your tubing regularly—residues can cling stubbornly.
Foam Issues: Dirty or clogged faucets can cause excess foam. Clean and sanitize all dispensing hardware.
Slow Pour or Low Pressure: Sediment buildup might be restricting flow. Clean lines more frequently if you notice reduced flow.
Mold Growth: If you see mold, sanitize immediately and consider replacing rubber gaskets or seals.
