A kegerator stores and cools beer.A tap is connected to the top.The kegerator can keep beer fresh for a while.Keeping your kegerator clean is important since it will ensure the quality of your beer and make sure there is no contamination in future kegs.To clean your kegerator, you need to clean it between each keg, soak the faucet, and flush the beer lines.
Step 1: After each keg, clean your kegerator.
You should clean your kegerator after every use.All beer is removed from the line and faucet.You don't want to mess up other beers by cleaning after every use.Microbial infections may occur in the kegerator if you don't clean between kegs.
Step 2: The kegerator needs to be turned off.
Shut the kegerator down before you start cleaning.The kegerator needs to be unplugged.The CO2 needs to be turned off.You want to close the regulator, disengage the tap, and remove the keg.
Step 3: Mild soap and warm water can be used to wipe down the surfaces.
The outside of the kegerator needs to be cleaned.Make sure the tap, lines, spill tray, regulator, and tank are wiped down.You should wipe the inside of the unit.The beer lines, the spigot, and the tap need to be cleaned.Warm water and soap can be used to wipe down all surfaces.Problems with future kegs can be caused by spilled beer in your kegerator.
Step 4: A beer line cleaning kit is available for purchase.
You can purchase a beer line cleaning kit.They have a bottle, pump, and hose that connect to your beer lines.They have a cleanser that will clean your beer lines.You can buy kits that are hand pumped, that connect to your CO2 pump, or that have a pressurized pump.Some people make their own cleaning pumps with quart bottles or soda kegs.
Step 5: Remove the keg coupler when you disassemble the faucet.
If you want to start sanitizing your kegerator, you need to remove the faucet and keg coupler.The kegerator has a faucet wrench that you can use to loosen the faucet.If it's loose, twist it off with your hands.Take the faucet apart.There are five different parts to your faucet.The opposite end of the beer lines will have a keg coupler attached to it.
Step 6: The parts of the faucet should be soaked in the cleaning solution.
Place the parts in the water.Beer line or kegerator cleaner can be added.The parts should be let to soak.
Step 7: It's a good idea to scrub away any debris.
If the faucet parts are caked on, use a brush to clean them.Your brew may be contaminated by debris left on the parts.Before reassembling, rinse the parts.
Step 8: The solution should be prepared.
The solution should be put into a bottle or bucket.Follow the specific directions for your beer line cleaner.It's a good idea to mix with hot water.Do not use bleach to clean your kegerator.Use an oxidizer.
Step 9: Attach the bottle to the beer lines
You should clean the beer lines after removing the faucet and keg coupler.Put the end of the beer line into a bucket.Attach the end of the cleaning bottle tube to the faucet opening.
Step 10: The beer lines have cleaning solution through them.
The solution can be pumped through the beer lines by attaching the pump mechanism to the cleaning bottle.The solution should be in the tubes for a while.The tubes should be washed with warm water.The solution will run through the beer lines.You should rinse the beer lines at least three times.You need to remove the cleaning solution from the beer lines.
Step 11: Check the parts.
Check the parts before you reassemble your kegerator.The rubber gasket and O-rings need to be checked.If they show wear or become flattened, replace them.Make sure you have enough food-grade lubricant on the O-rings.Make sure the washers are in good shape.
Step 12: Put your kegerator back together.
To connect the faucet to the kegerator, turn the coupling nut clockwise.The seal gasket needs to be back in place.The beer line and CO2 hose need to be connected.Re-tap your keg after the valve is turned back on.