Cleaning Your Kegerator: A Comprehensive Guide

As a kegerator owner, proper upkeep is essential to ensure your beer remains fresh and free from contamination. Regular cleaning not only maintains the quality of your brew but also ensures your kegerator operates smoothly for years to come. This guide covers the steps for maintaining the exterior of your kegerator, cleaning the removable parts, and sanitizing the beer lines. Let's dive in!

Part 1: Maintaining the Exterior

Step 1: Clean after every keg usage

Always clean your kegerator immediately after each keg. This prevents beer residue and sediment from building up in the lines and the faucet, which can cause taste issues and other problems. Failure to clean between kegs can lead to microbial infections that alter the flavor of your beer.

Step 2: Turn off and unplug the kegerator

Before you start cleaning, it's crucial to turn off the kegerator completely. Unplug the unit and shut off the CO2 supply. Close the regulator and remove the tap. Removing the keg helps ensure a thorough clean and reduces the risk of contamination.

Step 3: Clean the exterior surfaces

Start by wiping down all external surfaces, including the tap lines, spill tray, regulator, and tank. Use mild soap and warm water. Don't forget to clean the inside surfaces such as the beer lines, spigot, and tap. Use unscented soap to avoid any off-flavors.

Part 2: Cleaning the Removeable Parts

Step 1: Purchase a beer line cleaning kit

For a more thorough clean, consider purchasing a beer line cleaning kit. These kits typically include a bottle pump, hose, and a cleanser to sanitize your beer lines. You can opt for a manually operated kit or a pressurized pump. Some DIY enthusiasts even create their own cleaning pumps using quart bottles or soda kegs with tubes.

Step 2: Disassemble the faucet and remove the keg coupler

To begin sanitizing your kegerator, you need to take apart the faucet and keg coupler. Use your supplied faucet wrench to loosen and remove the faucet. Depending on your faucet model, you may need to separate it into around five different parts. The keg coupler typically attaches to the opposite end of the beer lines.

Step 3: Soak the parts in a cleaning solution

Place the faucet parts and keg coupler in a bowl of warm water and add a clean solution. Let them soak for several minutes to remove any debris and bacteria.

Part 3: Cleaning the Beer Lines

Step 1: Prepare the cleaning solution

Mix the cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's directions. Always use an oxidizing cleaner instead of bleach, which can damage your kegerator. Add hot water to the solution for better sanitizing results.

Step 2: Attach the cleaning bottle to the beer lines

With the faucet and keg coupler removed and soaking, you can now clean the beer lines. Place one end of the beer line into a bucket to collect the residue. Attach the end of the cleaning bottle tube to the faucet opening.

Step 3: Pump the cleaning solution through the beer lines

Pump the cleaning solution through the beer lines. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the lines with warm water. Repeat this process at least three times to remove all residue and sanitizing agents.

Step 4: Check and replace parts

Before reassembling your kegerator, check all parts for wear and tear. Inspect the rubber gaskets and O-rings, which often wear out quickly. Ensure that any food-grade lubricant remains on the O-rings and that the washers are still in good condition.

Step 5: Reassemble your kegerator

Reinstall the faucet and keg coupler by turning the coupling nut clockwise. Make sure the sealing gasket is in place. Connect the keg coupler to the beer line and CO2 hose. Turn the valve back on and re-tap your keg.