How to Clean a Beer Tap System

Be sure the keg is cleaned properly for quality tasting beer.

Foamy beer can be caused by the build up of bacteria, yeast or mold within a beer line. Dirty beer lines can affect the quality and taste of beer, so it is important to regularly clean beer lines. This task can easily and quickly be done with a pressurized cleaning bottle and the right chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• Pressurized Cleaning Bottle
• Cleaning solution
• Water
• Cleaning Brush
• PH Tester/Litmus paper

Instructions

1. Disconnect all parts and flush the beer lines with water using the pressurized cleaning bottle to release any remaining beer.

2. Fill the pressurized cleaning bottle with the cleaning solution mixed with water. You can use a line cleaner that is either caustic with a high pH, or acidic with a low pH depending on the condition of the lines and the type of system being cleaned. Check the directions on the solution to see how much water is needed per solution mix.

3. Push the solution/water mix into the lines and allow to soak for approximately 10 minutes. Be sure to check the directions for the chemicals as soak times may vary.

4. Flush the lines thoroughly with clean water to remove the cleaning chemicals. Once the solution has been flushed, check the pH level with a pH tester or litmus paper to be sure that all evidence of cleaning solution is gone.

5. Remove the keg coupler and faucet and soak in water with a cleaning chemical. Use a brush to clean the items, and then rinse well with water.

6. Reconnect all parts and run some beer through the faucet to check flow. Discard beer and be sure all the lines are refilled with beer.

References

• MicroMatic: Beer Line Cleaning