The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Beer Tap Lines

Brewing or dispensing your own beer is a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires regular maintenance to maintain the quality of your brew. One critical aspect of this maintenance is cleaning beer tap lines to ensure a consistent and enjoyable pour. In this guide, we will explore the best methods for cleaning your beer tap lines, including natural household items and specialized products.

Common Methods to Clean Beer Tap Lines

There are several ways to clean beer tap lines that do not require professional intervention. These methods include using lemon, vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda. These natural options can be effective, but they might not always produce the desired results, especially if the lines have been in use for an extended period.

Lemon

Lemon is a natural acid and can help break down deposits in the lines. Simply cut a lemon in half and run the juice through the tap lines. This method can be useful for light cleaning.

Vinegar

Vinegar, particularly white vinegar, can be an effective natural cleaner due to its acidic properties. Mix a solution of vinegar and water, and run it through the tap lines. This can help remove calcium deposits and other buildup.

Dish Soap

A mild dish soap can also be effective for cleaning beer tap lines. Mix a solution of dish soap and water and run it through the lines. This method is less harsh than using acid-based solutions.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used as part of a scrubbing solution. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and run it through the lines. This method helps to abrade and remove buildup.

Specialized Cleaning Products

For more effective cleaning, there are specialized products available. Plainly Enough Liquid Line Cleaner is a product specifically formulated to clean liquid lines. While it is not necessary to use it every time you clear the line after a keg runs dry, using it every three months or so can help maintain the cleanliness of your lines.

Be advised that it is not safe to ingest, so follow the label directions carefully and ensure that the line is thoroughly rinsed after use to avoid any potential health risks.

Professional Cleaning Fluids

There are also more specialized cleaning fluids available, such as pipe cleaning fluid, which may contain unknown ingredients but have been used extensively in the past to clean brewery pipelines. This fluid can be effective for removing buildup, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Sanitizing Solutions and Advanced Cleaning Techniques

For thorough sanitization, it is recommended to use two types of sanitizing solutions: an acid wash and a base wash. The harsh and economical base substance is typically a caustic soda derivative, while recent preferences have shifted towards peracetic acid-based cleaners. Over time, the condition known as 'beer stone' can form in beer lines, and it may require mechanical cleaning methods such as using sponge balls pushed through the lines under CO2 pressure.

DIY Cleaning Methods

For home brewers or those with a kegerator, there are affordable DIY kits available for cleaning lines and kegerators. These kits typically include canisters that you can fill with cleaning solutions or water and pressurize with a hand pump. Simpler methods involve using a solution, allowing it to sit in the lines for about 15 minutes, then flushing with clean water.

Regular Maintenance for Consistent Quality

To ensure consistent quality in your beer, consider regularly cleaning your lines. Home brewers should clean after every keg or every 2–4 weeks, depending on usage. Professional establishments typically have professional cleaning services come in to maintain the lines. It is also crucial to clean lines when switching styles.

Follow the steps provided in the DIY kits or use your own resources like CO2 and extra kegs to clean the lines effectively. Ensure that you first flush the lines with water, then run a cleaning solution through them. After the cleaning solution, flush the lines with clean water again.

Remember to soak the tap and connectors in a cleaning solution, and once the lines are clean, you can tap a new keg and enjoy a cold, clean pour.