Kegerator Cleaning

Think Clean
Whether you have invested money into a pre-built kegerator or have custom built your own model, you will want to protect your investment and the quality of the beer it dispenses by keeping the kegerator and kegerator accessories clean. If you purchase a used freezer or refrigerator, your cleanup might start well before the construction. Refrigerators and freezers are breeding places for mold and mildew, and special cleaners must be used to clean but not disturb the balance of the unit.

A Clean House
The refrigerator should be transported in an upright position and let to rest an hour before plugging in. Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaning products. One tablespoon of baking soda to one gallon of water is the best cleaning product for both dirt and odors. After wiping out with baking soda, rinse well.

Your keg is housed in this refrigerator, and its level of operation affects the taste of the beer dispensed. Condenser coils located underneath the unit or to the back should be vacuumed and wiped with a damp cloth every 6 months, and the drip pan should be removed, washed and securely replaced. The outside of the kegerator can be cleaned with a mild household-cleaning product.

Tune-Up Time
Every month the kegerator accessories should be cleaned using a cleaning kit. Bacteria grow in dispensing lines, fittings and taps, and this harms the quality of the beer.

To clean, shut off the pressure supply and remove the beer tap. Remove the cap and pump on the cleaner and fill the jar with fresh water. Reassemble. Remove the faucet from the shank. Attach the cleaning pump to the shank-coupling nut, place hose and coupler in bucket and pump water through the line. Thoroughly clean and rinse all removed parts and reassemble. Tap the keg and your kegerator tune-up is completed.