A beer line is a tube that carries beer from a keg or cask to the tap, and it needs to be kept clean to avoid contamination and bad-tasting beer. Cleaning a beer line is a simple process that only requires a few basic supplies.

To clean a beer line, you will need a keg of beer, a line cleaner, a carboy, and a bottle of Star San. Fill the keg with beer and attach the line cleaner to the keg. Push the cleaner through the beer line and flush it with hot water. When the cleaner is empty, remove it from the keg and attach the carboy. Pump the Star San into the carboy and push it through the beer line. Once the Star San is gone, disconnect the carboy and reattach the keg. Push the beer through the line to flush it with beer. Once the beer line is clean, disconnect the keg and store it in the refrigerator.

What can I use to clean beer lines?

There are a variety of different methods you can use to clean your beer lines, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we’ll take a look at three of the most common methods and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Brine

One of the most popular methods for cleaning beer lines is brine. This is a salt water solution that is used to clean the lines and remove any build-up or residue. Brine is often used in commercial breweries, and it is a fairly effective way to clean the lines. However, it can be a little bit harsh on the equipment, so it is not always recommended for home brewers.

Chemical Cleaners

Chemical cleaners are another popular option for cleaning beer lines. These cleaners are designed to remove build-up and residue, and they are typically safe for use in home brewers. One downside to chemical cleaners is that they can be a little bit harsh on the equipment, so it is important to take precautions when using them.

Oxidation

Oxidation is a less commonly used method for cleaning beer lines, but it can be effective in removing build-up and residue. One downside to oxidation is that it can be harmful to the beer, so it should only be used as a last resort.

How often should beer lines be cleaned?

How often should beer lines be cleaned?

That’s a question that many bar and restaurant owners struggle with. The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of beer being served, the number of taps, and the age and condition of the lines.

In general, most experts recommend cleaning beer lines every two weeks. However, if you’re serving a lot of fruity, sour, or other non-traditional beers, you may need to clean them more often, as these types of beers can create a more hospitable environment for bacteria to grow.

If you’re serving a lot of hard liquor or wine, on the other hand, you may be able to clean your lines less often, as these types of beverages don’t create the same type of environment for bacteria to grow.

It’s also important to keep in mind that dirty lines can not only affect the taste of your beer, but they can also cause your taps to malfunction or become clogged.

If you’re not sure how often your lines should be cleaned, or if you need help cleaning your lines, contact your local taproom or bar supplier for more information.

How do you clean beer lines without a kit?

There are a few ways to clean beer lines without a kit. One way is to use a vinegar and water solution. Another way is to use a bleach and water solution. A third way is to use a commercial line cleaner.

The vinegar and water solution can be made by mixing one cup of vinegar with one gallon of water. The bleach and water solution can be made by mixing one gallon of water with four tablespoons of bleach. The commercial line cleaner can be purchased from a beer or wine supply store.

All of these solutions can be used to clean the beer lines by pouring it through the lines. The solutions can also be used to clean the faucets, the taps, and the kegs. The solutions should be allowed to sit in the lines for a few minutes before being rinsed with water.

How do you deep clean beer lines?

Commercial beer lines must be properly cleaned and sanitized in order to ensure food safety and protect the taste of the beer. A deep clean of the lines is necessary every few months or whenever the system is overhauled. 

There are several ways to deep clean beer lines. One common method is to flush the lines with a hot water and sanitizing solution. This can be done with a garden hose, if the lines are accessible from the outside. The solution should be heated to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the lines are not accessible from the outside, they can be flushed with a pressure washer. The water should be heated to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit and the pressure should be set to 2500 psi. 

Another method is to use a chemical cleaner. The lines should be flushed with hot water first, and then the chemical cleaner should be applied. The cleaner should be allowed to dwell in the lines for a few minutes, and then the lines should be flushed with hot water again. 

After the lines have been properly cleaned, they should be sanitized. This can be done by flushing them with a sanitizing solution or by using a sanitizing machine. 

It is important to properly clean and sanitize beer lines in order to protect the taste of the beer and ensure food safety.

Can you get sick from dirty beer lines?

Yes, you can get sick from dirty beer lines.

Breweries and bars take different approaches to keeping their beer lines clean. Some opt for a more rigorous cleaning schedule, while others rely on the occasional flush with sanitizer.

No matter which approach a brewery or bar takes, it’s important to remember that beer lines are a breeding ground for bacteria. And if those bacteria are not eliminated, they can end up in your beer and make you sick.

Symptoms of beer line-related illness can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even lead to blood poisoning or meningitis.

Fortunately, most cases of beer line-related illness are not fatal. But that doesn’t make them any less unpleasant.

If you are concerned about the cleanliness of a brewery or bar’s beer lines, there are a few things you can do.

First, you can ask the brewery or bar about their cleaning schedule. Second, you can watch for signs of unclean lines, such as excessive foam or discoloration. And third, you can always ask for a taste of the beer before you buy a pint.

If you are not comfortable with the cleanliness of a brewery or bar’s beer lines, it’s best to find somewhere else to drink.

Can I use OxiClean to clean beer lines?

Yes, OxiClean can be used to clean beer lines. However, it is not the most effective product for this purpose. There are a number of commercial products specifically designed for cleaning beer lines that are more effective than OxiClean.

How do I know if my beer lines are dirty?

If you’re a bar or restaurant owner, it’s important to know how to clean your beer lines in order to maintain the quality of your beer and keep your customers happy. But how do you know if your beer lines are actually dirty in the first place?

There are a few telltale signs that your beer lines may need some cleaning. One is if you notice a decrease in the quality of your beer, such as poor head retention or a metallic taste. Another sign is if you see residue or foam on the faucet. And finally, if you notice an increase in the amount of bacteria in your beer, that’s a surefire sign that your lines need a good cleaning.

If you’re not sure how to clean your beer lines yourself, there are a number of commercial beer line cleaning products on the market. These products usually come in the form of a kit, and usually contain a cleaning solution, a brush, and a carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridge.

To use a beer line cleaning kit, first remove the faucet from the beer line. Then, using the cleaning solution that came with the kit, soak the brush and insert it into the beer line. Finally, use the CO2 cartridge to push the cleaning solution through the beer line.

It’s a good idea to clean your beer lines at least once a month, or more often if you notice a decrease in the quality of your beer.