Keeping your beer lines clean isn’t just an option; it’s a must if you want your draft beer to taste crisp and fresh with every pour. Over time, beer lines collect yeast, bacteria, and beer stone, which can negatively impact flavor and quality. This guide will show you why beer line cleaning is essential, how often to do it, and the best methods to ensure your draft system runs smoothly.
Why Clean Beer Lines?
Dirty beer lines lead to off-flavors, cloudy beer, and foamy pours. Regular cleaning helps maintain the integrity of your beer’s taste and extends the life of your draft system. For businesses like bars and restaurants, this also means serving a high-quality product that keeps customers coming back.
How Often Should You Clean Beer Lines?
The standard recommendation is to clean your beer lines every two weeks. However, if you operate a high-traffic bar or restaurant, consider cleaning your lines weekly. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of yeast, bacteria, and beer stone, protecting your draft system from costly repairs.
Traditional Step-by-Step Beer Line Cleaning
- Turn Off CO2: Start by turning off the gas supply.
- Disconnect the Keg: Safely remove the keg from the system.
- Flush the Lines: Run clean water through the lines to remove any remaining beer.
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Use a professional-grade beer line cleaning solution.
- Run the Cleaner Through: Circulate the cleaning solution for 10–15 minutes to break down any buildup.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Flush the lines again with clean water to remove all cleaning solution.
- Sanitize: Apply a sanitizing rinse to kill any remaining bacteria.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the keg and pour a test pint to ensure the beer tastes fresh.
Ozonium Step-by-Step Beer Line Cleaning
- Turn Off CO2: Start by turning off the gas supply.
- Disconnect the Keg: Safely remove the keg from the system.
- Connect coupler to Ozonebeer: Connect the coupler(s) to Ozonebeer and thurn it on.
- Run the Solution Through: Circulate the cleaning solution until water runs clear for a couple liters, and wait 10-15 minutes to break down any buildup.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the keg and pour a test pint to ensure the beer tastes fresh.
Traditional vs. Eco-Friendly Beer Line Cleaning
Chemical cleaners are highly effective but may leave residues that can alter beer flavor if not rinsed properly. Eco-friendly alternatives like Ozonium, which use ozone to sanitize beer lines, offer a chemical-free solution. This method not only preserves beer flavor but is also better for the environment.
Signs Your Beer Lines Need Cleaning
- Sour or Off-Taste: Start by turning off the gas supply.
- Excess Foam: Safely remove the keg from the system.
- Cloudy Beer: Connect the coupler(s) to Ozonebeer and thurn it on.
Long-Term Beer Line Maintenance Tips
- Stick to a Cleaning Schedule: Clean beer lines every 1–2 weeks.
- Deep Clean Monthly: Disassemble and thoroughly clean taps and keg couplers every month.
- Monitor Quality: Keep an eye on the taste and clarity of your beer. Any changes could mean it’s time for a cleaning.
If you would like to know more about Ozonium's ozone beer line cleaning systems, we would like to invite you to a free consultation call. Here you can reach us.