corny keg cleaning

[cphair16]

i just got 4 used corny kegs from a local soda distributer. when i release pressure i smell soda.what is the best way to clean the kegs? what should i do to the keg before i add my beer?

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Disassemble them completely, including removing the ball lock posts (a 7/8" 12 point socket or closed end wrench will do the trick) and o-rings. Rinse thoroughly, and use some unscented detergent (OxyClean or Bar Keeper's Friend work well) and a long handled brush to scrub the insides down. Rinse and repeat until the inside is nice and shiny with no smell of soda remaining. Give the pickup tube a good rinse (it comes out as well) in the same detergent. Clean the fittings in the sink. If you like, you can scrub the outside of the keg with a mild abrasive cleaner (Bar Keeper's Friend) to shine it up a bit. Rinse everything VERY thoroughly. Reassemble with new o-rings and poppets.

The latest issue of BYO describes this in pretty good detail.

 

[Brewtopia]

I agree. It is very important to replace all the rubber O rings and poppets as these really absorb the soda flavor and aroma.

 

[user 4295]

Here is a great link regarding Soda Keg Maintenance

 

[bikebryan]

Disassemble them completely, including removing the ball lock posts (a 7/8" 12 point socket or closed end wrench will do the trick) and o-rings. Rinse thoroughly, and use some unscented detergent (OxyClean or Bar Keeper's Friend work well) and a long handled brush to scrub the insides down. Rinse and repeat until the inside is nice and shiny with no smell of soda remaining. Give the pickup tube a good rinse (it comes out as well) in the same detergent. Clean the fittings in the sink. If you like, you can scrub the outside of the keg with a mild abrasive cleaner (Bar Keeper's Friend) to shine it up a bit. Rinse everything VERY thoroughly. Reassemble with new o-rings and poppets.

The latest issue of BYO describes this in pretty good detail.

A good long-handled brush, which can be found really cheap, is a toilet brush. Just remember to keep your keg toilet brush and your regular toilet brush apart.

 

[Ol' Grog]

Soak, soak and then soak some more.

 

[cphair16]

Is bleach a good solution to use or should i use my one step sanatizer?

 

[rdwj]

Is bleach a good solution to use or should i use my one step sanatizer?

I'd avoid the bleach if you have a better alternative

 

[ajf]

Is bleach a good solution to use or should i use my one step sanatizer?

Bleach corrodes stainless steel. I wouldn't use it.

-a.

 

[fiddup_is_a_middup]

I second that. Bleach will cause rust on Stainless, I made that mistake when I was a newbie.

 

[alemonkey]

Oxyclean is the best thing I've found for cleaning cornies.

 

[bikebryan]

Oxyclean is the best thing I've found for cleaning cornies.

I used oxyclean for a bit, but then switched to PBW and never looked back. Much quicker to get the job done.