Keg cleaning frequency - how often for a full breakdown?

[TexasWine]

This is perhaps one of the best investments I've made for kegging.

https://www.morebeer.com/products/m...pgQgWiiCRCv5auLt9_f0Mc0MIMv49ReLtOxoCQ5vw_wcB

I built a keg washer but never use it because of this tool. My process is to open the keg, connect this rinser, shake it around a bit, then turn the keg upside down and let it run for a minute or so. Then turn it right side up, add a scoop of homemade PBW, fill to the brim, disconnect, and press the liquid poppet to get cleaner in the dip tube. I'll let the keg sit like this anywhere from 15 minutes to a month.

When it's time to use the keg, I dump to cleaning solution, reconnect the rinser, shake and dump a couple of times, turn the keg upside and let it run again for a minute or so, disconnect the rinser, and low and behold I have a sparkling clean keg. Every so often I might have some gunk I need to rub with a rag, but usually only in the kegs I ferment in.

I very, very rarely take apart my posts since adopting this practice. Actually, I can't say I've disassembled them in over a year now unless I had one that developed a leak. This rinser does a fantastic job of keeping everything super clean and it's a cinch to use. Bears repeating, one of the best brewery investments I've made.

 

[TorMag]

This is perhaps one of the best investments I've made for kegging.

https://www.morebeer.com/products/m...pgQgWiiCRCv5auLt9_f0Mc0MIMv49ReLtOxoCQ5vw_wcB

I built a keg washer but never use it because of this tool. My process is to open the keg, connect this rinser, shake it around a bit, then turn the keg upside down and let it run for a minute or so. Then turn it right side up, add a scoop of homemade PBW, fill to the brim, disconnect, and press the liquid poppet to get cleaner in the dip tube. I'll let the keg sit like this anywhere from 15 minutes to a month.

When it's time to use the keg, I dump to cleaning solution, reconnect the rinser, shake and dump a couple of times, turn the keg upside and let it run again for a minute or so, disconnect the rinser, and low and behold I have a sparkling clean keg. Every so often I might have some gunk I need to rub with a rag, but usually only in the kegs I ferment in.

I very, very rarely take apart my posts since adopting this practice. Actually, I can't say I've disassembled them in over a year now unless I had one that developed a leak. This rinser does a fantastic job of keeping everything super clean and it's a cinch to use. Bears repeating, one of the best brewery investments I've made.

That is a brilliant piece of equipment. Now on my list.

 

[Auger]

Would love to know what tool it is! Please share!

I dunno what passed had in mind, but there's this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRO0EMC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

which would probably work for ball lock posts, but I don't think it would fit over the pins on a pin lock post. There's a larger size that might, but it's quite a bit more expensive:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013E0T49A/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[Bmoney1215]

i do every batch. break down the poppets, pull the dip tube and run a 22 caliber cleaning rod with a cotton patch down the tube. this is after a soak with pbw. i then rinse it really good using a cotton rag to wash down the sides and then a soak in sanitizer and a drip dry. then on the day of kegging i soak the whole thing in sanitizer again and blow a quart or so through the whole system under pressure and let it drip dry while for a bit before kegging.

Great idea with the .22 im going to start to do that!

 

[passedpawn]

Please share! I picked up some more corny kegs and the posts are a slightly different size than my other ones. So having one tool that works for multiple sizes would be great to have in my brew toolbox.

It fits on both size posts, makes quick work of them. I keep it in my kegging bin (with all the extra seals).

Craftsman 11/16 x 7/8 in. Wrench, Ratcheting Box-End
| Sears Item# 00942165000 | Model# 42165

 

[Morrey]

a scoop of homemade PBW.

TexasWine, do you mind sharing your formula for homemade PBW? The real deal is pretty expensive as you obviously know. Thanks!

 

[sbartelski]

TexasWine, do you mind sharing your formula for homemade PBW? The real deal is pretty expensive as you obviously know. Thanks!

Probably sodium percarbonate (10 lbs $25 Amazon), PBW also has metasilicate, but that is a more dangerous substance, difficult to find I hear. It may also have sodium carbonate. Percarbonate and carbonate = Oxy Clean and is similar to BLC. Just Google, you will find a number of recipes.

 

[TexasWine]

TexasWine, do you mind sharing your formula for homemade PBW? The real deal is pretty expensive as you obviously know. Thanks!

It's easy peasy to make. Not my recipe though!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=467655

 

[Saxon]

It's easy peasy to make. Not my recipe though!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=467655

I can second this stuff, works great for me.

 

[pshankstar]

It fits on both size posts, makes quick work of them. I keep it in my kegging bin (with all the extra seals).



Craftsman 11/16 x 7/8 in. Wrench, Ratcheting Box-End

| Sears Item# 00942165000 | Model# 42165

Awesome thanks bud!! Cheers!

 

[augiedoggy]

I dunno what passed had in mind, but there's this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRO0EMC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

which would probably work for ball lock posts, but I don't think it would fit over the pins on a pin lock post. There's a larger size that might, but it's quite a bit more expensive:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013E0T49A/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Thats funny I had the same though a page earlier in the thread..
I have the actual wrench he pictured but never tried it myself for this since I assumed the pins would be in the way.

 

[passedpawn]

Thats funny I had the same though a page earlier in the thread..
I have the actual wrench he pictured but never tried it myself for this since I assumed the pins would be in the way.

I have the large gator bite thing in my toolbox. Never thought about using it for the posts, but then I have that other tool. (truth is, I've never used it once )

 

[Morrey]

It's easy peasy to make. Not my recipe though!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=467655

Thanks!

My shopping list is:

*Sun Oxygen Cleaner
*Red Devil TSP 90
*Seventh Generation Dishwashing Powder

Does anyone have a recommended place I can find these items?

 

[passedpawn]

Thanks!

My shopping list is:

*Sun Oxygen Cleaner
*Red Devil TSP 90
*Seventh Generation Dishwashing Powder

Does anyone have a recommended place I can find these items?

It's all in that thread. Home Depot has TSP in the paint dept (if your area forbids it, you might only find TSP-PF, which has no phosphates). Target and Walmart for the other two items. I don't use the laundry detergent - I just use citric acid (vitamin stores probably carry).

 

[Morrey]

It's all in that thread. Home Depot has TSP in the paint dept (if your area forbids it, you might only find TSP-PF, which has no phosphates). Target and Walmart for the other two items.

Great! I saw about Target, so interestingly enough, I'll need to go to 3 separate stores to pick up one item at each. We have an ACE Hardware locally that has a 4Lb bag of Red Devil TSP/90. Off shopping we go......

 

[EcuPirate07]

Thanks!

My shopping list is:

*Sun Oxygen Cleaner
*Red Devil TSP 90
*Seventh Generation Dishwashing Powder

Does anyone have a recommended place I can find these items?

Amazon and prime

 

[Dcpcooks]

Now you have me worried.



I rinse thoroughly, fill with a gallon of hot water and PBW, shake vigorously, run 1/2 through the tap, rinse and repeat with hot Starsan.



What am I missing?

Star SAN should be cool or lukewarm but not hot.
Mug

 

[TexasWine]

Thanks!

My shopping list is:

*Sun Oxygen Cleaner
*Red Devil TSP 90
*Seventh Generation Dishwashing Powder

Does anyone have a recommended place I can find these items?

Got all mine on the Zon with Prime shipping.

Earth Friendly Products Oxo-Brite, Non-Chlorine Powder Bleach, 3.2 Pounds (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TF9530/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Red Devil 0265 TSP 90 Heavy Duty Cleaner, 4-Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015WT148/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Seventh Generation, Free & Clear Auto Dish Powder 75 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0004JKJ08/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20