Corny kegs and its cleaning and sanitizing methods

1
Corny kegs and its cleaning and sanitizing methods
Mastering Corny Keg Cleaning and Sanitizing
Technique Keeping your corny kegs clean is one
of the most important and difficult aspects of
homebrewing. Proper cleaning and sanitation
prevent off-flavors in your beer by removing
residue and killing bacteria. While it may seem
tedious, establishing good corny keg maintenance
practices will ensure your homebrew always tastes
its best. This blog is a comprehensive guide,
discussing different methods and recommended
products for expertly cleaning and sanitizing
corny kegs. Why Corny Keg Cleaning
Matters After each use, particles of yeast,
hops, and other beer ingredients stick to the
inside of a corny keg. If they arent fully
removed, these residues can impart off-flavors
ranging from sour and stale to metallic. Bacteria
and wild yeast can also take hold and create
undesirable funky or tart flavors. Thorough
cleaning removes leftover particles, while
sanitizing kills bacteria for a fresh start.
2
Cleaning Methods and Supplies 1. Hot Water
Rinse Rinsing with hot water can dissolve and
loosen many deposits inside a corny keg. Allow
very hot water to fill and circulate inside the
keg. Use a soft brush or rag to scrub visible
debris from interior surfaces. Drain and repeat
until the water runs clear.
3

• Cleaning with Chemicals
• Alkaline-based cleaners effectively remove
  organic residues and films when used with hot
  water. Fill the keg with water 10F warmer than
  the recommended temperature and add cleaner per
  instructions. Soak overnight for heavy soils or
  at least 20 minutes for light cleaning. Rinse
  thoroughly until the water runs clear. Star San
  sanitizer can also double as a no-rinse cleaner.
• Pressure Washer
• A pressure washer pumps high-pressure hot water
  for a deep, thorough cleaning. Adjust the nozzle
  to a wide, low-pressure spray and insert through
  the openingposition at different angles to cover
  all interior surfaces. Rinse with clean water
  afterward.

4. Bottle Brushes
4

• Use long-handled brushes with synthetic bristles
  to manually scrub inside kegs. Round bulb brushes
  clean the main chamber, while thin, angled
  brushes clean hard-to-reach spots like the dip
  tube. Scrub thoroughly until no debris remains.
• 5. Cleaning Accessories
• Keg cleaning accessories like the Triple Jet Keg
  Washer connect to a hose for cleaning with water
  pressure. Keg dip tubes designed for cleaning
  have holes and slits for water flow. Soap
  injecting keg lids mix in cleaners. Blend clean
  water with cleaning chemicals or hot water for an
  effective, hands-free wash.
• Sanitizing Methods and Supplies
• Hot Water
• Heating water to 170F and rinsing will sanitize
  corny keg surfaces. Boil water first or use
  near-boiling hot water from the tap. Fill the keg
  and allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then drain.
  Repeat hot water rinse 2-3 times.
• Chemical Sanitizers
• Sanitizing cleaners like Star San and iodophor
  require a shorter contact time than hot water.
  Fill the keg with a dilute sanitizing solution.
  Allow to soak according to product directions,
  usually 1-2 minutes. Drain the solution and
  optionally rinse surfaces. Air dry fully before
  use. Rotate the sanitizer type occasionally to
  prevent bacteria from adapting.
• Steam
• Heat steam to over 200F using a sanitizing wand
  or steam generator. Insert steam through the keg
  opening, progressively moving the nozzle to
  sanitize all interior surfaces. The combination
  of high heat and moisture quickly kills microbes.

5

• Instructions for How to Clean a Keg
• Release pressure - Pull ring on ball lock lid or
  press poppet on pin lock keg to vent completely.
• Remove lid - Lift lever and detach lid. Set aside
  with o-ring.
• Wipe exterior - Use a wet rag to wipe off
  exterior dust and grime.
• Remove posts - Carefully unscrew posts with a
  crescent wrench. Set posts, poppets, and dip
  tubes in labeled containers.
• Clean components - Soak all parts in brewery wash
  like PBW. Scrub inside and outside of keg. Rinse
  thoroughly.

6

1. Reassemble - Reinsert poppets into posts. Attach
   gas post and dip tube to "in" side. Attach beer
   post and dip tube to "out" side.
2. Replace lid - Insert lid sideways, turn 90
   degrees, pull lever down to lock.

Keg is now clean and ready for sanitizing and
filling! Maintaining impeccable cleanliness
standards for your corny kegs is the key to
flawless homebrew. For high-quality kegs and
accessories made just for homebrewers, shop
INOXCVAs line of stainless steel Cornelius kegs.
Invest in the best kegs and cleaning gear to
master Cornelius keg care. Cheers to clean kegs
and contamination-free homebrew!