Helping You Tap Into
the Right Kegerator!
the Right Kegerator!
A clean kegerator is essential for serving crisp, great-tasting beer. Over time, beer lines accumulate yeast, mold, and bacteria that affect flavor and hygiene.
If you’ve ever experienced off flavors, sour notes, or excessive foam, dirty lines are often the culprit. Even new users can mistake these symptoms for keg or pressure problems when the real issue is neglected line cleaning.
This guide will walk you through how to clean your kegerator lines, whether you have a cleaning kit or just basic tools at home. We'll cover both professional and DIY methods so you can clean your lines no matter your setup or budget.
We'll also answer frequently asked questions like "Can I use vinegar?", "How often should I clean?", and "What's the best beer line cleaner to use?"
Beer, especially when chilled and pressurized, creates the perfect environment for unwanted buildup inside your kegerator lines.
Sugars, proteins, and hop resins naturally present in beer cling to the inner walls of your tubing. Over time, these residues provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and wild yeast.
This buildup is referred to as "beer stone" or biofilm. It's not always visible at first, but it grows quickly and can severely degrade the quality of your beer.
If left unchecked, here's what happens:
Regular cleaning prevents these issues and preserves the freshness and quality of every pint you pour. It also extends the life of your tubing and dispensing hardware, saving you money in the long run.
Wondering how long your keg will stay fresh? Learn how temperature, CO2 pressure, and beer type affect shelf life — and how to keep your beer tasting great.
Cleaning your kegerator lines on a regular basis is one of the most important steps to keeping your draft system in top condition. A consistent cleaning routine ensures you’re drinking fresh, flavorful beer and not pouring your money down the drain with waste caused by off-tasting or foamy pours.
Industry professionals and homebrewing experts generally recommend cleaning your beer lines every two weeks, or every time you change the keg — whichever comes first.
For home users who don’t go through beer as quickly, every 3–4 weeks may be acceptable, but letting lines sit for too long allows biofilm and contaminants to develop.
Suggested Cleaning Schedule:
Watch for These Warning Signs:
Creating a routine with calendar reminders or labeling the cleaning date on your unit can help you stay accountable. Don’t rely on taste alone — by the time you notice it, the damage is already done.
Looking for a CO2 refill for your kegerator? Discover the best local options, what it costs, and whether buying a tank online is worth it.
There are two primary methods for cleaning your beer lines: using a purpose-built cleaning kit, or doing it manually with a DIY setup.
While both can be effective, your choice may depend on budget, frequency of use, and how thorough you want your cleaning to be.
A beer line cleaning kit is the easiest and most reliable method. These kits are purpose-built to flush out lines with the right pressure and cleaner.
Most kits include:
What You Need:
Advantages of Using a Beer Line Cleaning Kit:
Don’t have a cleaning kit? You can still get the job done with a few basic supplies and some patience.
You’ll Need:
Using Vinegar or Baking Soda: These are common home alternatives to commercial cleaners. They're not as effective but can work for light cleaning.
Pros:
Cons:
Note: DIY methods are useful in a pinch but won’t sanitize as thoroughly as a real beer line cleaner.
Your beer lines aren’t the only parts that need cleaning. Every component that comes into contact with beer or moisture can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Ignoring these parts can still lead to contamination or off-flavors.
Clean these components regularly:
Faucets
Your faucet can accumulate residue, mold, and beer crust if not cleaned. Use a wrench to remove the faucet from the tower. Soak it in warm water with cleaner, then scrub inside with a small faucet brush. Rinse well and let it dry before reinstalling.
Couplers
These parts connect to both the keg and the beer line. Disconnect them fully, disassemble any removable parts, and soak in cleaning solution. Pay attention to O-rings and poppets — scrub with a soft brush if needed. Always rinse thoroughly.
Beer Tower
The beer tower can collect condensation and house hidden moisture. Wipe down the exterior and interior with a food-safe cleaner or sanitizer. Use a thin cleaning brush or cloth to get into narrow parts.
Drip Tray
Drip trays often go neglected, but they catch spilled beer and grow bacteria. Remove the tray, wash with dish soap, and sanitize. Let it dry before replacing.
Interior Surfaces
Clean the inside walls, shelves, and any parts near the keg or lines. Wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleaner to remove spills and residue. Mold can develop in warm, moist environments, especially near cooling coils.
CO2 Hardware
Though it doesn’t contact beer, inspect and clean CO2 lines and fittings. Mold or leaks in this system can affect pressure and introduce contamination.
By keeping all parts of your draft system clean — not just the lines — you improve hygiene, beer taste, and the overall lifespan of your kegerator.
Choosing the right beer line cleaner makes a big difference in how effectively you maintain your draft system. Not all cleaning products are created equal — some are stronger, some more versatile, and others ideal for sanitizing after cleaning.
Below, we’ll walk through the most popular options, what they’re best used for, and how they compare.
BLC is one of the most commonly used cleaners in both home and commercial draft systems. It’s an alkaline-based solution specifically designed to break down beer stone, protein buildup, and biofilm in your lines.
It’s especially useful when you clean your lines less frequently or after serving sugary, fruity, or creamy beers that leave more residue. It does require a thorough rinse, but its cleaning strength is hard to beat.
When to use BLC (Beer Line Cleaner)
Originally developed for cleaning brewing equipment, PBW is an alkaline-based cleaner that’s also safe and effective for beer lines. It’s slightly less aggressive than BLC but works well when used consistently.
PBW is also a great choice if you want one product for multiple purposes — it can clean your fermenter, keg, faucet parts, and draft lines.
When to use PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash)
Star San is not a cleaner — it’s a no-rinse, acid-based sanitizer. After you clean your beer lines using BLC or PBW, a quick flush with Star San helps eliminate any remaining microbes and keeps your lines sterile until the next keg is tapped.
It’s food-safe, leaves no harmful residue, and even has a foaming action that shows you it’s making contact with all surfaces. Use it after every cleaning, especially if you’re storing the lines or switching beers.
When to use Star San
If you’re looking for a gentle, no-rinse solution for light cleaning, One Step can be a convenient option. It’s oxygen-based, like PBW, but less concentrated. While it won’t tackle serious buildup, it’s great for routine maintenance between deeper cleanings.
Some users rely on One Step weekly and alternate with BLC once a month for a deeper scrub.
When to use One Step
With so many cleaning products available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re new to draft systems. The best approach depends on your cleaning habits, beer styles, and how much flexibility you want in a product.
Here’s a breakdown to help you make a confident choice:
Use BLC if you want a deep, powerful clean
If your lines go a few weeks without cleaning, or you rotate through dense, high-residue beers (like IPAs, stouts, or fruit-forward brews), BLC is your best bet.
Its high-strength alkaline formula is made to cut through heavy buildup and restore cleanliness even after extended use. It’s especially useful if you’re noticing off flavors or haven’t cleaned in a while.
BLC is the go-to cleaner for most professionals, and it works well even in longer line setups found in kegerators with towers or external taps.
Use PBW if you want a multi-tasking cleaner
PBW is a fantastic choice if you’re a homebrewer or just want one product for everything. It cleans beer lines effectively, though it’s slightly milder than BLC.
But the real win is that it can also clean your corny kegs, fermenters, tubing, and any other brewing equipment you might have.
If you’re on a budget or just want to keep things simple, PBW saves you from needing separate cleaners for every task — without sacrificing much in terms of performance.
Use Star San if you want to kill microbes and protect freshness
Star San doesn’t clean — it sanitizes. That’s an important distinction.
Cleaning removes visible buildup and residue, but sanitation destroys lingering bacteria and yeast that can spoil your next pour.
Use Star San after every BLC or PBW cleaning session, especially if you won’t be using your system right away. The foaming action is a bonus: it clings to hard-to-reach places, and the foam dissipates safely without affecting taste. It’s a must-have in any serious cleaning routine.
Use One Step for quick touch-ups or maintenance
If you clean your lines frequently or don’t serve sticky beers, One Step can be a great solution. It’s mild, easy to mix, and doesn’t require rinsing — making it perfect for weekly maintenance or casual home setups.
While it won’t replace BLC for heavy-duty cleaning, it works well in rotation.
Some keg owners alternate: using One Step every week and doing a thorough BLC or PBW cleaning once per month.
Pro Tip: For the best results, pair a cleaner with a sanitizer. Use BLC or PBW to clean, rinse with water, and follow with a final Star San flush. This three-step method — clean, rinse, sanitize — mimics what pros do and keeps your system in top shape.
Warning: Always follow the manufacturer's mixing ratios and rinse instructions. Improper use can lead to residue in your beer lines or even damage.
Routine maintenance doesn’t end after cleaning your lines. There are several easy but effective habits that can dramatically extend the life of your equipment and preserve the taste of your beer.
Flush after each keg: Every time you switch out a keg, flush the beer lines with warm water to remove residual beer. This helps prevent buildup from forming and minimizes cross-contamination between different beer styles.
Dry the lines during long idle periods: If you don’t plan to use your kegerator for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to disconnect and dry the lines. Leaving beer sitting inside can create the perfect conditions for bacteria and mold
Label cleaning dates: Use a dry-erase marker or a small sticker to mark the date you last cleaned your system. This ensures you won’t lose track and helps enforce a consistent schedule.
Inspect tubing regularly: Look for signs of discoloration, residue buildup, or cloudiness in the tubing. If lines appear stiff, brittle, or stained after cleaning, it may be time to replace them.
Use high-quality sanitizer between deep cleans: No-rinse sanitizers like Star San can be used periodically between full cleanings. A quick flush with sanitizer keeps your lines fresher longer and reduces microbial growth.
Avoid sugary or heavily flavored beer without extra maintenance: Beers with fruit, lactose, or syrups tend to leave behind more residue. Clean your lines more frequently if these styles are part of your rotation.
Maintain good CO2 hygiene: Ensure that CO2 lines and regulators are clean, dry, and leak-free. Contaminated gas components can also introduce off flavors and reduce system efficiency.
Even with the best intentions, some common errors can reduce the effectiveness of your cleaning process or even damage your equipment. Here are mistakes you should avoid:
1. Skipping scheduled cleanings: The biggest mistake is simply not cleaning your system often enough. Waiting until beer tastes off means contamination has already affected quality.
2. Using water alone: Water alone is not a cleaner. It cannot dissolve the proteins, sugars, and biofilm left behind by beer. Always use a proper cleaning solution.
3. Leaving cleaner in the lines too long: Overexposure to harsh cleaners can degrade tubing. Stick to the recommended soak time (usually 10–15 minutes), then rinse immediately.
4. Forgetting to rinse thoroughly: Residual cleaner can affect taste and even foam stability. Always rinse until the water runs completely clear.
5. Using soap or bleach: Dish soap leaves behind a film and bleach can break down plastic parts and leave dangerous residue. Never use these household cleaners on your beer system.
6. Ignoring the faucet and coupler: Many people focus only on the beer lines, but your faucet, coupler, and connectors are also in constant contact with beer and must be cleaned just as regularly.
7. Reusing cleaning solution: Used solution is no longer effective and may be contaminated. Always prepare a fresh batch for each cleaning session.
8. Mixing incompatible chemicals: Never mix cleaners or use different types back-to-back without rinsing. For example, follow PBW with water before using Star San.
9. Not replacing old tubing: Even well-maintained tubing has a limited lifespan. If your lines are stained, cloudy, or smell funky after cleaning, it’s time to replace them.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll ensure that your system stays clean, functional, and consistently delivers great-tasting beer.
Can you clean beer lines with vinegar?
What can I use to clean my kegerator lines if I don’t have a cleaning kit?
How often should I clean my beer lines?
What happens if I don’t clean my beer lines?
Can old or stained beer lines be restored with cleaning?
How do I know if my beer lines are dirty?
Can I clean keg lines without a professional cleaning kit?
What is the best cleaner for beer lines?
Can I use baking soda to clean beer lines?
Is it safe to mix beer line cleaners like PBW and Star San?
Can beer line cleaner damage my lines?
Can I reuse the beer line cleaning solution?
Do I need to sanitize after cleaning?
How long does it take to clean beer lines?
Do dirty beer lines affect beer foam?
Can dirty beer lines make you sick?
Cleaning your kegerator lines is one of the most important parts of maintaining your draft beer system. It keeps your beer fresh, extends the life of your hardware, and protects against harmful bacteria and buildup.
Whether you prefer to use a professional cleaning kit or take a DIY approach with basic tools and cleaners, the key is consistency. Create a cleaning schedule, stick to it, and don’t wait for off flavors to act.
With proper tools, trusted cleaners, and a bit of routine maintenance, you’ll enjoy clean pours and great-tasting beer every time.
