How to get a keg ready for first use? New Keg Cleaning and Prep
I’ve had the go-to post on rebuilding and reconditioning kegs for a long time now. My procedure is thorough and produces better looking and better functioning kegs.
New kegs require some special treatment too. Dirt, oils and chemicals from the manufacturing process need to be thoroughly cleaned before use. Here’s a walkthrough to help you ready your brand new keg.
Preparing New Homebrew Kegs for First Use
Hey… here’s a new keg! In this case it’s a 2.5 gallon single handle AMCYL ball lock keg – More AMCYL kegs – Hands on Review
Strong PBW Soak
PBW is my go-to for homebrew cleansing. I’ll admit here… typically I underdose PBW. I eyeball it and most of the time, I use less than the directions call for. That changes when it comes to a brand new keg. For new keg prep I like to prepare a very strong solution. Somewhere around double strength.
Related: Five Star PBW Homebrew Cleanser Tips & Tricks!
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The kettle/lauter ton directions call for 1 to 2 ounces per gallon. This is a 2.5 gallon keg + some head space. I went with about 9 ounces to prep this keg. I’m using my Anchor Hocking 8-ounce Triple Pour Measuring Cup to measure this out.
New Kegs To Consider:
- Hands on Review: Kegland Ball Lock Kegs!
- Hands on Review: AEB Italian Made Ball Lock Kegs!
- Hands on Review: AMCYL Ball Lock Kegs!
- Hands on Review: Torpedo Ball Lock Kegs from MoreBeer
Pouring in the keg
Filling the keg up with hot water
The keg is full of strong PBW solution and hot water
I let the keg soak for about 15 minutes. See the layer of discolored scum that has risen to the top?? That’s the dirt, oil and chemicals that are present from the manufacturing process. This is also a lot of what you would be drinking if you just gave this a quick rinse and sanitize. This is a visible illustration of why new keg prep is important.
Rinse
Rinsing the keg
PBW Soak
After the strong PBW soak, I’ll do a quick rinse and soak one more time, this time with regular strength PBW solution
Star San Soak
Now for a soak in Star San. To me, this step isn’t about sanitizing. It’s another step in attempting to rid the keg of leftovers from the manufacturing process. My thinking is some substances are resolved with an alkaline solution (PBW) and some are resolved with an acid solution (Star San). I regularly use nitrile gloves when dealing with harsh chemicals like PBW and Star San.
Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines
I also spray and scrub the outside of the keg.
I also disassembled the keg and soaked the lid and small parts in strong PBW solution.
I’ve long made the point that a quality utility sink is an important tool when homebrewing. I’ve done interviews in the past and been asked… what is on your home brewing wish list. I’ve felt a little silly answering…. a sink! But, I’ve tried to clean homebrew gear in a regular kitchen sink and I don’t like it. I much prefer a large, quality utility sink. Having done it both ways, it makes a big difference come cleanup time. This is the sink I use – there are lots of similar and high quality options out there. This video shows a side benefit of using a utility hose and a utility sink. Dip tubes fit perfectly in the one I have. This allows to me to really flush it clean.
A rinse and the lid and smaller keg parts are ready to go
A final rinse and dry and this keg is ready to be used!
Process Recap:
- Disassemble keg and soak lid and small parts in strong PBW solution.
- Soak keg in strong PBW solution
- Rinse thoroughly
- Soak keg in regular strength PBW solution
- Rinse thoroughly
- Spray with Star San
- Rinse thoroughly
Related: AMCYL kegs
PBW Tips and Tricks!
Star San Tips and Tricks!
Pin Lock vs Ball Lock
Pin Lock O-Rings
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