Cleaning the LBK/LBC

[blaxbear]

If I remember correctly, the MB instructions recommend using unscented soap and a soft cloth to prevent scratching, but I was wondering what you guys use? Anybody use a sponge without the abrasive pad? Or a dishcloth? Any special soaps I might consider using?

[FrozenInTime]

I fill my LBK or LBC with water almost to the top, drop in a couple tablespoons of oxyclean free, hold over sink and shake til well mixed. Then set on counter out of the way for a couple-three days (I do pick them up once or twice a day and shake again). Then I drain the soapy water down the sink whilst reserving a small bowl of soapy water (I use this to take apart the spigot and clean it good with it). Rinse/shake with clean water three times, sit upside down on a couple paper towels and let dry for a day, then put up in storage. When ready to use, I put one gallon water and a tablespoon one step in keg, shake well to mix, let stand 30 minutes, shake again and dump water. Turn upside down on paper towel again to drain completely before using again. This has worked for me for well over a hundred batches. I don't put anything in the keg to clean it, no sponge or washcloth, too many chances to scratch/ruin keg.

[RickBeer]

A couple of discussions on this topic on the forum already.

I use a sponge that is only for my brewing equipment. I rinse and rinse the crap out of it, fill it with warm water and a drop or two of unscented dish soap. Then I let it sit a few minutes, stick my hand in, and sponge every surface, rinse, rinse, hold it up and inspect it, remove spigot and wash inside and out on the spigot hole, rinse and rinse.

Disassemble spigot and clean it good.

I've never needed Oxiclean on the LBK.

[jimjohson]

A couple of discussions on this topic on the forum already.

I use a sponge that is only for my brewing equipment. I rinse and rinse the crap out of it, fill it with warm water and a drop or two of unscented dish soap. Then I let it sit a few minutes, stick my hand in, and sponge every surface, rinse, rinse, hold it up and inspect it, remove spigot and wash inside and out on the spigot hole, rinse and rinse.

Disassemble spigot and clean it good.

I've never needed Oxiclean on the LBK.

+1 unsented soap and sponge is ok. like rickbeer i got a sponge dedicated to just cleaning my brewing equipment.

[RickBeer]

And NEVER clean your LBK like this!

[blaxbear]

Thanks for the tips guys! I did a quick search, but didn't see a thread specific to what materials folks were sticking in their kegs, so that's why I started this one. Anyway, I think I'll be sticking with the sponge for now.

[madman960]

I soak my lbk in hot water with a cup of vinegar for 15 minutes. Then I take a box of baking soda and sprinkle in some. Probably a few tablespoons. Once it stops fizzing, I let sit 20 more minutes. Take spigot out and soak in hot water. Wipe lbk with a paper towel. Sanitize with star san. Put up til next time. Sanitize again on brew day.

Bill

[RickBeer]

This is a good discussion: http://beerborg.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... lbk#p15147

[Ibasterd]

My only addition is to be careful using very hot water. Not only can this cause damage to the LBK but it can also "bake" in odors from the last batch. I use cool water, unscented soap and a sponge. Since I clean my LBK right after bottling, I also slosh the sanitizer I saved from bottling as a final rinse.