KEG Cleaning

[Johnny Fox]

Hi, I've got a real well soiled Keg that won't clean with the VWP Powder cleaner. Is there anything that will get rid of all the old residue that's not shifting pls??

Thanks.
Johnny.

 

[chopps]

Hot water and caustic but be careful.

 

[Johnny Fox]

Where would I get caustic from pls?

 

[YeastFace]

I think if you have to ask it isn't worth messing with. I don't mean that in a rude way, but it can be very harmful.

 

[The Baron]

Its proper nasty stuff so if you are going to use it be very careful use gloves and eye protection as splashes will burn.
I suggest you read up about it if you decide to use it
Ps not near the wifes best kitchen units too

 

[Clint]

What type of keg is it?

 

[Johnny Fox]

What type of keg is it?

Your normal 5 gallon pressure barrel

 

[Clint]

Has it got actual deposits stuck to it or is it just discoloured? I found an overnight hot oxi soak shifts most if not everything but well used plastic can discolour and still retain a beery aroma.

 

[Johnny Fox]

Has it got actual deposits stuck to it or is it just discoloured? I found an overnight hot oxi soak shifts most if not everything but well used plastic can discolour and still retain a beery aroma.

It's got deposits on it.

 

[soupdragon]

If it's a wide neck barrel then hot water with some washing up liquid and the soft spongy side of a kitchen scrubby combined with some elbow grease should shift it

Cheers Tom

 

[Cwrw666]

Has it got a 4 inch cap or a 2.5 inch cap. If the former give it a good long soak with something like washing soda or Vwp - these will remove or at least soften any deposits. Then get your arm in with a stainless steel scourer (I use these all the time on plastic fermenters as the really cut through the crap but don't seem to scratch the plastic).
If it's got the smaller cap you're stuck with just soaking.

 

[Johnny Fox]

Has it got a 4 inch cap or a 2.5 inch cap. If the former give it a good long soak with something like washing soda or Vwp - these will remove or at least soften any deposits. Then get your arm in with a stainless steel scourer (I use these all the time on plastic fermenters as the really cut through the crap but don't seem to scratch the plastic).
If it's got the smaller cap you're stuck with just soaking.

It's the smaller I assume, can't get my arm in.

 

[phildo79]

Have you tried thick bleach?

 

[Johnny Fox]

Have you tried thick bleach?

No. Would it work??

 

[RoomWithABrew]

Try warm water and dishwashing powder or dishwash tablet, they are fairly aggressive then try the pbw after about a week of soaking.

 

[Clint]

Failing all the above...a gallon of unleaded and the Swan Vesta should fix it.

 

[phildo79]

It might do. If it hasn't worked after 20 mins, then I would give it up. Make sure to really rinse the keg out. Like if you think you have done enough, still do it another five times. I've heard a single speck of bleach can ruin a beer. But perhaps that is more to do with FVs than kegs. Still wouldn't want to find out the hard way though.

 

[RoomWithABrew]

In NZ they do have a bleach that has caustic soda in as well. It's nasty stuff, I've treated some bad burns from it.

Bleach should go if you rinse well, then pbw and rinse again then starsan.

 

[Clint]

I've cleaned everything brewing related with oxi type products...it must be some proper crud.

 

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

I've had old kegs with beer stone deposits on the bottom . A few drops of neat starsan lifts them in seconds . Worth a try if alkaline cleaners are not shifting it. That or a longer soak with an acidic solution like citric acid or vinegar