Top Tips on getting ahead in January

Happy New Year! Here’s to a super-successful 2017

January is the perfect time for taking stock and getting some really useful deep-cleaning jobs done to stand you in good stead for the busy times.

Soaking cask equipment

Line Cleaner/Line Protector

Diluted line cleaner can be used to soak cask equipment for a short period of time (a dosage of around 10ml per 10 litres of water should do it). As line cleaner is relatively unstable if left in a bucket open to the air it will lose its cleaning power within a few days. For this reason, change the water every 2-3 days to ensure it’s doing its job.

A dedicated line protector is a food-safe solution that can also be used to soak cask equipment. As it is not chlorine based it will last a lot longer than line cleaning chemicals when being used as a soak. The solution should be changed every week.

Nozzles/Sparklers

Nozzles, Sparklers, Creamers spout ends, whatever you may call them or whichever you use, need to be cleaned and they are one of the most overlooked pieces of kit in the beverage dispense system.

The best and safest method is to use a low concentration chlorine tablet dissolved in water. Remember, don’t use a glass when using any chemical, always have a dedicated, properly labelled cleaning tub, always think safety first, followed by cleanliness. Use a small brush to remove any built-up proteins, yeasts and sugars, this should also be performed with any fixed spouts where you cannot remove the end and soak.

Ice machine

Your ice machine will have been working hard all season. Time to power it down, dispose of all the ice and give it a good going over with a food safe sanitiser.

All-round cellar hygiene

A food safe sanitising spray is a must-have in the cellar if only for pure convenience and effectiveness. It is suitable for use in all areas of the cellar. It has been proven to remove mould and bacteria from pretty much everything – from keg couplers, cleaning sockets through to the tops of chillers. Simply spray on and leave to dry.

Second on the list of must haves is a Cellar Hygiene Brush. It is a versatile solidly built cleaning tool. It can be used with any cellar surface and its firm yet yielding bristles can bend into any tight spot, such as keg couplers and cleaning sockets, removing any stubborn dirt deposits. To keep it clean simply spray after every use with your sanitiser and brush the dirt off.

Your glassware

Glass washers – Now is the perfect time to get your glasswashers serviced to ensure they are running at peak performance. Have your service engineer test your incoming water supply and adjust your detergent and rinse aid dosing levels accordingly.

Renovate – Your glassware will have been working mighty hard all season. After your glasswasher has been serviced, give your glassware a treat with Renovation. It will rid your glassware of any emerging glass bloom and take it back to its shiny best!

Don’t forget, you can download our complete guide to good cellar practice along with our handy guidance posters.