Beer Line Cleaning Cans for Direct and Short Draw Systems
A cleaning can is the simplest and most widely used tool for cleaning draft beer lines. Fill it with Draftec Blue or your preferred line cleaner, attach the keg couplers, and use Co2 to drive the solution through the lines. Only CO2 required, no electric pump, no complicated setup — just a reliable, portable method that gets the job done on schedule.
How It Works
- Disconnect the keg and attach the cleaning can to the coupler
- Fill the can with diluted beer line cleaner (follow manufacturer ratio)
- Drive the solution through the lines and out the faucet
- Let soak for the recommended contact time (typically 20–25 minutes)
- Flush with clean water until the lines run clear
Best For
- Direct draw kegerators — short lines, single coupler, easy access
- Single-keg setups — bars and taprooms with a small number of taps
- Mobile and event bars — portable, no power or gas required
- Operators without a recirculating pump — the standard low-cost cleaning method
Cleaning Frequency
The Brewers Association recommends cleaning beer lines every two weeks at minimum. A cleaning can makes it easy to stay on schedule without investing in a pump system.
For high-volume or long draw systems, consider a recirculating pump kit for more thorough cleaning with less labor.
Cleaning Can FAQ
Do I need CO2 to use a cleaning can, or can I use a hand pump?
Most cleaning cans are designed to use CO2 pressure to drive solution through the lines — simpler and more consistent than manual pumping. Confirm your specific can's design before use, but CO2-driven is the standard method for this tool.
When should I upgrade from a cleaning can to a recirculating pump?
Once you're running long draw lines or enough taps that manual cleaning eats significant staff time, a recirculating pump pays for itself in labor savings and more thorough, continuous contact than a single push-through with a can.
