How to Clean a Jockey Box: A Guide for Fresh Beer Every Time

Cleaning and maintaining your jockey box is essential to ensure that you're serving up the best tasting and safest beverages to your customers. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of cleaning your jockey box using a BLC caustic solution followed by an acid wash. Even if you're new to handling these cleaning agents, we'll provide clear instructions to help you carry out the task effectively and safely.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies ready:

• Cleaning Keg or Small Beer Line Cleaning Pump
• BLC caustic cleaner (ensure to read the manufacturer's instructions for safe handling and proper mixing)
• ALC Acid Post Wash (Commercial hydrochloric acid—ensure to read the manufacturer's instructions for safe handling and proper mixing)
• Warm water
• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Protective clothing

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area

Choose a well-ventilated area for cleaning. Ensure that you have access to a water source and a drain for rinsing the jockey box after each cleaning step.

Step 3: Preparing the BLC Caustic Solution

1. Put on your rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
2. Carefully measure and mix the BLC caustic solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be cautious while handling concentrated chemicals. Pro Tip: always add chemicals to water and never the other way around.
1. BLC is 2 oz per gallon 
2. Penetrate Cleaner (stronger BLC) is 1 oz per gallon
3. Gently stir the solution in your cleaning vessel until it's thoroughly mixed.

Step 4: Cleaning with BLC Caustic Solution

1. Open your faucet to dispense the solution through your jockey box until it fills the coils completely.
2. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring no residue remains (All Klear helps with this—a color tracer). Be cautious not to let the solution come into contact with your skin.

Step 5: Preparing the Acid Post Wash

1. Once again, put on your rubber gloves and safety goggles.
2. Prepare the commercial acid cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions.
1. ALC 1 oz per gallon

Step 6: Acid Washing

1. Open your faucet to dispense the solution through your jockey box until it fills the coils completely.
2. Thoroughly rinse the jockey box with clean water, ensuring no traces of acid remain (All Klear helps with this—a color tracer). Be cautious not to let the solution come into contact with your skin.

Step 7: Final Rinse and Purge

1. Run clean water through the taps and coils to ensure complete removal of cleaning solutions.
2. Allow your cleaning keg or pump to run dry with the faucets open. This will purge the coils of most of the water.
3. Allow the jockey box to air dry (lid cracked) in a clean and well-ventilated area.

Step 8: Regular Maintenance

Regularly clean your jockey box after each use to prevent the buildup of contaminants and maintain optimal beverage quality. Follow these cleaning steps immediately after each use.

Setting up the next person for success

By following the proper cleaning procedures you’re doing the right thing by setting up the next person who uses it for success. Taking care of your jockey box by cleaning it regularly will protect your investment and provide a lifetime of reliable use.

Click over to this post for recommendations for end of day procedures, including dumping ice, exterior care, and how to store your jockey box when not in use.