A beer cooler is an essential piece of equipment for any home bar or man cave. Keeping your beer cooler clean is important to maintain proper temperature regulation and prevent off-flavors in your beer. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your beer cooler can provide chilled brews for years to come. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps for giving your beer cooler a deep clean.
Table of Contents
Prepare the Cooler
Before cleaning, you’ll need to empty out the cooler completely. Remove all beers, shelves, and accessories. It’s best to clean the cooler when it is fully empty. Unplug the cooler and let it come up to room temperature before cleaning. This prevents electric shocks and allows any accumulated condensation to evaporate.
Gather your cleaning supplies. For deep cleaning a beer cooler, you’ll need:
- Mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner
- Clean spray bottle filled with water
- Soft sponges and cloths
- Small scrub brush for difficult areas
- Old toothbrush for cleaning drain holes
- Baked baking soda for deodorising
Make sure you have adequate ventilation by opening windows or doors if cleaning indoors. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Wash Inside Surfaces
Spray down all of the inside surfaces with water. This loosens up any dirt or grime buildup.
Create a cleaning solution of mild detergent and warm water in your spray bottle. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive pads or strong cleaners that could damage the cooler lining.
Spray the cleaning solution over the interior surfaces. Pay special attention to the bottom and any nooks and crannies. Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes.
Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the interior. Take care not to leave any suds or cleaning residue. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a fresh cloth.
For stubborn deposits, use a small scrub brush to gently agitate the area, then rinse. Avoid vigorous scrubbing that could cause scratching.
Clean Accessories & Racks
Remove adjustable shelves, racks or accessories from the cooler. Wash these with warm soapy water using a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse and allow to air dry fully before replacing in the cooler.
Clean any bins or organising equipment that fits inside your cooler. This prevents food residue or odors from collecting in those items.
Disinfect & Deodorise
For a deep clean, you’ll want to disinfect the inside to kill bacteria and remove unpleasant odors.
Make a sanitising solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water. Place in a spray bottle. Spray down all interior surfaces including shelves and accessories once they are dry.
Allow to sit for 15 minutes before wiping dry with a clean cloth. The baking soda will help deodorise the cooler leaving a clean, fresh scent behind.
For extreme odors, leave a box of baking soda inside the empty cooler for 1-2 days with the door closed. The baking soda will naturally absorb refrigerator odors.
Dry & Air Out
It’s important to fully dry the interior before returning your cooler to service. Water left behind could lead to mold or bacteria growth.
Prop open the cooler door and allow 1-2 days for complete air drying. You can place a fan nearby to speed up the process.
Never use a hair dryer or heat source to dry a cooler, as this could warp interior plastics.
Once fully dry, replace all shelves, racks and accessories.
Maintain with Regular Cleaning
To keep your beer cooler fresh and clean:
- Wash interior shelves every 2-3 months with mild detergent. Allow to fully dry before replacing.
- Clean door gaskets every 6 months using baking soda and water solution. Rinse and dry fully.
- Check and clean drain holes on the bottom annually using a small brush or toothbrush.
- Periodically wipe down interior surfaces using a baking soda spray and cloth.
With proper care, your beer cooler can stay fresh and keep drinks properly chilled. Always unplug and empty cooler before cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals. Allow full drying time before returning to use. Follow these steps and tips for cleaning a beer cooler and you’ll be rewarded with tasty, frosty beverages.
Eco Cleaning Brisbane has over 20 years of experience keeping Brisbane homes and businesses clean. Our friendly cleaners use eco-friendly products and equipment to provide top-quality cleaning services throughout the city. Contact us today to learn more about our residential and commercial cleaning packages.
