Cleaning & Care Tips
A clean 'Tini Tap is a happy 'Tini Tap. Here's everything you need to keep yours performing beautifully, pour after pour.
The Golden Rule
Clean your 'Tini Tank after every use. The sooner you clean it, the easier it is. Sugary, citrus, and coffee-based drinks left sitting in the tap line are the #1 cause of off-flavors, staining, and clogs. Three minutes of care now saves you a much bigger hassle later.
NEVER store your 'Tini Tank with any liquid remaining inside. Not even a small amount. Residual liquid is the primary cause of mold, bacteria growth, and off-odors. Always empty, rinse, and dry (upside down) completely before storing.
What to Use: OxiClean or a Food-Safe Oxygen Cleaner
For regular cleaning, we recommend OxiClean Free (unscented) or any oxygen-based, food-safe cleaner. These are the consumer equivalent of PBW (Powder Brewery Wash) which is the industry standard used for cleaning kegs and beverage lines. Unlike dish soap alone, oxygen-based cleaners actively lift and dissolve sugar residue, proteins, and organic buildup without heavy scrubbing. They're also highly effective at preventing mold and bacteria growth.
- OxiClean Free is widely available at most grocery and big-box stores.
- Always use the unscented version since fragrance additives can leave residue that affects the flavor of your next batch.
- Follow the dilution ratio on the packaging. A little goes a long way.
NEVER use bleach, harsh chemical cleaners, or abrasive scrub pads. These can damage seals, degrade fittings, and leave residue behind.
After Every Use: The Standard Clean
This is your simple go-to routine after any session.
- Pull the pressure release ring to fully vent remaining CO2 before opening the tank. NEVER open the tank while pressurized.
- Remove the tap head and disassemble any removable parts. Keep the CO2 regulator separate. Never submerge regulator in water.
- Mix your OxiClean solution per the package instructions. Add to the 'Tini Tank and fill with warm water. Swirl solution thoroughly, and let it sit for 5 minutes to lift any residue.
- Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water until no cleaner remains.
- Flush the tap line: fill the tank with clean warm water, reassemble, and run it through the tap until completely clear. (This requires using an additional ‘Tini Charger.)
- Alternatively, you can remove the tap line and soak the it in warm. Just ensure that the warm soapy solution travels through the line to ensure all sugars and beverage residues are removed.
- Wipe down the CO2 regulator with a damp cloth, paying attention to any residue around the fitting and threads. Dry with a clean cloth immediately after.
- Shake out excess water and leave all components to air dry completely (tap side down) before storing.
Your Three Hoses — A Smart System
Your 'Tini Tap kit includes three hoses. Most drinks can share a hose without any issue. However, we recommend designating a separate hose for drinks that are strongly flavored, darkly staining, or contain coffee or dairy. This means things like espresso drinks, cold brew cocktails, or anything with cream. This prevents flavor bleed between batches and keeps your hoses looking clean longer. It's not mandatory, but it's highly recommended.
- Hose 1 — Everyday use: cocktails, mocktails, spritzes, lemonades, flavored waters.
- Hose 2 — Coffee and darker drinks: cold brew, espresso-based drinks, tea.
- Hose 3 — Beer or wine. Or for anything heavily pigmented. Or you can just keep as a spare.
Tip: A small marker dot on each hose fitting before storing makes them easy to tell apart.
Deep Clean (Monthly or As Needed)
If your 'Tini Tank has been used heavily, stored for a period, or starts to develop any off-odors, run a deep clean before your next use.
- Pull the pressure release ring to vent, then fully disassemble the tank body, tap head, and hose components. Set the CO2 regulator aside.
- Mix a fresh OxiClean solution per package instructions. Fill the tank with the solution, swirl to coat the interior, and let it soak for 15–20 minutes.
- While soaking, use a small brush or pipe cleaner with OxiClean solution to scrub the tap head, hose interior, and any fittings. Work the solution through the full length of each hose.
- For the CO2 regulator: do not soak or submerge. Use a cloth or small brush dampened with OxiClean solution to wipe away any residue or buildup around the fitting and threads. Dry immediately after.
- Rinse all components thoroughly with clean water. Run water through each hose until it runs completely clear.
- Inspect O-rings and seals for cracking. Cracked O-rings should be replaced. Contact Info@TiniTaps.com for replacement parts.
- Air dry all components completely before reassembly and storage.
Seal & O-Ring Care
The seals and O-rings in your 'Tini Tank are what keep it pressurized and leak-free. They're small, but they matter.
- Inspect them periodically, especially if you notice a drop in pressure or sluggish CO2 performance.
- If a seal looks cracked, or misshaped, replace it. Replacement seals are available. Just contact Info@TiniTaps.com.
- Never use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals on seals. They degrade the material and shorten their lifespan.
Storage
When your 'Tini Tank is not in use:
- Always store empty, clean, and completely dry. Even a small amount of remaining liquid can lead to mold or bacteria growth.
- Store fully depressurized by pulling the pressure release ring before storing.
- Leave the tap in the open position during storage to prevent the seal from compressing unnecessarily.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can affect the powder coat finish over time.
- Avoid storing in a hot car, garage, or anywhere temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to Avoid
- Dishwasher: NEVER put your 'Tini Tank or any 'Tini Tap parts in the dishwasher. High heat and water pressure will damage seals, fittings, and the powder coat finish. Hand wash only.
- Submerging the CO2 regulator: Wipe it down only . Never soak it or run it directly under water.
- Bleach or harsh chemical cleaners: These can damage seals and leave residue. OxiClean Free is all you need.
- Storing with liquid inside: Even a small amount left behind can grow mold or bacteria. Always empty and dry completely.
- Abrasive sponges or scrub pads: These can scratch the interior and the exterior powder coat finish.
Questions about cleaning or replacement parts? Visit tinitaps.com/support or reach us at info@tinitaps.com. We're here to help your 'Tini Tap last for years.