Build a Portable Glass Rinser

Nobody wants to drink a fresh beer out of a dirty glass. Whether you’re switching beers from an IPA to a stout and want a clean glass or maybe you just like the way a beer pours in a clean wet glass, this build is for you.

I could have bought a glass rinsing assembly that I could have added to my keezer but they are not cheap. Those assemblies also require the use of CO₂ and a corny keg. So it ties up one of your kegs and empties your CO₂ tank faster. Looking for an alternative, I came up with this cheaper solution. The good thing about this build is that you can get as creative as you want. Many homebrewers who I know (myself included) are creative and like building things. I like to repurpose things so I scrounged around finding materials for this build, which I encourage you to do too. I don’t expect anyone will build this the exact same way that I have, but the basic design is here for you to give your own personal touch to.

I’m a firefighter and we occasionally cut up cars for training. This got me thinking one day about using the windshield washer fluid reservoir and pump for a glass rinser. I know what you’re thinking — mmm washer fluid IPA. No, the used washer fluid reservoir was to be part of the R&D so I was able to verify that a pump was in fact capable of doing this job without having to waste money finding out. The tests were positive so I eventually invested in a new pump. (I learned that not all motors are created equal. The prototype from the wrecked Volvo, was loud but capable of pulling an 8-inch (20-cm) prime, but when I bought a new one it could only pull about a 4-inch (10-cm) prime, which was good enough. These range from $8–$25.

I used 1-gallon (4-L) reservoirs for clean and wastewater. That doesn’t seem like much, but it goes further than you would think.

One great thing about this design is that it is portable, While it may usually sit near my kegerator, it can easily be moved to the patio when guests visit. However, if portability is not something you value, another option that I contemplated is incorporating this build into the drip tray when I was building my keezer.

PARTS & TOOLS

• 2 reservoirs of equal size (one food-grade for fresh water and one for the drain). I used two 1-gallon (4-L) pitchers
• 1/4-inch ID beer line (the length will be determined by how you design your setup)
• 12 volt momentary push button switch
• 12 volt battery pack or power cord
• Washer fluid motor
• Silcone
• Fuel shut off valve (to keep your drain reservoir from prematurely emptying)
• Drain
• Soldering iron (not completely necessary but nice to ensure good connections)
• Hot glue gun
• Drill with bits
• Utility knife
• Electrical tape
• Paint or finish
• (4) AA batteries