At Brew-tiful Lines, we’re beer line cleaning professionals—and yes, we’re also self-proclaimed beer nerds. We care about every detail of the beer experience, from brewing to the first pour, which is why we want to let you in on something: knowledgeable customers notice when glassware isn’t clean. Whether the glass has bubbles clinging to the side, water spots, or a cloudy appearance, they are taking note and even taking pictures. Instagram pages like @dirtybeerglasspolice have thousands of followers and beer groups often banter about beer faux pas—it’s a thing.

And yes, when we’re off the clock, we’re guilty of documenting some artifacts of our own.  Check out some we've spotted out in the wild (NOT at our amazing retail partner locations of course!) at the end of the blog post.

The Glassware “Crimes” Your Customers Notice

When your glassware isn’t clean, it’s not just an eyesore—it can affect the beer experience. You’re probably thinking, “Okay, bubbles on the side of the glass. Is that really a big deal?” Short answer: Yes. A clean glass is crucial to preserving the flavor, carbonation, and mouthfeel of the beer you serve. Any film or residue in the glass can cause CO2 to hang around where it shouldn’t, flattening the beer and ruining that perfect foam. After all the work that goes into brewing and pouring that delicious pint, the last thing you want is to let it go to waste because of something as simple as dirty glassware.



And here’s the kicker: we’ve even spotted dirty pint glasses in posts for beer line cleaning pros in our area—so even the experts aren’t immune to the occasional slip-up of not recognizing what those clinging bubbles truly mean!

Clean Glass = Better Beer for Your Customers

The Brewer’s Association Draught Beer Quality Manual (DBQM) says it best: a beer clean glass "forms a proper foam head, allows lacing during consumption, and never shows patches of bubbles stuck to the side of the glass in the liquid beer." A clean glass is a sign that your establishment takes pride in its beer quality, and the customer experience and your knowledgeable patrons will appreciate it. They might even be more likely to snap a picture of a perfectly poured pint if they see the attention to detail. Beer nerds can’t pass up a good photo op either way!

Quick Cleaning Tips for Your Staff

Want to avoid your guests snapping pics of dirty glassware? Here are some quick tips for keeping your glassware spotless and your beer at its best:

• Rinse Before Use: Use a clean, dedicated rinse station with cold water to prevent carbonation loss and residue buildup.
• Use Proper Glassware: Match glassware to beer style to preserve aroma, taste, and presentation.
• Avoid Fingerprints: Wear gloves and handle glasses carefully to prevent marks that affect taste and appearance.
• Clean Thoroughly: Wash glasses after each use with non-abrasive detergent to remove residue.
• Avoid Soap Residue: Rinse glasses well to remove soap, which can affect beer flavor.
• Sanitize: Use Brewers Association-approved sanitizers and air-dry glasses. Never use a towel to dry glasses.
• Store Properly: Use a clean and dry glass rack or shelf and store glasses upside down to prevent dust and debris entering the glass.
  
• Regular Maintenance: Implement a daily or shift-based routine to clean glasswaremaintain glasswashers to ensure hygiene. Check water temps and detergent levels and regularly inspect glasses for signs of any issues.
• Educate Staff: Hold regular training sessions for bar staff on glassware care, explaining the importance of cleanliness in beer service.

Clean Lines, Clean Glasses, Great Beer—It’s a Team Effort!

Here’s the thing: beer quality is a team sport. Clean lines and clean glasses go hand in hand to make sure every pour is on point. As beer line cleaning pros, we know a sparkling clean tap and line is just the first step, but that glass? Oh, it’s the unsung hero of the beer world. If you want the full experience, it takes both: lines that pour like a dream and glasses that don’t have fingerprints, water spots, or stubborn bubbles sticking to the sides. So, let’s all work together to make sure the beer gets the respect it deserves. Clean lines, clean glasses, and beer that makes everyone say, “Wow, this is good!” Cheers to that perfect combo!