Hello all. I have been smoking meerschaum pipes for a while now and own several. Mostly new meerschaum. I would like to describe my process for the care and maintenance from what I've learned through research of what little sure methods of taking care of a meerschaum there are out in the interwebs. I know there is probably not an exact method, but I would like all your critiques and suggestions. Thank you!
1. After each smoke, I put a pipe cleaner through the bit to the bowl (being careful not to hit the heel of the bowl).
2. After each smoke, I use a dry paper towel folded up and twist to clean out the bowl. Does anyone think this may be too harsh for the inside of the bowl?
3. Once about every 30 smokes or so, I clean the stem and shank with alcohol (everclear) and pipe cleaners (bristle and regular).
4. Once about every 30 smokes, I clean the inside of the bowl with paper towels and just a bit of alcohol just to moisten the paper.
5. At this time, take a blunt spoon or knife (dull) to scrape any bits and little cake accumulating within the bowl.
6. I have yet to wax, but I plan to soak my meers in melted beeswax with corks and stem removed.
Please, any comments and feedback welcome.
Jason
1. After each smoke, I put a pipe cleaner through the bit to the bowl (being careful not to hit the heel of the bowl).
2. After each smoke, I use a dry paper towel folded up and twist to clean out the bowl. Does anyone think this may be too harsh for the inside of the bowl?
3. Once about every 30 smokes or so, I clean the stem and shank with alcohol (everclear) and pipe cleaners (bristle and regular).
4. Once about every 30 smokes, I clean the inside of the bowl with paper towels and just a bit of alcohol just to moisten the paper.
5. At this time, take a blunt spoon or knife (dull) to scrape any bits and little cake accumulating within the bowl.
6. I have yet to wax, but I plan to soak my meers in melted beeswax with corks and stem removed.
Please, any comments and feedback welcome.
Jason