Alcohol cleaning question

ulsterpaddy · Jan 24, 2011

I want to do my first alcohol cleaning. After researching i know that eveclear is the prefered booze to use. i watched a=the dubinthedam cleaning videos on youtube and he uses 100 proof rum (above or below) and recomends whiskey, rum ect with a high proof. looking in my liquor cabinet right now i only have a bottle of french cognac open that im willing to use (the good stuff is all unopened and saving to drink). is it ok to use an 80 proof cognac?
i will go buy some stronger stuff like everclear or a strong rum or whiskey later (or if you all tell me not to use the cognac).

hilojohnny · Jan 24, 2011

I could be wrong....but I think your pipe will love you for using cognac....I personally use 155proof rum since I believe it evaporates faster. If the cognac leaves a bit of "aftertaste" you will only be the richer for it.... :lol:

hobie1dog · Jan 24, 2011

should work just fine in my book

ulsterpaddy · Jan 24, 2011

so using 80 proof isn't the end of the world?

directshot · Jan 24, 2011

Over the years I've used Bacardi 151 primarily due to the fact that it's what I drink so why not give it a double purpose and clean the pipes too. Note that it also leaves no residue or smell in the pipes after drying. Drink, smoke, drink, smoke, drink, smoke, I led a simple but good life.

collindow · Jan 24, 2011

I used Jack Daniels up until just a few days ago when I was finally able to obtain some Everclear. Twas 80 proof, and worked fairly well...and gave a nice little aftertaste for the next smoke!

chuckw · Jan 24, 2011

If you want to clean your own pipes, the cognac will do the job. It will take a few days to dry though. If however, you are cleaning estate pipes, use something above 150 proof to make sure you are killing any germs. Rubbing alcohol will do the job if it is 90% or more and unsented.

unclearthur · Jan 24, 2011

For regular clean ups I use decent brandy. For estates I use the high test rum.

ulsterpaddy · Jan 24, 2011

Thanks guys. smells great already. i've had a bit of a break from the pipe due to the last bitter experiance. hopes this cures it and i can get off the cigs again.

fred · Jan 24, 2011

That's the thing about Everclear. It's 95% alcohol, leaves no after taste

or residue and, because it's anhydrous, pulls moisture out of the Block.

Some prefer the taste of different beverage(s) in their Pipes, while others

like me don't. It's the alcohol that's the cleaning agent and at 95%

Everclear is pulling moisture out of the air when the cap is off the bottle.

Other beverage(s) will also work, but like Chuck says, it will take a few days to dry.

juni · Jan 25, 2011

...and this reminds me it is time to start salt/alcoholing my pipes again - it's been a month or so since last cleaning rotation.

pstlpkr · Jan 25, 2011

I have always used Ezra Brooks... I love the taste it leaves in the bowl.

Just fire up a bowl of 1Q and I'm in heaven... It only lasts one or two bowls.

strongirish · Jan 25, 2011

It will work just fine but let me comment on other postings i have learned in my 40 years of pipe smoking. Do NOT use rubbing alcohol when cleaning your pipes. I t contains toxins that will seep into your pipe! It is not for oral consumption of any kind. Also, I have retored pipes for years for resale and I find that salt can and will crack your bowls. Not all the time but do it enough and you will crack one. Instead use cotton balls, they work just as well but will not harm your bowl.

unclearthur · Jan 25, 2011

I second the cotton ball suggestion!

twss · Jan 25, 2011

That's some great info. I used scotch the other day (because thats what I drink) and I thought it did a great job.

pstlpkr · Jan 25, 2011

I must also advise the use of cotton balls... but being the good conservationist I am.

I try not to use them too often... after-all I don't want to put Teddy Bears on the endangered species list. :D

bubbadreier · Jan 25, 2011

I too am a cotton ball user! I tried the salt once and it left such a mess and my first smoke was so nasty, I swore to never use salt again!

juni · Jan 25, 2011

Well, I think salt makes the bowl smell cleaner. Just make sure to use non-iodised salt (I use sea salt).

chuckw · Jan 25, 2011

I too use salt but I use the larger grained Kosher salt. It is much easier to get out of the pipe even if some gets into the smoke channel. I haven't been cleaning estate pipes as long as Earl has, only about ten years, but I have yet to crack a shank or bowl.
By the way Earl, have you smoked those Willmers yet and what do you think of them?

menckenite · Jan 25, 2011

I've only used Everclear because it was recommended more than anything else. Also, I love how clean and pure my tobaccos taste after my pipes have been filled with the spirit.

Alcohol cleaning question

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