I do nothing regarding cleaning a pipe until Sunday. Well, I do give the last smoked pipe a knock and a great puff after emptying the ash and whatever dottle is remaining, then the pipe is returned to it's resting spot until the bowl. Sunday I clean all of the pipes smoked the previous seven days. I only run a cleaner through a pipe if the draw is becoming restricted or is blocked while smoking. Sunday is pipe cleaning time. Sundays are for reaming, cleaning, a rub over the side of my nose (oils) and a quick buff with a soft, clean cloth.
I've not experienced taking ash into my mouth. I don't inhale, so it's not a problem.