Pipe disinfectant
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I use Isopropyl Alcohol in the stem and shank after every bowl, but not in the bowl itself other than what gets on the draft hole. Lots of people only sterilise periodically or when they start to smell something.
Isopropyl is perfectly safe in trace amounts (thus used for sterilising skin) and leaves no residue or smell after it evaporates.
Apparently some places add other things to their rubbing alcohol though, so it's probably good to check whether or not your local supply is a pure Isopropyl/water mix.
Ironically I've read that 70% is actually more effective at disinfecting because water is necessary in order for bacteria to absorb the alcohol, so the 99% stuff isn't necessarily "better", though I still prefer it because I assume I'm dissolving oils as much as killing bugs.
If you have a cheap supply of Everclear that's certainly not a bad option either. The only problem with regular high proof alcohol is I assume it will add a smell to the pipe, and of course it's probably more expensive.
Isopropyl is perfectly safe in trace amounts (thus used for sterilising skin) and leaves no residue or smell after it evaporates.
Apparently some places add other things to their rubbing alcohol though, so it's probably good to check whether or not your local supply is a pure Isopropyl/water mix.
Ironically I've read that 70% is actually more effective at disinfecting because water is necessary in order for bacteria to absorb the alcohol, so the 99% stuff isn't necessarily "better", though I still prefer it because I assume I'm dissolving oils as much as killing bugs.
If you have a cheap supply of Everclear that's certainly not a bad option either. The only problem with regular high proof alcohol is I assume it will add a smell to the pipe, and of course it's probably more expensive.
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I've used the salt and alcohol method to reasonable success. Sometimes you will need to repeat the process on the pipe with a new load of salt and alcohol.
The retort method is another way to loosen old gunks in shanks and stems.
It involves heat and alcohol so, it can be dicey if you are not careful.
I've used the salt and alcohol method to reasonable success. Sometimes you will need to repeat the process on the pipe with a new load of salt and alcohol.
The retort method is another way to loosen old gunks in shanks and stems.
It involves heat and alcohol so, it can be dicey if you are not careful.
Nope, Everclear, or any equivalent to it, will leave no trace of any aftertaste or smell. It's a rectified spirit of grain alcohol. I use something called Spirytus Wesoty or other brand names of grain alcohol which are the same as Everclear and a tad cheaper. Personally, I never use Isopropyl alcohol other than as a disinfectant for wounds as it has a distinct odor whereas grain alcohol is odorless.
I have to agree. I have used the available "brand named" Everclear and it leaves behind no trace whatsoever.
I have used Everclear for years. Have a bottle now. It last for years, and you can't much cheaper than that.
I most definitely do not 'disinfect' my pipes daily, weekly or monthly. There's seldom anything to disinfect. Wiping the chamber with a damp paper towel will remove ash and prevent rapid cake build up. A pipe cleaner down the stem after a smoke is a good idea.
If a deep cleaning is needed, Everclear is the ticket. Just not more often than needed and be sure to clean the mortise.
Happy smoking!
If a deep cleaning is needed, Everclear is the ticket. Just not more often than needed and be sure to clean the mortise.
Happy smoking!
To be sure, jpmcwjr! I only have to use the Everclear on a pipe if it has been completely compromised and gunked up. So, very rarely! 
Phil:
It is kind of sad that we can get ethanol to run racecars but not for cleaning, around here isopropyl costs about 10x less. I envy those with a readily available supply of Everclear.
Right, but what about regular Vodka or Whiskey? I have to assume that anything made for drinking that actually has any sort of flavour will also flavour the pipe.
It is kind of sad that we can get ethanol to run racecars but not for cleaning, around here isopropyl costs about 10x less. I envy those with a readily available supply of Everclear.
No harm whatsoever in using either. Not at all sure how much they will end up in flavoring a pipe, but I would lean towards using the Vodka as something like whiskey might possibly leave behind a sticky residue, but I'm not all that sure as I've never used either of them although I'm never short on the whiskey. :wink:
If using whiskey (or vodka) use the highest proof possible. It will have less sugars and sweeteners and will disappear more completely. I have used 101 proof vodka and Wild Turkey 101 with good results.
If you have a difficult time in getting Everclear just look for some of the many Polish made brands of neutral spirits grain alcohol as they are the same as Everclear.
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I've had some good results with both years ago (from what I can remember), but I'm not referring to their use in cleaning/disinfecting a pipe.
I keep the whiskey for drinking. Vodka, Everclear, and such are neutral grain spirits without color. I find they are more suited to cleaning.
Interesting, so I take it that you can't actually make anything "Vodka" flavored.
And taking the concept further, if it is flavorless does that mean using Vodka for re-hydrating tobacco will maintain the integrity of the toppings in the blend?
And taking the concept further, if it is flavorless does that mean using Vodka for re-hydrating tobacco will maintain the integrity of the toppings in the blend?
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