Best Approach To Keep Rims From Excess Charring?

[dquisenberry]

Every pipe will eventually get smoke discoloring on the rim(Not charing from a lighter), especially in the back above the stem. It’s easy to remove by using hand disinfectant without alcohol listed as an ingredient. I get mine from CVS which is the brand a well known professional cleaner uses. I just apply some to a qtip or my finger, rub and wipe off with a tissue.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yup. You have to work hard to actually char the rim (damage is permanent with charring.) It's soot, lava, goop, and can be from the flame passing over that part of the rim or smoke doing the same.
I like to scrub the rims when I flush the chamber with hot water, and it works well. Even made pretty some pipes I had sooted up over many years.

Drawing the flame to near the tobacco helps a lot in prevention.

 

[Chasing Embers]

It’s easy to remove by using hand disinfectant without alcohol listed as an ingredient. I

Easy to remove with a wet paper towel too.

 

[Sonorisis]

I use lip balm (aka, "chapstick") on the rim while smoking. That, and not filling the bowl to the top seem to help.