Cleaning Acrylic?

[fishingandpipes]

My understanding is that you aren't supposed to use alcohol on acrylic as it can ruin it and cause it to crack and shatter.
So, what do you all use for cleaning your acrylic stems?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Have used Everclear on mine for years with no ill effect.

 

[ejames]

I use 91% isopropyl with no problems.

 

[xrundog]

Alcohol on the airway. Stem polish or a buffer on the exterior. It's tough stuff.

 

[davedan]

Is it wise to wash pipe steams (all kinds)? That's what I do under cold water when cleaning a pipe. then run pipe cleaners through it?

 

[daveinlax]

I think it's Perpex stems that can be damaged by alcohol. I use alcohol on my Castello stems and have soaked the opaque colored stems for over a half hour to cut the tar with no issues. 8O

 

[xrundog]

Cold water won't hurt.

 

[stvalentine]

You can use alcohol, hot and cold water on acrylic stems. On the buffer it needs a light hand, otherwise it melts easily.

 

[fishingandpipes]

Huh. Good to know. If daveinlax is ok with it, it's good for me for sure, I just could have sworn people say it can get so brittle it can shatter with enough exposure to alcohol.

 

[buroak]

I think it's Perpex stems that can be damaged by alcohol.

In my experience, prolonged exposure of Perspex stems (or at least my Perspex-like stems) to alcohol can be quite harmful. Brief exposure typical to airway cleaning has not apparently damaged my Perspex stems. According to allplastics.com, isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean Perspex.

 

[ssjones]

I think it's Perpex stems that can be damaged by alcohol.

Yep, clear acrylic can haze. StValentine's comment is also worth noting, the plastic will melt if too much speed/heat is generated.

 

[mrmotoyoshi]

I've heard of this before but never experienced any ill effects of alcohol on acrylic. Some have mentioned lime juice and water mixed on other forums but I've never ventured to try it.

 

[cigrmaster]

Pampers hypo allergenic baby wipes work best, you can wipe your ass and your stem at the same time. I will leave it up to you which goes first.
I really do crack myself up sometimes.