Cleaning an old cob

[bailey331]

So I found a nice little pipe stand they other day on eBay and got it for a good price. It came with four old corn cob pipes. One I think is a toy pipe (at least my kid thinks so), one is just plain nasty and may find its way to the trash can, but the last two are really kinda cool. I have never had a cob before or even the urge to try one. But now that I have a couple on my work bench Im tempted to pack the bowls and light them up. Is there any thing different when I comes to cleaning/restoring/desanitizing a corn cob as apposed to a briar? Can you give them the old salt and alcohol bath or will that harm the bowl? Any ammo you can throw my way before I get into this battle would be great.

 

[jchaplick]

You know, I have seen many peoplr say no to the salt and alcohol treatment, but I have done it anyway, as long as you give them a good couple days rest, they have always come out fine for me

 

[olderthandirt]

FWIW, I prefer to use cotton balls instead of salt. Just as effective as far as I can tell and much easier to clean the pipe afterwards.
For that cob though, just start with pipe cleaners dipped in Iso or Everclear for the shank and stem.

Give the chamber a light ream with a knife or some 80grit sandpaper, clean the rim with spit and a rag.

 

[lifeon2]

yep try not to use salt as the cob is absorbent.