Disinfecting

[jonn]

I recently purchased a pipe and was wondering if there is any way I could possibly disinfect it before use? I read down on the forums "Disinfecting Estate Pipes", and noticed just normal rubbing alcohol does the trick? I also read somewhere straight Whiskey works too...I am a bit of a germ-o-phobe, but if it's not really needed that is fine too!
Thanks!

 

[billypm]

I think it's a fine idea to sterilize an estate pipe. I prefer Everclear, but high proof rum or whiskey is good, too. Rubbing alcohol has its fans, but I'm not one of 'em, especially since it's not ok to ingest. Just make sure not to get any alcohol on the outside of the bowl, as it will wreak havoc with your finish.

 

[pruss]

I use 99% isopropyl alcohol for all of the estate pipes I clean up. Using the salt & alcohol or cotton ball & alcohol method (described in other places on the forum) in conjunction with alcohol soaked pipe cleaners/bristle-cleaners/shank-brushes/q-tips.
-- Pat

 

[whovianpiper09]

I agree with the above posters. Really be careful with not putting alcohol on the rim of the bowl!!!! I recently just learned the hard way about that. I was told though that Everclear and vodka would be better to use. Whiskey isn't a good idea from what I learned, but that's what I know. About killing germs with alcohol, Everclear is a much better choice to use because its almost 90something percent alcohol. If I remember correctly, the percentage of alcohol within a solution needed to kill bacteria (maybe viruses?) needs to be above 65 or 70 percent. Vodka has only 40 percent alcohol per volume I believe, so it won't kill all the bacteria. That's what I know, and I might be incorrect about this. Other thing, I was also told that alcohol from cleaning swabs and medical stuff is not good at all to use on pipes. That's what I know.

 

[latbomber]

I typically use rubbing alcohol on just the stem, combined with pipe cleaners and a paper towel. For the bowl, if there is a cake/ghost I'll carefully sand the cake down to where it looks like the pipe has been smoked once. I'll also rub the outside of the bowl with a damp rag a little bit.

 

[smokeytay33]

Looks like Everclear is the winner. I'm from Michigan and it is illegal to have Everclear here. So, looks like I could use vodka? Whiskey isn't recommended and neither is rubbing alcohol. So, vodka would be the best solution??

 

[smokeytay33]

Thanks, rothnh. Appreciate the input! ::

 

[pruss]

check with your local pharmacist to make sure you're getting the isopropyl without additives (such as those used in "rubbing alcohol").

+1
Here's a link to some details on isopropyl alcohol. http://www.chemicalland21.com/petrochemical/isopropanol.htm
The section on "Solvent Function of IPA" might provide a broader context on how isopropyl alcohol is used in other applications.
Cheers,
-- Pat