Do I clean my pipe correct?

[mvmadore]

I run a couple of cleaners through the shank and stem after it has cooled from use. I dip the tip of the cleaner in either whiskey or rum...depends on what I have...I buy a nip or two to use...cheap, easy and you can try different stuff until you find your favorite.

I also bend a cleaner in half, dip the rounded half...just a bit maybe quarter of an inch...in the bottle and use it to wipe/clean out the bowl...I don't do this every time I smoke and clean the pipe...maybe every sixth time give or take.

This works for me but I am a newbie...

 

[blackbeard]

That's good for regular cleaning, but you'll need something stronger to clean it better in the routine deep clean. I actually bought shank brushes to see how well they did...and actually worth the cheap price. Everyone recommends everclear or high proof alcohol to loosen up what just running a pipe cleaner through will not. I don't suggest briar fresh, but may be for you. If you have a screw in stem, q-tips are very handy as well to get the mortise. There are a lot of posts on this subject, but that's a little of what I've picked up. When you add something more than just pipe cleaners, you're going to be amazed at how dirty your pipe may really be.