ray47, I use "normal" size, not fluffy or tappered. I remove the stem and I insert into the draft hole at the mouth side. With pressure and twisting the pipe cleaner clockwise, although counter clockwise would work I suspect I just have never tried, the pipe cleaner will go through. Once getting the cleaner through the bend it gets easier. If you buy the Churchwarden normal thickness cleaners you can clean the stem with one cleaner using the extra length. Means I do not have to thread two or three cleaners through the stem but instead just just one loooong one lol.