How To Clean Your Pipe

[cigrmaster]

My procedure for cleaning my pipes is as follows. I let my pipes cool overnight then break the pipe down. I will take one or 2 fluffy cleaners depending on size of the bowl and wipe the inside of the bowl and then blow through the shank. I then take either one or 2 bristle cleaners again depending on the size of the shank, double them over and run them through the shank, first twisting them and then running them back and forth. I will continue with the bristle cleaners until they come out clean. I then take one or two fluffy cleaners and run those through the stem. Many of my pipes have stems that can take two cleaners and some of my pipes have a shank diameter greater than 4mm which can handle two cleaners doubled over through the shanks. I then use Obidisian stem oil on my vulcanite stems before putting the pipe to rest for at least 24 hours but normally 48. I do this every time after I have smoked one bowl of tobacco in a pipe. I never use the same pipe twice or more in a day. I have plenty of pipes so I use them. Some might think this is over kill, but in 20 years I have never had a pipe sour on me.
For deep cleanings I use Everclear, shank brush, bristle and fluffy cleaners along with Obidisian Stem Oil and pretty much do the same as above. I have never or will I ever use anything that is not drinkable on my pipes. Isopropyl alcohol has never touched one of my pipes. I also never rub the inside of my bowls with any type of alcohol. When needed I will take a pipe knife or my Senior reamer and use those to scrap and even out my cake. I rarely have to ream a pipe more than once in a year and sometimes not for a couple of years.

 

[perdurabo]

I lick mine clean after every smoke. Can't let any nicotine go to waste.

 

[upnorth1]

I lick mine clean after every smoke. Can't let any nicotine go to waste.
I think you're onto something. Using a nice rough textured piece of bread instead of a wipe in the bowl could make for a tasty finish :^)

 

[pianopuffer]

Luigi- by occasionally I mean whenever the pipe starts to taste sour or funky.

I use pipe cleaners every time along with a paper towel wipe in the bowl for any remaining bits stuck to the wall for daily use.
I use the hot water method the most, only using the spirits when the funkiness happens. You’ll know when this occurs, no mistaking the taste.
As for resting, I allow 24hrs per bowl smoked in the pipe. Some pipes get a few bowls a day, so 3 bowls = 36hrs rest.

If I use Everclear or do a deep cleaning I make sure to give it plenty of time to dry completely.
I don’t overthink it but I am meticulous about choosing which cleaning method to use given the situation.

 

[derekflint]

I allow 24hrs per bowl smoked in the pipe.

so 3 bowls = 36hrs rest.

I get 72 hrs.........

 

[jpmcwjr]

Holy crap, Harris, how do you find time to smoke with all that regimen?? Do you change your undies after every fart? Do you wash your hands after shaking hands with a stranger? Do you scratch your... Oh never mind!

 

[pianopuffer]

Haha. I need sleep!

 

[cigrmaster]

jp, lol, I don't even have hand sanitizer in my house, that's how little I care about germs. I also have a full minute rule if food hits the floor. The only reason my house is clean is because I have a cleaning lady who also does my laundry.