I run hot tap water down the bowl and out the stem. If I am careful, I don't get the outer bowl wet, but I generally don't mind. A micro mesh cloth I use to polish with usually brings back the shine. And I don't always- or even often- pull the stem to clean the mortise.Just to be clear on this jpm-Sable Method: you take the stem out after letting the pipe cool and then pour hot water through the stem and then through the pipe; then use paper towel and pipe-cleaners/qtips to wipe and dry both parts? Then you reassemble and rest it ?
I think the water running through the mortise hole flushes out some of the gunk that'd become objectionable, so deep cleaning is less frequently needed. At least that's my experience over the last couple of years.
Enjoy!











