I gotta put this question out to the forum because of contradictory advice. Have been told I can use rum to clean my pipe .The rum will add a note of sweetness to my smoke. Then was told by a tobacconist only to use vodka or high proof grain alcohol to clean my pipe. That is because the sugar in the rum will clog my pipe stem. Which is true. Is using rum bad or good? Can some experienced pipe smokers weigh in? Thanks. Bombba 1
Pipe Cleaning Recommendations for Newbies
- Thread starter bombba 1
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I use 91% isopropyl alcohol, which works fine with no bad after-effects, others use Everclear (high octane) with good results. Don't use any form of alcohol on acrylic stems as that can promote cracking, use dish soap (e.g. Dawn), lemon juice has been used by some as well.
You can
If used with a pipe cleaner, I couldn't imagine that happening.
Only very briefly for the first smoke.
It's just a personal preference thing. I don't think you're going to mess your pipe up whichever you choose to use.
Try them all and see which one works best for you.
Try them all and see which one works best for you.
I have used Deniclean for many years, I don't know how available it is in the USA, a little bottle lasts a long time, I use quite a few Denicotea products for a my pipe cleaning.
If you're using alcohol for sanitizing purposes you need a minimum 60%, preferably over 70%, to be effective.
Are you talking general maintenance or sanitizing an estate pipe? You can not use alcohol at all, except for a salt/cotton ball//alcohol bath, if you want. Use dishwashing soap, a tube brush, and warm running water. It won't hurt the briar, or most finishes, to be exposed to water for ten minutes. **you will likely have to re-apply any wax though.
Rum is fine, I have part of bottle left over from when my son in law came to visit. Would never think of using my single malt Irish whiskey on my pipe... Drink the single malt while cleaning your pipe with the rum. 
I have been known to hot water flush a pipe to clean it, does a good job and does not seem to harm anything other than the wax which is easy to correct.Where the hot water folks at?
Forget all about alcohol. After the smoke, just clean all the internal surfaces with pipe cleaners and some paper towels. Alcohol can damage the finish on the pipe. Some do clean pipes with alcohol, but only for deep cleaning. Even then, most use strong proof stuff like Everclear. You can use rum or vodka or whatever if you want . But not necessary if keep the pipe clean after each smoke. Don't forget to clean mortise and tenon. All the crap accumulates there.
^^^^ THIS
I use alcohol only when deep cleaning a pipe.
After each smoke, 1 or 2 pipe cleaners then doubled up to clean out the chamber.
If Smoking a goopy blend, then a scrunched kitchen paper towel to ream out the bowl.
There are quite a few devotees of water flushing on the Forums.
Try it if you're curious. Won't damage your pipe.
Just don't use hot water on vulcanite stems as it can cause oxidisation. Cold water is fine.
Since your pipes are new, alcohol clean seems excessive.
If you want to use alcohol in the bowl, my preference has always been any potable, higher octane alcohol. It feels more “natural” a choice for me.
Some folks use isopropyl alcohol.
Be sure to NOT use denatured alcohol.
Some folks use isopropyl alcohol.
Be sure to NOT use denatured alcohol.
Hot water on vulcanite will reveal oxidation, not cause it. A very light rub with mineral oil puts it back right.