Pipe Cleaning

[badbriar]

So, when you finally get that amazing Estate pipe you bought last week, what's the method of choice for cleaning / sanitizing?
Also, what's the preferred method of cleaning when that lovely pipe is several months old and has been moderately used?
Now, let's throw in how to clean a pipe that is straight up stinky as hell? Not fully caked or scorched, but stinks like a bad pair of socks!

 

[Chasing Embers]

So, when you finally get that amazing Estate pipe you bought last week, what's the method of choice for cleaning / sanitizing?
Also, what's the preferred method of cleaning when that lovely pipe is several months old and has been moderately used?
Now, let's throw in how to clean a pipe that is straight up stinky as hell? Not fully caked or scorched, but stinks like a bad pair of socks!

Most of my estate purchases are 50+ years old.

Cotton balls and alcohol for the chamber.

Alcohol, Q-tips, and bristled pipe cleaners for the mortise and draft hole.

Alcohol and bristled pipe cleaners for ebonite stems.

Antibacterial soap and bristled pipe cleaners for Lucite stems.

A lighter and a wet paper towel for oxidation removal from ebonite stems, then thumb buffing to a mirror finish with toothpaste.

 

[tomatamot]

I own a small steam cleaner and use it also for antibacterial issues.

 

[mikefu]

I own a small steam cleaner and use it also for antibacterial issues.

I’ve never used a steam cleaner on wood or vulcanite. I’m afraid of ruining the finish on the stummel and flash oxidation of the vulcanite. What has your experience been?

 

[tomatamot]

I’ve never used a steam cleaner on wood or vulcanite. I’m afraid of ruining the finish on the stummel and flash oxidation of the vulcanite. What has your experience been?

No problems so far, just good results.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I’ve never used a steam cleaner on wood or vulcanite. I’m afraid of ruining the finish on the stummel and flash oxidation of the vulcanite. What has your experience been?

Long ago, I tried to bend a vulcanite stem with boiling water. The steam instantly oxidized it.

 

[olkofri]

Long ago, I tried to bend a vulcanite stem with boiling water. The steam instantly oxidized it.

Got left with a green stem, but... aren't coloured stems all the rage nowadays? ?

 

[donjgiles]

Ear Wax Removal Tools, to gently scrape out all the nasty, dried uglies that live in the shank of the pipe.
That is one of the most critical areas to me...

 

[Chasing Embers]

Got left with a green stem, but... aren't coloured stems all the rage nowadays? ?

Only if they're cumberland.