Question About Using Everclear

[futureman]

I got tired of waiting on Pipemaster’s Clean & Cure back orders to be filled, so I bought a bottle of Everclear (190 proof) for pipe cleaning. At this strength, would I risk damaging my pipes if I were to use it for quick stem cleanings after every smoke?

 

[bullet08]

I suggest mixing before drinking it. As for the pipe, you can share some if you have leftover. Don't need to mix it for the briar, but wouldn't spill it. Might ruin the finish.

 

[reloader]

I got tired of waiting on Pipemaster’s Clean & Cure back orders to be filled, so I bought a bottle of Everclear (190 proof) for pipe cleaning. At this strength, would I risk damaging my pipes if I were to use it for quick stem cleanings after every smoke?

If the stems are acrylic or plastic just run hot water through them. Vulcanite is fine to use a pipe cleaner dipped in everclear and run it through, I don't use it on the outside of the stem, and still run a bit of cold water through after. Make sure not to get any on the pipe's finish though. I only use everclear every 5-6 smokes through my stems and the from the mortise to draught hole.

 

[sablebrush52]

Everclear, or pretty much any alcohol is fine for Vuncanite. Use warm warter and pipe cleaners dipped in unscented dishwater goet to clean out the airways on Acrylic stems.

 

[mtwaller]

I use a pipe cleaner dipped in everclear through the stem and shank every so often, and I’ve used it on quite a few acrylic stems. Never had a problem. I’m always very careful to dab off any excess before I run the pipe cleaner to avoid dripping and/or splattering in unwanted places. As others have said, definitely do not get it anywhere near the finish on the stummel.

 

[FurCoat]

It's what I use in the methods mentioned above

 

[futureman]

Great. Thank you all for the advice!

 

[PipeIT]

You could use it full strength to run through stems and shanks, but make sure you only dip the end of a cleaner in it, just a little so it doesn’t run all over the stem.

I use 151 on Acrylic, and Vulcanite, no problems.

Don’t ever get it on the pipe anywhere, or kiss your finish good bye, where that stuff lands.

P.S. Try not to drink it on those blue days either! LOL ?

 

[Searock Fan]

That must be some wet, sticky blend you're smoking if you have to use alcohol after every smoke. That's just plain wrong..

 

[futureman]

That must be some wet, sticky blend you're smoking if you have to use alcohol after every smoke. That's just plain wrong..

I don't have to use use alcohol after each smoke. I'm just obsessive about keeping my pipes clean. I usually run a cleaner with a dab of C&C after each smoke. After 8-10 or so smokes a clean the pipe a bit more aggressively,

 

[jpmcwjr]

Unless you have a really nasty pipe, there's no need to use alcohol regularly. A hot water flush after a smoke or two does wonders. followed by towel and pipe cleaner drying.

 

[sablebrush52]

Everclear, or pretty much any alcohol is fine for Vuncanite. Use warm warter and pipe cleaners dipped in unscented dishwater goet to clean out the airways on Acrylic stems.

Fuck me and my shitty typing skills. I meant to write "unscented dishwashing gell" I have no idea what "dishwater goet" is and I am taking a hammer to this keyboard and buying another.

 

[Servant King]

Fuck me and my shitty typing skills. I meant to write "unscented dishwashing gell" I have no idea what "dishwater goet" is and I am taking a hammer to this keyboard and buying another.

Don't smash it! Just rinse it in Everclear to get the gunk out.

 

[futureman]

"

Fuck me and my shitty typing skills. I meant to write "unscented dishwashing gell" I have no idea what "dishwater goet" is and I am taking a hammer to this keyboard and buying another.

I thought perhaps you were casting aspersions on Goethe. You know. That dirty, dishwater poet.

 

[ashdigger]

I use Everclear for everything. I’m cautious but I even clean my meerschaum pipes with it.

I use it on amber, in briar, in vulcanite and carefully with acrylic.

When I was a teenager we mixed it with Welch’s Grape Juice and called it Purple Jesus Juice.

 

[Streeper541]

I use it to clean my pipes all the time. Have been for years. I've had zero issues.

 

[futureman]

When I was a teenager we mixed it with Welch’s Grape Juice and called it Purple Jesus Juice.

Yep. My wife insisted I hide the bottle to ensure our 15-year-old doesn’t get too curious. ?

 

[cigrmaster]

I have used Everclear for 20 plus years and it works great if used carefully. I only use it for deep cleanings. I clean the piss out of my pipes using bristle and fluffy pipe cleaners after every smoke. I don't have to do deep cleans that often because of my after a smoke regiment.
I did do one shot of it over 20 plus years ago and vowed to never do that again. Stuff is nasty to drink.

 

[leonardbill1]

I have used it for deep cleanings without issue for many years, both with pipe cleaners and for bowl salt treatment.

 

[mikethompson]

I use vodka to clean stems and do bowl soaks on estates. When I started cleaning pipes I was recommended Everclear and assumed it was a cleaning product. I can't imagine anyone drinking it.