Removing Carbon Buildup on Rim

[lordnantwich]

Hi everyone - question regarding cleaning/restoring estate pipes.

What is the recommended method to deal with removing excess carbon build up on the rim of the pipe without damaging the finish? I've seen reference to using a magic eraser but in a couple of attempts due to the uneven nature of carbon build up, I've managed to impact the finish in areas with less carbon build up. I'm sure my technique is part of the issue but also wondering if I'm missing a better option?

Thanks in advance

 

[orlandofurioso]

Hi,
Lukewarm demineralized water on a micro fibre cloth.
Saliva works fine too because of the enzymes. A tad little more harsh to the stain though.
Alternative method; wet the rim ( water/saliva) with a cotton swab and give it quiet. Repeat, repeat and be patient.
Stubborn grime ? Put the stummel upside down in a small flat bottomed dish ( for instance a petri dish ) with just enough water, or saliva, to wet the rim, not more !

This always works for me. Good luck

 

[workman]

Spit and a thumb.

 

[drrock]

My personal method for cleaning the bowl rim of estate pipes:

Saliva, folded paper towels, & elbow grease.

 

[mingc]

Spit and a thumb.

Museum and art conservationists have a fancy name for cleaning with spit: "enzymatic" or "natural enzyme cleaning"! It works very well for pipes!

 

[Briar Lee]

I try using spit, and if that’s not enough then Everclear, and if 190 proof won’t cut the grime, it’s time for 4/0 steel wool.

 

[sablebrush52]

Spit or cold coffee, and a rag.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Wet paper towel.

 

[lordnantwich]

Thanks everyone for responding! The clear consensus is spit and elbow grease. I'll get working!

 

[didimauw]

Yup all the answers here will work. I however prefer the rim build up for some reason. Like a badge of honor I guess. ?

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I did use once or twice Magic Eraser ,quite effective sure but now I suggest against using it on the rim

 

[warren99]

My personal method for cleaning the bowl rim of estate pipes:

Saliva, folded paper towels, & elbow grease.

I concur. Saliva works wonders and doesn't damage the finish.

 

[mav]

I've found saliva or Murphy's oil soap works well. For me the trick is to put a lot on and let it sit there for 3-5 minutes before rubbing off with a bent pipe cleaner or paper towel. Some times you have to do it multiple times.

 

[kcghost]

All these methods work so I'd try the cheapest. Spit and elbow grease.

 

[Honkytonk Man]

Saliva rubbed on with my finger/thumb and then polish the rim on the inside of a face mask.

(found a good use for them things!)

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don't over filk your pipe. And regularly using the water flush cleaning method is the best thing I've done for preserving the rim. After I flush, I first use the paper towel to clean the rim before cleaning inside the bowl. Has worked great for me.

 

[hyperstar]

I would use #2000 grit sandpaper if it's a smooth pipe.
Just a gentle polished and it won't hurt the rim.

 

[pauls456]

Even if you don't overfill, it depends to some extent on your smoking method. If you exhale a lot through the bowl (breath method) there will always be a buildup of carbon on the rim.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Even if you don't overfill, it depends to some extent on your smoking method. If you exhale a lot through the bowl (breath method) there will always be a buildup of carbon on the rim.

Same with just clenching. When not drawing, smoke will rise and pass over the back of the rim.

 

[runscott]

I use a small pocket knife blade. At an angle, I scrape off a little at a time, wipe with my thumb, then a little more, always at an angle - maybe 10 degrees. I never scratch the rim doing this, or even take off any finish. Surprising probably, but it works.