Rookie Question on Scrubbing a Pipe with Murphy's Oil

[mau1]

Ok, so this is a bit of a dumb question. Can you be too thorough when scrubbing the bowl/shank of a pipe with Murphy's Oil soap? Will you end up taking off any of the stain?
Thanks

 

[ashdigger]

https://rebornpipes.com
A ton of specific answers to that exact topic.

 

[donjgiles]

I try to keep the oil soap OUT of the bowl interior, so I usually stuff a cotton ball in the bowl before I clean the exterior of the pipe with Murphy's Oil Soap and a medium toothbrush.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I don't use any cleaners or solvents on my pipes, except water. I cannot STAND the smell of that nauseating Murphy's Soap. I would just have to throw away a pipe after it had been cleaned with that stuff. YMMV.

 

[sasquatch]

Also my answer. No reason or benefit to using Murphy's on a pipe.

 

[mso489]

Murhy's Oil is formulated for floors and such, and not intended to be heated. You can keep a nice shine on your pipes just using a jeweler's cloth or any pair of slightly abrasive cloth, like a new bandana, and a soft cloth, like an old t-shirt. They don't leave any residue. I wouldn't try to simulate a perpetually new pipe, just keep it polished and spiffy. My opinion.

 

[jpmcwjr]

If really dirty, I might use a drop of dish detergent with hot water, on the exterior, but hot water only through the chamber and out the airway.

 

[dmcmtk]

I'm with Cosmic and sasquatch on Murphy's. I hate the smell.

 

[mso489]

Highly odorous (aromatic) cleaning products are usually volatile if not always flammable, so you're picking up what I think chemists call monomers, which are stray molecules you really don't want to be ingesting or inhaling. Don't add to whatever risk pipe smoking entails.

 

[didimauw]

Yes, I have a horrible sense of smell, but I can't stand the smell of Murphy's.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Ooo, come on Didi, you can't smell that bad. ::

 

[mau1]

I wouldn't consider using Murphy's Oil soap for regular cleaning and it definitely wouldn't be used on the inside of the bowl. A serious rinsing goes without question. I would only use it in those cases where the pipe has a heavy build up of dirt or worked-in grime. I have a couple of estate pipes that are incredibly grimy and pipe repair sites like the one Ash mentioned recommend using it so I am fairly confident it's an acceptable practice. My concern is the possibility of removing the stain. I skimmed the rebornpipes article this morning but will go back to the site and do a deeper dive.

 

[pianopuffer]

I personally don't use it on new or new to me estate pipes that I purchase, as I keep those very clean.
As for cheap estates off of eBay or at yard sales, well that's a different story. As mentioned above, I followed rebornpipes articles on the matter, keeping the bowl covered and only using as little as needed to get the job done. I can attest that after some scrubbing with a cotton ball, a hot water rinse, followed by a 24hr dry time and then a full wax job, the results are stellar. YMMV.

 

[seanv]

Just a bit with hot water on the worst estate pipes is what I use. Yes some stain will come off in most cases

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I would go the route of least evasive. First try water, then hot water, and if that doesn't work, coffee. Coffee is a mild acid that removes the toughest baked on rim char. And, if coffee doesn't work, it is most likely a flaw in the finish, so alcohol and everything you need to refinish.
Personally, I find Murphy's wood oil soap to be worthless. It stinks, it doesn't seem to get stuff off of the wood, and it stinks. And, there's just no need to use it. But, if you have your heart set on using that stinky crap... then have fun. It just blows my mind that you don't reflexively gag while using it.

 

[sittingbear]

I had an older friend show me a trick one time. He used to smoke a pipe many decades ago. He said, "Let me see your pipe," and I handed it to him. He then took it and rubbed it all over his nose! He said, "The oil from your face is good for the wood." The dude slimed my effing pipe, but I have to admit, it did look nice and shiny.
I don't recommend this method. Instead, if you want your pipe to shine like it's brand new, simply wipe it down with a little mineral oil when you clean it. It polishes the wood right up, it doesn't smell, and it's not disgusting like an old man's nose grease.
Also, Decatur makes a briar polish, if you really need to scrub it. I'm sure there are alternatives.