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Apr 26, 2012
3,574
7,928
Washington State
On estate meers do you just clean out the stem?
I use alcohol to clean the inside/outside of the stem, and very carefully around the mortise. Dip a pipe cleaner in the alcohol and run it through the stem until all the debris is gone. Depending on the material your stem is made from (i.e. vulcanite), you may have to polish your stem afterwards as the alcohol can remove the finish. No alcohol in the bowl or shank. I'll then take my old Buck knife that works perfectly for reaming a pipe, and remove any cake from the bowl. Ream lightly as to not gouge the pipe. I'll then use a wet paper towel to clean the bowl, and repeat until the paper towel comes out clean. I'll use another wet paper towel to wipe down the outside of the bowl to remove any noticeable dirt or possible stains. If it's a pipe with grooves or hard to reach spots then I'll use a Q-tip with water. When cleaning any charing from the rim I will use my saliva on a paper towel, rotate the rim over the saliva, and then wipe it off with a wet paper towel. I've found saliva works the best for removing charring from the rim of a pipe, but just a wet paper towel can do the job if you're grossed out by the saliva. From there you should be good to go.
 

didimauw

Moderator
Staff member
Jul 28, 2013
10,661
37,330
SE WI
I use alcohol to clean the inside/outside of the stem, and very carefully around the mortise. Dip a pipe cleaner in the alcohol and run it through the stem until all the debris is gone. Depending on the material your stem is made from (i.e. vulcanite), you may have to polish your stem afterwards as the alcohol can remove the finish. No alcohol in the bowl or shank. I'll then take my old Buck knife that works perfectly for reaming a pipe, and remove any cake from the bowl. Ream lightly as to not gouge the pipe. I'll then use a wet paper towel to clean the bowl, and repeat until the paper towel comes out clean. I'll use another wet paper towel to wipe down the outside of the bowl to remove any noticeable dirt or possible stains. If it's a pipe with grooves or hard to reach spots then I'll use a Q-tip with water. When cleaning any charing from the rim I will use my saliva on a paper towel, rotate the rim over the saliva, and then wipe it off with a wet paper towel. I've found saliva works the best for removing charring from the rim of a pipe, but just a wet paper towel can do the job if you're grossed out by the saliva. From there you should be good to go.
He stopped cleaning his meers, So I wondered what he does with his estates. Yeah since you've been out, we have all gone insane. Lol
 
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brian64

Lifer
Jan 31, 2011
10,025
16,066
Ok, I'm thoroughly queased out now... 🤢
You have nothing to worry about. See below from SPC...they are "thoroughly...disinfected" ... ready to smoke as soon as you get it!

Whether smoked or unsmoked, each estate pipe has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and revitalized by our experienced pipe restoration team.

 

Homer

Can't Leave
Aug 7, 2020
322
1,389
44
Finland
You have nothing to worry about. See below from SPC...they are "thoroughly...disinfected" ... ready to smoke as soon as you get it!

Whether smoked or unsmoked, each estate pipe has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and revitalized by our experienced pipe restoration team.

How do they disinfect the stem?
 

Homer

Can't Leave
Aug 7, 2020
322
1,389
44
Finland
I have 190 proof ethanol at home, but I have not used it for pipe cleaning. I am worried that it might ruin the old stem.
 
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brian64

Lifer
Jan 31, 2011
10,025
16,066
I have 190 proof ethanol at home, but I have not used it for pipe cleaning. I am worried that it might ruin the old stem.
Yeah, I really don't know for sure, but I would think you would not want to use that on a pipe. There are several here that I'm sure could answer that definitively.