An Easy Way to Clean a Pipe

Every time you use your pipe, a small amount of tobacco adheres to the inside. Over time, this creates a buildup that leaves behind a harsh taste and may even make it difficult to inhale.

Cleaning

Push a pipe cleaner through the hole in the pipe and wiggle it slightly with your hand, dislodging any trapped debris inside the pipe. Remove the pipe cleaner and soak in grain alcohol, or gently wet it in your mouth. Rub the pipe cleaner back through the pipe. Rub the bowel of the pipe with the wet pipe cleaner and dry with a paper towel.

Prevention

Rub a pipe cleaner through the pipe each time you use it, before adding any tobacco. This helps dislodge any trapped tobacco and prevents you from inhaling the debris. Smoking Pipes recommends cleaning the pipe before and after each use.

Warning

Never clean a pipe while it's still hot or warm from smoking. Cleaning a hot pipe can cause the stem to break off, so let the pipe cool before cleaning.

References

• Smoking Pipes: How to Clean a Pipe
• "Pipes Magazine": Routine Tobacco Pipe Cleaning (With Videos)