How to Clean a Chillum

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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A chillum is a one-piece pipe which is gripped between the knuckles. It was originally used by Indian holy men called Sadhu. Glass chillums are becoming popular in the United States. However, they can be challenging to clean, as you cannot remove the bowl from the stem.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Toothpicks
Pipe cleaners
Bowl
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
Old rag

Step1

Use a toothpick to remove any large pieces of debris or clumps of smoke resin that have adhered to the chillum bowl. While it may be tempting to go at your pipe with a paper clip, knife or some other metal object, you must be careful not to scratch, chip or break the delicate glass. Be patient and use softer objects, such as toothpicks.

Step2

Run a few pipe cleaners through the length of your chillum to remove any loose tobacco pieces or smoke resin. After each pass through the stem, tap out the chillum gently, allowing the crumbly pieces to fall out. Repeat the process until no more pieces fall from the stem.

Step3

Fill a plastic bowl with enough isopropyl rubbing alcohol to submerge your pipe completely. Let your pipe soak for at least 2 hours.

Step4

Remove your pipe. Run pipe cleaners through the stem again. Use an old rag to wipe any softened smoke resin from the bowl. If necessary, you can soak your pipe again and repeat with the pipe cleaners until spotless.

Step5

Rinse your chillum with enough water to remove all of the rubbing alcohol, and then allow the pipe to dry completely before smoking. Clean your chillum often for smooth smoking and to prevent clogs.