Smoking from a nice clean pipe is the best way to enjoy a smoke. At one point or another, we’ve probably all experienced smoking from a dirty pipe and immediately wanting to gag. It doesn’t taste good, it doesn’t feel good, and it’s simply unpleasant. If you’re smoking with friends or acquaintances, it could certainly be considered bad manners to pass them a dirty, disgusting pipe. You want to be a good host and make a good impression, and so a clean pipe is a necessity! Even if you’re smoking alone, it’s worth keeping your glass clean so that you can fully enjoy the flavor of your smoke.
So, with this in mind, it is time to learn how to keep our glass pipes clean and pristine.
Method 1: Rubbing Alcohol
This method uses common household items, which means anyone can do it.
First, hold the pipe upside down and tap the base. The goal is to dislodge and release any large objects in the bowl or stem, if possible. With a cotton swab, remove any loose resin. At this point, the device is clear of most debris and soft resin. However, there still remains the ingrained resin that will need removal.
Next, grab a kitchen eating bowl or a plastic bag large enough to contain the entire pipe. Some smokers use a standard plastic “tupperware” container. Fill the bowl, container or bag with rubbing alcohol and then submerge the pipe.
Shake until any remaining resin has been removed. Then, leave the pipe sitting in the alcohol solution for two more hours. Remove pipe from solution. Afterwards, all that is need is a hot water rinse. Dry the pipe and enjoy a clean smoke.
Method 2: Boiling Water
This cleaning method requires the use of a stove. As always, begin by clearing the smoking device of all large objects and loose resin with a cotton swab.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. The pot does not have to be large, just one with enough size to submerge the pipe within. Once the water reaches a boiling temperature, turn the stove down and insert the pipe. Leave it there for 30 minutes.
Dry the pipe and then enjoy a fresh smoke.
Method 3: Other Home Solutions
Along with alcohol and boiling water there are other possible home-based cleaning solutions.
Some use denture cleaner. Others find salt and vinegar best. There is even a percentage loyal to sand and water.
Method 4: Manufacturer Specialty Cleaners
Here at Burn & Brew we carry several specialty cleaners, such as Formula 420, which alleviate having to submerge the pipe for hours. This biodegradable solution is environmentally-friendly. Pipes are clean of all debris and resin in under a minute. We also carry White Rhino, which is another specialty cleaner that has proved to be extremely popular. It is also fast activating and, though powerful, protects the natural color of the glass.
Regardless of method, it is best to clean on a regular basis, which a reason why so many go ahead and purchase a fast, convenient manufacturer specialty solution, such as Formula 420 or White Rhino, which can both be found at Burn & Brew.