Some pipe smokers clean their pipes before every smoke. Others are a bit less fastidious. And as with most matters, our official opinion here at Just For Him is, “It’s your pipe, do whatever works best for you.”
BUT – A well cared for pipe can last a long, long time. If you’re a tightwad like myself, this is a definite perk. So if you have a nice pipe that you want to pass down to your future grandchildren, try some of these cleaning tips!
Tip #1: Run a pipe cleaner through your pipe every time you smoke it. Don’t remove the stem when your pipe is warm. It can warp if you do that, so try to use the pipe cleaner before you smoke. Normal fluffy pipe cleaners are fine for regular use; bristle cleaners and brushes are for deeper cleaning.
You should also run a cleaner around the pipe bowl, to remove any debris left over from previous smokes. If you let the tobacco remnants stick around, they will get covered by cake (the solid surface that builds up inside the bowl.) When the bits get covered by cake, they can seriously mess up your pipe.
Tip #2: Occasionally use a pipe sweetener or alcohol to recondition your stem and bowl. Do this when your pipe starts to taste bitter.
- Many smokers use whiskey, vodka, etc. to clean their pipes.
- You can find a variety of pipe sweeteners (such as Pipemaster’s Clean & Cure, which is what we carry) at your local pipe shops and online.
- Always let your pipe dry out completely after it has been cleaned. Let it sit overnight or longer before you light up.
- Be careful not to get liquid cleaner on the outside of your pipe bowl. It can ruin the finish.
Fill your pipe bowl to the brim with alcohol, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Carefully pour out the liquid. Wipe the inside of the pipe with a paper towel and pipe cleaner, then let it dry overnight. The alcohol seeps into the pores of the briar and pushes out moisture. This allows your pipe to dry quicker, taste sweeter, and smell better. Only do this with wood pipes.
Tip #3: Pipe reaming! When the cake in your bowl gets over a nickel’s width in thickness, you might want to ream it. A reamer will gently scrape away the build up, and – most importantly – keep the cake even. If the cake builds up unevenly, it can crack your pipe.
Most pipe shops will ream your pipe for little or no cost; or you can purchase a reamer for yourself.
Did I miss anything? Feel free to share your own tips and tricks.
