How to Clean a Glass Pipe
Many smokers like using glass pipes, because they’re elegant and they give off a clean smoke that doesn’t take away the tobacco’s flavor. The only disadvantage of using these pipes is, they become dirty very quickly. Don’t fret though, because with a little work, you can bring back your pipe’s clean look.
Method One: Using Boiling Water
What You’ll Need:
Glass pipe
Small pot
Paper clip
Stove
Tongs
Water
Paper towel
Procedure:
You need to shake and loosen the bits of resin that have settled in the pipe. Get your pipe, then turn it vertically, going upside down, so the mouthpiece faces downwards. Shake it, then give it several light taps. This will remove dirt that might have settled in the pipe. Do this over a paper towel, so you won’t create a mess.
Get a paper clip, and unfold it. Use it to scrape the inside of your pipe. Scrape the bowl, as well as the mouthpiece. If there are hard-to-reach areas, bend the paper clip, so it will be able to reach them. Be careful not to scrape too much or the glass will be scratched, though.
After thoroughly scraping the pipe’s insides, discard the ash, wrapping it in the paper towel. Dispose of properly.
Get the small pot and fill it with water. Put it on the stove, and put at a high heat setting.
When the water is nearly boiling, put the glass pipe in the pot. Be very careful when doing this, making sure not to drop the bowl and not to splash hot water on you. Use the tongs.
Every now and then, lift the pipe up using the tongs. Then, put it back again. Make sure water flows through the pipe, so the debris is pushed out.
After five minutes or so, remove the pipe from the water. Use the tongs.
Put the pipe on a clean surface where it can dry. Once it’s completely dry, use the paper clip again to scrape it. You’ll find many of the clinging particles loosened because of the boiling water.
Stop when the glass pipe appears to be transparent. It’s ready for use again.
Method Two: Using Acetone
What You’ll Need:
Plastic container
Disposable gloves
Acetone (Nail polish remover)
Wash cloth
Small towel
Hot water
Procedure:
Slip on the disposable gloves. Acetone can irritate the skin, so you need to protect your hands before you proceed with this method.
Put the pipe in the plastic container. It must be deep enough to immerse the pipe fully.
Pour the acetone in the container, immersing the pipe fully. You’ll see the dirt and residue being dissolved immediately.
Circulate the container gently, swishing it around so the acetone will soak through the exterior and interior surfaces of the pipe.
When all the residue has been dissolved, take the pipe out from the container. Rinse it under hot running water.
Put the pipe on a wash cloth or towel, allowing the acetone to evaporate. Make sure you air dry it completely before you use it again.
Tobacco smokers like to use a clear and well-functional glass pipe. Just follow these methods to get great results. A reminder, though: Smoking is hazardous to your health, so do it sparingly.