My Pipe Cleaning Tips

[Chip (OP)]

My 🧼 Pipe Cleaning Guide – Bicarb, Bit-of-Scourer & Chopstick Method

A non-toxic, simple, and highly effective way to keep your pipe clean using only everyday items.

Tools You'll Need: 

🧂 Bicarb Soda (Baking Soda) 
🧽 A soft nylon scourer (non-metallic) 
🥢 A chopstick or skewer for full reach 
💧 Hot or near-boiling water 
🍋 Optional: Lemon juice or white vinegar 
🧻 Optional: Microfiber cloth for final buff

Regular Cleaning: 

Let the pipe cool fully before handling. Rinse with hot water to soften residue. Make a paste using Bicarb Soda and warm water.

Wrap your scourer around the chopstick, and use it to scrub the bowl and stem gently.

Rinse again with near-boiling water and allow the pipe to dry upside-down on a clean towel.

Deep Cleaning (Every 5–10 Uses): 

Soak the pipe overnight in warm water with lemon juice or vinegar as this helps dissolve mineral buildup and stubborn residue.

The next day, follow up with the Bicarb paste and chopstick scrub. Rinse well and, optionally, wipe the inside using a microfiber cloth for a clear finish.

Pro Tips: 

⚠️ Never scrub while the glass is hot – this can cause microfractures or cracking.
 
💧 Clean immediately after each use to minimize buildup. 

🌡️ Filtered water can reduce mineral scaling in hard water areas. 

💥 Alternate occasionally with Isopropyl Alcohol (99%) for stubborn resin.

🧪 Method Comparison: 

Method	Pros	Cons
Bicarb + Scourer	Non-toxic, cheap, gentle	Manual effort required
Isopropyl + Salt	Fast, dissolves resin	Strong smell, flammable
Vinegar Soak	Great for mineral removal	Weaker on oily residue

Final Note: 

Clean gear = cleaner hits, safer sessions, and longer glass life. 

Respect your pipe.

Respect your lungs. 🫁✨