Smoking cannabis can be a relaxing and fun thing to do, but when it comes time to clean your equipment that joy can quickly diminish. If you use a pipe, you know that it’s a rather delicate pieces of equipment to use. When it comes time to clean it the methods and techniques are similar to that of a bong, but pipes require a little more care. If you want to know how to clean pipes, keep reading. You’ll find plenty of helpful tips, ideas, and products you can use to help ensure your pipe is sparkling clean.
Materials Needed to Clean a Pipe
Table of Contents
Cleaning a pipe requires a few materials but they are very affordable and easy to use. Below are some vital materials you’ll want to have on hand.
- Isopropyl Alcohol
This is a common sanitizer used when it comes to cleaning bongs and pipes. The isopropyl alcohol has special components in it which work to quickly kill any germs and bacteria. However, it’s important to not overuse this. It’s not a good idea to consume this alcohol and pouring cups of it into your pipe isn’t good. When cleaning your pipe it’s important to be moderate with the amount so you aren’t consuming any traces of it.
- Cotton Balls
Cotton balls are very helpful when it comes to removing resin and other substances from the pipe’s surface. Because they are soft and able to get into various angles, cotton balls are perfect for removing large patches of dirty materials in your pipe.
In addition to this, cotton balls are also quite soft. This means they won’t leave scratches on your pipe. Cotton balls are also pretty affordable making them a cheap yet powerful cleaning tool to invest in.
- Cotton Swabs
Cotton balls might be helpful at getting large materials out, but cotton swabs help to give your pipe a more intricate clean. These are small enough to get into the pipe’s crevices and are tough enough to help break up hard buildup without damaging your pipe’s surface. Cotton swabs are also very helpful when it comes to cleaning out the pipe’s chamber as it can reach into this small section easily.
- Salt
Salt is a crucial material to have when cleaning a pipe. It’s what helps to absorb the cleaning agent you use so no traces of it are left behind. It also works well at cleaning the pipe out so you’ll want to make sure to have a supply of this on hand.
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can not only give a fresh citrus smell to your pipe, but it can help to give it a shine and break up buildup inside as well.
- Hot Water
As an important natural pipe cleaner, hot water will help to instantly kill bacteria and germs in your pipe. Soaking some pieces in it will help the water to reach into even the smallest of crevices so nothing gets left behind.
- Toothbrush
A toothbrush can work alongside cotton swabs to get hard buildup out. If you have certain pipes, like bamboo ones, you’ll definitely want to have a toothbrush available in order to delicately scrub out the resin inside without damaging the wood. The bristles of the toothbrush are tough and can get into crevices that would otherwise be missed by things like cottons swabs and cotton balls.
- Pipe Cleaner
A pipe cleaner is a special combination of substances that work to quickly remove resin and other things from your pipe. While they each are made with the same purpose, they each have their own unique formula. Some work quicker than others while others take a little longer but give the pipe a deep clean. It’s important to use a pipe cleaner but you want to keep little things like this in mind so you invest in the right one.
- Clean Cloths or Paper Towels
A clean cloth or paper towel can help you to wipe out the pipe and dry it. They both can work well at soaking up any liquids left behind so your pipe is dry and fully clean. Better yet, these materials tend to be very affordable so they’re good to invest in.
- Gloves
To help protect your hands from possible cleaning chemicals and sticky resin it’s a good idea to wear some gloves. While you don’t have to wear them, gloves can protect your hands from some nasty substances which is very helpful. Any type of glove (cloth, latex, etc.) is fine to use.
- Brushes
Many brushes have been created to help with cleaning pipes. They have strong bristles that can help to break down buildup but are soft enough to prevent damages to your pipe’s surface.
A good brush product to try is the Pro Products Mini Brushes. These small brushes are stuck together on a metal keychain to help prevent them from getting lost and come in a variety of sizes. They are made with a strong nylon bristle to help get into the pipe’s crevices.
Another product you can try is Mantello Pipe Cleaners. These come in a bundle of 4 durable brushes that have a total of 44 cleaners in each. They measure 6 inches long and feature a tough bristle on the end to help quickly remove buildup from your pipe. They’re also very flexible so you’ll be able to move them around in different angles to clean various pipe parts.
Product Recommendations
If you plan to use this method with glass pipes you can use a cleaning solution like Grunge Off Super Soaker. This liquid cleaner comes in a 16 oz. bottle and requires no shaking in order to work well. Besides removing resin, it also works to remove odors inside the pipe. Better yet, this liquid cleaner is made with eco-friendly materials so you won’t have to worry about putting harmful chemicals into your pipe.
Another great option to try is the Plazmatic Pipe Cleaner. This eco-friendly choice works quickly and doesn’t require any shaking beforehand. It comes in a package of 3 tubes.
Cleaning Methods to Use
There are many different cleaning methods you can use when it comes to your pipe. However, there is one main way that it can be done.
The Main Way to Clean a Pipe
Scrape Out as Much as Possible
The first step to cleaning a pipe is to try to scrape out and remove as much resin and buildup as possible. This will help to make cleaning it much easier. You can use a pipe scraper or even cut off a cotton swab top and use its tough stick to help scrape the resin off. You’ll want to focus on this step for a bit to ensure you get as much buildup out of your pipe as well. This way, the next steps will go by faster.
Soak it in Water
While not always necessary it’s still a good idea to let the pipe soak in some hot water. This will allow it to remove bacteria and germs that might be missed by a cleaning solution. Make sure the water is hot though or the germs won’t be destroyed. Cold water will help to loosen up particles in the pipe, but it won’t remove the bacteria that might be hiding around in it. Because of this, extremely hot water is important to use for soaking.
Put Some Cleaning Solution and Salt Into It
After soaking it in water, try to put some cleaning solution into the pipe to help break up the resin and germs in it even more. Salt is also very helpful when it comes to absorbing the chemicals in the solution so they don’t get left behind. Just pour a tad bit of cleaning solution into your pipe and about a tablespoon of salt into it to help.
After doing this plug any opening on the pipe up to prevent the liquid from escaping. After doing so, shake the pipe up gently so the cleaning solution gets into all the crevices.
Wash it Out
Once you shake the pipe gently to clean it you’ll then want to pour the cleaner out and rinse it with warm water. Keep doing this until all traces of the cleaning solution and salt have been removed. This might take a few minutes to do but it’s important to ensure all traces of the cleaning liquid are gone.
Ideally, use warm to help remove the cleaner. Warm water will help to destroy any leftover bacteria and dissolve residue that might have been missed.
Let it Air Dry
After rinsing your pipe out, dry it off carefully with a clean towel or paper towel. You then can let it rest in a clean area to air dry. Air drying is ideal to help the interior of the pipe dry so you don’t somehow end up damaging this delicate product when trying to dry it.
Once you let it air dry for a bit, you can then take a clean cloth and gently pat it over your pipe. This can help to dry any areas that might still be a little wet. Make sure to be very careful when doing this step though as being too rough could damage your smoking pipe.
The Denture Tablet Method
If you’re not keen on the idea of using a cleaning solution you can instead try the denture tablet method. This is a simple method to use when it comes to cleaning out pipes, but doesn’t always give the most intricate clean.
Fill a Clean Container with Warm Water
You’ll want to first find a clean container to keep your pipe in and fill it with warm water. Make sure the container is full, but not all the way filled to the top.
Put Your Pipe Into the Water and Drop a Few Denture Tablets Into It
After filling the container with water, take your pipe and gently drop it into it. Then, take about 2 denture tablets and put them into the water. Once you do so you’ll see these tablets instantly dissolve and get to work removing buildup on the pipe.
Let it Sit for a Few Minutes
After you put the tablets into the water let it sit for a few minutes to ensure the tablets work to remove as much buildup as possible. It’s a good idea to wait about 10-15 minutes for this. Once the time is up, carefully take your pipe out the water.
Once you remove the pipe from the water try to shake off as much of the excess water as possible. This can not only help to prevent you from making a mess, but will work to remove any extra water inside the pipe that could otherwise make it difficult for it to dry.
Dry the Pipe Off
After removing the pipe from the water, take a clean cloth and wipe it off. Just like with the other cleaning method mentioned above, it’s best to let the pipe air dry for a bit to prevent accidentally damaging it when drying it off. This should take about an hour or so for the pipe to fully dry.
Tips for Cleaning Your Pipe
Clean it Out Daily
One of the best ways you can keep your pipe clean and working for a long time is by giving it a daily clean. By just rinsing it out with some water, it will help to remove any resin created and cannabis particles left behind. This can prevent you from having to do time-consuming cleans often.
Try to Use a Natural Cleaner
While you use pipe cleaners and isopropyl alcohol to clean your pipe, using them often can eventually take a toll on your health. It’s not good for you to consume these products even if it’s just small traces accidentally left behind from cleaning. You want to try to use natural cleaners, like vinegar and lemon juice, to clean your pipe out.
To clean your pipe out with natural materials like vinegar or baking soda, you just need to clean it out exactly as the cleaning solution methods written about above. However, don’t put too much of the vinegar or baking soda into the pipe or it could end up causing a mess.
Don’t Go Overboard with Materials
It can be very easy to overspend on cleaning materials for your pipe. However, it’s important not to do so. While many cleaning products will market themselves as being the only way to clean a pipe, you can do the same exact thing they claim to do with just paper towels and water. The materials mentioned above are really the only things you need to use to successfully clean a pipe.
Be Gentle
When cleaning your pipe always be gentle. These are delicate products and scrubbing them too hard or letting them sit for an extended period in a cleaning solution can be very damaging. So, always take care when cleaning it.
Use Boiling Water
Water can help to clean out your pipe, but only boiling water will destroy germs. Because of this, it’s important to use boiling water with your pipe as much as you safely can. Sometimes you can even drop your pipe into a pot of boiling water to help clean it. However, this can be a very tricky thing to do so it’s a good idea not to try that unless you really know what you’re doing. Otherwise, your pipe could end up breaking.
Trying Freezing It
A unique way to help remove extremely hard buildup from your pipe is to put it into the freezer for about 15 minutes. Any resin inside it will inside harden which will make it easier for you to scrap it off.
If you want to try this, you’ll want to make sure your pipe stays in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes. However, be careful that you don’t keep it in the freezer for too long or the frigid temperatures could cause your pipe to crack or become damaged.
Keep in mind though that freezing the pipe doesn’t automatically clean it. This just helps to make the buildup harder so it’s easier to remove from the pipe. You’ll still need to use a cleaning method to sanitize it.
Use Screens
To help prevent yourself from inhaling particles when using your pipe and to help give yourself an easier time cleaning this device, it’s a good idea to consider investing in a screen. Screens come in many different types of materials (the two most popular being steel and brass) and prevent the pipe from becoming blocked and filled with tough resin. They often come in many different sizes as well so they fit a variety of pipe types.
Steel Screens
Steel screens are extremely durable ones to invest in, but they do have a few drawbacks. They’re not good to use with glass pipes and need to be cleaned regularly. However, they do last for a long time which is a plus.
If you’re looking to use a steel screen you should check out the Mudder Stainless Steel Pipe Screens. These screens measure ¾ inches across and come in a pack of 150 pieces. They have a universal fitting feature so they will easily attach to any type of pipe. They are reusable and can be cleaned easily without fear of them rusting. The screens also come with a special storage box you can use to keep them safe and dust-free.
Brass Screens
Unlike steel screens, brass screens are great to use with glass pipes. They tend to be very flexible so they can adjust easily to different pipe types and also don’t scratch easily which is ideal.
A great brass screen product to try is the Grimm Brass Screens. These screens come in a ¾ inch diameter and in a pack of 50. They are very easy to install and can be taken out and exchanged for a clean screen quickly. They’re also extremely affordable.
What is a Pipe?
A pipe is a smoking device that holds a small amount of weed at the end of it. This device is then slightly heated to help smoke the contents. After a few minutes, the weed will be hot enough to start inhaling. Once it is, you then put your mouth at the tip of the pipe, inhale the smoke in through a hole, and then exhale in the air.
How a Pipe Works
A pipe works very simply. It’s just a small device that contains a bowl at the end (called the carb) where you place a slight amount of cannabis on. You can then use the hole at the other end of the pipe to breathe the smoke in. However, before you can do this you need to heat the cannabis up. You do so by taking a lighter and holding it under the pipe’s love until it starts to heat up. You can then start to inhale and exhale the smoke.
The Parts of a Pipe
A pipe is made up of a few different pieces to help ensure your smoking experience goes well.
The Bowl
The bowl is what holds the grounds. Depending on the style of pipe you use, the bowl will vary in its depth.
The Carb
The carb is a small hole on the side of the pipe. This is what helps to clear out the chamber of old smoke. To use it, simply place your finger over it when you want to inhale smoke. Then, remove your finger when you’re done inhaling.
The Chamber
The chamber is what holds the smoke in the pipe. It is the section between the bowl and mouthpiece.
The Mouthpiece
As its name suggests, the mouthpiece is where you place your mouth to inhale smoke. The mouthpiece features a small hole at the top which you can use to do so.
The Benefits of Using a Pipe
There are quite a few benefits that come with using a pipe over another smoking device. Below are some benefits pipes have to offer.
They are Compact
Some smoking devices can be very large, like bongs. This not only makes them difficult to transport around, but causes them to take up quite a bit of space while in storage too. Pipes tend to very compact making them easy to move around and store away.
They are Durable
Pipes also tend to be very durable, especially those made out of wood and metal. These materials help to keep the pipe free from damage due to heavy usage. This means that once you invest in a pipe, you can be sure it will last you for many years.
They Don’t Add Extra Taste to the Grounds
Another benefit about using a pipe versus a bong or other smoking device is that pipes don’t add extra taste to the weed flowers. This is especially so if the pipe is made of glass. This is because the materials are designed to withstand heat so they don’t emit extra flavor (which tends to taste metallic) when you smoke. Because of this, you can be sure that you’ll get the best taste possible when smoking with a pipe.
They are Easy to Use
Another benefit of using a pipe is that it’s easy to use. Pipes require no extra tools or set-ups in order to use. All you need to do is fill it up with weed, heat it, and then start smoking. This makes it ideal for all smokers to use, especially if they are beginners.
They are Easy to Clean
One of the best aspects about pipes is that they are easy to clean. Unlike bongs, which usually have many angles and small pieces that could be hard to fully clean, pipes are generally simple in design. This means you’ll be able to easily clean out all areas without problems. An easy cleaning job will also help to remove hard-to-reach resin that could linger behind and cause numerous issues if not removed.
Types of Pipes
Pipes come in all different shapes and sizes, especially materials. The material of the pipe can have a huge impact on the way you smoke and taste the cannabis. It can also affect the cleaning method that you use. Below is a little more about the different types and what you should know about them.
Glass Pipes
Glass pipes are one of the most popular types to use for many reasons. One is that they come in a variety of colors and artwork. This can make using the pipe an even more fun thing to do. In addition to this, glass pipes also don’t tend to get very hot when in use so you won’t have to worry about it somehow melting or burning your hands. It also tends to give the cannabis a cleaner taste. However, glass pipes do have one downside and that’s that they’re easy to break. The glass can be very delicate and a bump against a table or using a certain product to clean it can be costly.
Acrylic Pipes
Acrylic pipes are another popular choice because they tend to be very cheap. Made out of plastic, acrylic pipes are affordable models, but not the most durable. They can be very sensitive to cleaning products and the heat from the pipe could make some slightly melt.
Metal Pipes
There are a few different materials metal pipes come in, two of the most popular being aluminum and brass. While durable, metal pipes do tend to get hot quickly so you’ll need to watch your hands when using one.
Wood Pipes
Wood pipes are often a good choice for those who want a natural product to use. Made out of wood like bamboo, these can give an earthy flavor to the cannabis. However, the wood is very sensitive to cleaning solutions and can warp if it comes into contact with certain ones. Because of this, cleaning wood pipes can be a little time-consuming as you have to scrub them out by hand.
Pipe Styles
In addition to having different pipe materials, you’ll also find a vast selection of styles to choose from. Below are some to consider using.
Chillums
Chillums are a long pipe that is very simple to use. This makes it a good style for beginners to start out with. To use it, simply put the grounds in the bottom and light it up. Make sure to hold it at a 45-degree angle though to ensure you’re able to reach enough smoke.
Sherlock
This traditional style of pipe features a large bowl at the bottom which is connected to a long, curving mouthpiece. It’s often ideal to use if you want to blow smoke rings.
Steamroller
Another style to check out is the steamroller. Featuring a unique circular design, steamrollers are usually made of glass and have holes on both ends. You can choose which end to close when you’re smoking. There is also a slight indentation at the top of them which is where you place the grounds.
Health Hazards of a Dirty Pipe
It might not seem like it, but a dirty pipe can be a haven for germs and mold. When you smoke cannabis, a resin eventually starts to form and attaches itself to the pipe’s surface. If not removed, the resin can eventually start to not only give your pipe a nasty brown color, but can cause you to cough excessively when you’re smoking because the resin goes into your lungs.
Besides this, a dirty pipe can smell very bad and mold can eventually grow in water and other liquids left behind in it. If you share your pipe it can also collect many germs if not wiped off after being used.
Related: if you are planning on growing your own marijuana for personal consumption, you can read our step by step guide here, or you can jump right into finding premium LEC grow lights
Understanding Pipe Cleaner Types:
- Bristle Pipe Cleaners: Ideal for removing tough residues, these cleaners are equipped with stiff bristles.
- Absorbent Pipe Cleaners: Perfect for soaking up moisture, these are usually made from cotton or other absorbent materials.
- Tapered Pipe Cleaners: These are designed to clean hard-to-reach spots within your pipe.
- Fluffy Pipe Cleaners: Best for a gentle clean, these are soft and prevent scratching your pipes.
Material Quality Matters:
- Cotton vs. Synthetic: Cotton is highly absorbent and gentle, while synthetic fibers offer durability and can be ideal for scrubbing.
- Wire Core Strength: A sturdy wire core is essential for flexibility and strength, allowing the cleaner to bend without breaking.
Size and Flexibility:
- Consider the length and flexibility based on the size and shape of your pipes. Longer cleaners are great for deep pipes, while shorter ones are better for bowls and small pipes.
Ease of Use:
- Look for features that enhance usability, such as ergonomic designs or pre-soaked cleaners for added convenience.
Effectiveness in Cleaning:
- Evaluate how well the cleaner removes residues like tar, ash, and moisture. Read reviews or test a few to find the most efficient ones.
Eco-Friendly Options:
- If sustainability is a concern, look for eco-friendly cleaners made from biodegradable materials.
Multipurpose Use:
- Some pipe cleaners are versatile enough for various types of pipes, offering more value for your purchase.
Price vs. Quality:
- While budget is a consideration, investing in higher-quality cleaners can save money in the long run by protecting your pipes and requiring fewer replacements.
Conclusion
Cleaning a pipe isn’t difficult and can help it to stay clean and working for a long time. By using the materials above and following the “how to clean pipes” cleaning methods mentioned, you’ll be well on your way to successfully cleaning your cannabis pipe.