How to Clean a Soapstone Pipe

Once a certain amount of tobacco is smoked in a pipe of any kind, a thick sticky resin forms inside the bowl and around the insides. Pipes are generally simple to clean, and soapstone pipes are no different. The one thing about soapstone pipes that you'll need to be especially careful with is scratching the finish of the surface, which can happen with excessive scrubbing. To avoid damaging the soapstone, it is better to let the pipe soak in a solution that will break down the resin so it can be washed away without scrubbing.

Things You'll Need

• Sandwich sized plastic storage bag
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Pipe cleaner

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the soapstone pipe into a sandwich sized plastic food storage bag.

   • 2

     Pour enough isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) into the bag to completely cover the pipe. Seal the bag.

   • 3

     Allow the pipe to soak overnight.

   • 4

     Remove the pipe from the bag and rinse it under water until it runs clear. Run a pipe cleaner gently through the pipe to pull away any pieces left behind. Then rinse it again.