Cleaning a (glass) pipe.

[t00fatt]

I use acetone to clean my pieces. Yes, I know acetone is very flammable and bad for your lungs to inhale. The acetone cleans the glass on contact, and makes it clear again in five seconds. After that I let it run under water for a few minutes then let it dry overnight. You can't smell any acetone after you rinse, and I have been using acetone for years. I really recommend if you have acetone around the house, I do as I use it for many other things. I don't recommend using nail polish remover though. Although it has acetone in it, it may have other chemicals that leave a residue when it evaporates.


EDIT: BTW I only have a Bong and a Bubbler. I only clean the chambers with acetone when they get really bad. I clean the bowls under hot running water and a dental scraper tool weekly. I would use acetone to clean the bowls as I have before, I just don't b/c acetone is a bit expensive. Acetone evaporates very quickly and doesn't leave a residue so its fine to use for a bowl as well.

[ldg420]

Simply fill a pot 1/4 of the way with water, bring to a boil, put a lid on it, open the steam release on the lid(may just be a hole in lid). Next hold the pipe so the steam can flow through it, then remove the pipe and use something to gently scrape the resin out. The steam makes the resin separate form the glass very easily. I have found that it is the best way to get all of the resin out(you may need to manipulate your scraping tool) without using chemicals.
:stoned:

[roth89]

Simply fill a pot 1/4 of the way with water, bring to a boil, put a lid on it, open the steam release on the lid(may just be a hole in lid). Next hold the pipe so the steam can flow through it, then remove the pipe and use something to gently scrape the resin out. The steam makes the resin separate form the glass very easily. I have found that it is the best way to get all of the resin out(you may need to manipulate your scraping tool) without using chemicals.
:stoned:

nice technique! never thought of that... a lot better than risking shattering the piece. :jointsmile:

[Shenanigans]

Simply fill a pot 1/4 of the way with water, bring to a boil, put a lid on it, open the steam release on the lid(may just be a hole in lid). Next hold the pipe so the steam can flow through it, then remove the pipe and use something to gently scrape the resin out. The steam makes the resin separate form the glass very easily. I have found that it is the best way to get all of the resin out(you may need to manipulate your scraping tool) without using chemicals.
:stoned:

I just used this technique and it worked great! I got almost everything out, and with the help of a pipecleaner, it looks great!

[Kryptonite24]

rubbing alcohol and salt ftw. its the easiest and cheapest way IMO.
everyone has rubbing alc and salt

[donsolo]

Here here
and the salt acts as a mechanical cleaner when you shake it so you need very little pipe cleaner action.

[Backpacker420]

When I clean my pipe, all I do is put it in a pot on the stove with some water and let the sucker boil for a little while. It's easy and works like a charm!

[ScytheWP]

When I clean my pipe, all I do is put it in a pot on the stove with some water and let the sucker boil for a little while. It's easy and works like a charm!

I thought it was unsafe to do that, since glass can break in hot water.

[darrellf40026]

I have boiled mine out plenty of times. You just have to put it in while water is cool and let the glass heat as the water does. If you start the boiling process before you add the "glass" then chances are it'll shatter.

[flwrpwr420]

I will put the piece to be cleaned in the freezer. Once chilled, I will use an extended bobby pin with the plastic removed and scrape away. I then shake rattle and roll the resin onto wax paper. If you have to handle it ash will keep it from sticking. Depending on how resinated the piece is, depends on the repetition of this cycle. Once clean I will use denture cleaner and pipe cleaner. I also use alcohol to clean my tools and resin on the fingers and stuff. You must be careful as frozen glass can break. I've been very blessed...no broken pieces yet...knock on wood!

I will also use my breath to warm up the piece in some instances. I prefer bobby pins because they don't break the glass yet bend little. If I need to I use a paper clip. I also chose pieces that are easy to clean, not that look cool.

Now...to figure out what to do with the resin...