How to Clean a Pipe With Vinegar

A clean pipe is a happy pipe. If you want to extend your piece’s life, it is vital to frequently clean it thoroughly in order to prevent the buildup of tar residue and the spread of bacteria and mold. Otherwise, you will be inhaling those each time you lit up your pipe. 

It is known that the most effective way to clean your smoking device is with 90% isopropyl alcohol. Still, if you run out of it, there is a quick solution right in your kitchen that helps remove resin and wax easily while killing any odor: Vinegar. 

This safe and natural ingredient, commonly used in our homes, can make it much easier to clean those tricky inside parts where the smoke tar tends to get trapped in any smoking accessory. Now, the time is right for you to learn how to clean a pipe with vinegar.

There comes a time when your glass pipe has gotten all grotesque to the point it needs to be cleaned or thrown away. Fortunately, glass pipes are the easiest-to-clean smoking devices. Although it doesn’t seem pretty fun to any, it will definitely level up your next smoking session. Here’s where simple tap water and white vinegar can come to the rescue to save the day.

• 260 ml white vinegar
• 250ml tap water

• Metal tongs with rubber pads
• Small bottle brush
• Small saucepan
• Stove
• Paper towel

It is crucial to clarify that you should never place a cold pipe into boiling water, or it will crack. Before you start, remove any loose filth from the glass piece by merely holding it upside-down and giving it a few gentle taps. Additionally, use a thin object like a pipe cleaner, mechanical pencil, needle, or cotton swab to remove the large and easily extricated resin bits within reach.

• In a small saucepan, add the water, vinegar, and your glass pipe. Bring to a boil. 
• Reduce to the stove’s lowest setting and let the water simmer for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for dirtier pipes.
• After 1 hour, gently pick up the glass piece and swish it around in the water to dislodge any plugs. The water should turn dark amber.
• Now it’s time to scrub the pipe using a bottle brush while plunged in the vinegar water.
• Carefully remove the glass using your mittens and the metal tongs and rinse under warm running tap water. To remove residual particles, you can soak in a solution of two to three tablespoons of lemon juice. 
• Place onto a paper towel to cool and dry thoroughly before use.
• When it comes to glass pipes and even wood ones, you may want to avoid boiling. Many people properly perform this method, but you must be aware that there’s a chance that the material starts to weaken if you do.  

Instead of making pipe soup, we’re about to show you how a little shaking and a lot of soaking can make a significant difference.

Sure, you can wash your glass pieces just utilizing a vinegar solution, but you can maximize your cleaning experience by adding baking soda. Mixing these two ingredients provokes a safe chemical reaction that produces gas CO2 and yields a semi-abrasive solution, a perfect glass-cleaning agent that cuts through any buildup or grease. The best of all is that you’ll get a sparkling-clean pipe, ready to be lit without leaving your home. Easy, safe, and cheap. 

So, are you ready to soak, rinse, and scrub your dirty glass pipe? You’ll need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda

• Cotton tips or a brush
• Tupperware container, Ziploc bag, or another tightly-lidded container
• Paper towel

• Place your piece into the bag or container and pour a fair amount of baking soda. 
• Gently shake to cover most areas of the pipe. 
• Pour vinegar solution, then seal the bag/container and enjoy the volcano effect.
• Soak for 30 minutes minimum or longer for frequently used pipes. 
• Then, shake well and scrub where needed with a cotton tip or brush, trying to remove that hard-to-reach gunk and buildup. 
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 
• Set down on a paper towel to dry. 

A good hack is to freeze your glass pipe first, for about 30 minutes, to allow the resin to harden and dry, allowing you to dislodge it easier using some sharp or thin object to knock the resin.

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent white vinegar substitute. You can alternatively use it alone or with baking soda to clean your pipe, as it offers the same benefits as plain white vinegar with a more pleasant smell.

The steps are virtually the same; just follow the same directions above to submerge and clean all your glass pipes. It would adequately prevent unnecessary buildup and bacteria. Nevertheless, some users have experienced that apple cider vinegar has given a slightly yellow tinge to the glass pieces, which hard to scrub out. 

Using salt instead of baking soda can be the right solution as well. Sometimes it is hard to reach places where resin remains stuck, even with the brush or sponge. The salt will act as an abrasive sponge on the pipe, scrubbing any sticky resin away.  Kosher or coarse salt are the best options to use.

• White vinegar
• Salt

• Cotton tips or a brush
• Tupperware container or Ziploc bag
• Paper Towel

• Place your piece into the bag or container and fill it with enough white vinegar. As an alternative, you could prepare an equal part solution with vinegar and tap water.  
• Add two tablespoons of salt to the plastic bag and put the lid on or seal the zipper.
• Give the pipe inside the bag a good shake for about 1 to 2 minutes. Ensure that the salt reaches the inside of it.
• Let it sit for 30-60 minutes before rinsing. Soak the pipe for longer for filthy pipes. You could add more vinegar to the solution and let it sit for about a few more minutes until it becomes visibly clean. 
• Shake your glass piece one more time inside the bag and proceed to rinse it using warm water.
• If there's still lingering residue, use cotton tips or a brush to remove the gunk out of the remaining spots. Rinse again. 
• Set down on a paper towel to dry. Once you finish, discard everything you used.

Now that you know how to keep your pieces looking brand new, don’t wait another couple of months to do it again. A quick cleaning once a week will keep your glass piece in excellent condition. We guarantee that it will be easier each time, and you’ll soon forget about having to do more difficult cleanings. 

Who doesn’t love a shiny, sparkly piece? Check out the Best Way to Clean Weed Pipes to ensure your favorite smoking piece stays on point!