How to Clean a Glass Pipe or Water Pipe: A Simple Guide

Clean glass looks better, tastes better and lasts longer. Here's the simple method our staff recommends to customers who stop by our glass wall in McMurray, plus a few tips for choosing your next piece.

What you'll need

• Isopropyl alcohol, 91% or 99% works best

• Coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)

• A zip-top bag or container big enough for the piece

• Pipe cleaners or a soft brush

• Warm water

How to clean a hand pipe

• Rinse. Run warm water through the pipe to loosen buildup. Let the glass cool down first if you just used it, since sudden temperature changes can crack glass.

• Soak. Put the pipe in a bag with enough isopropyl alcohol to cover it and a tablespoon or two of coarse salt.

• Shake. Seal the bag and shake gently for a couple of minutes. The salt scrubs while the alcohol dissolves residue.

• Detail. Use a pipe cleaner on the bowl and the mouthpiece.

• Rinse again. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let it air dry completely.

How to clean a water pipe

Empty the water, remove the downstem and bowl, and clean those separately with the bag method above. For the main chamber, pour in alcohol and salt, cover the openings with your hands or plugs, and swirl. Rinse with warm water until the alcohol smell is gone. Change the water in a water pipe often, ideally every day you use it.

How often should you clean?

A quick rinse every few uses and a deep clean about once a week will keep most glass in good shape. Regular cleaning is easier than scrubbing months of buildup.

Choosing your next piece

• Thickness: Thicker glass holds up better to bumps and drops.

• Size: Smaller pieces are easy to clean and store. Larger water pipes give a smoother draw.

• Percolators: They add filtration, but take a little longer to clean.

• Accessories: Ask about cleaning plugs, replacement bowls and downstems.

Come see the glass wall at Xperience Vapes, 3515 Washington Rd, Suite 552 in McMurray. Our staff are happy to help you pick something that fits. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm. 21+ with valid ID.

Glass and accessories are sold for legal tobacco use only.