The first pipe I bought has seen a bit of abuse over the last 2 years and I’ve started to become displeased with the way it’s been smoking.  It’s not entirely surprising either. So many different blends have been through that bowl. It’s been time for a good, thorough cleaning.  The question is, how do you clean a brier bowl?

After joining the pipes.org forum and spending some time reading over the maintenance section the solution seems to be the “Salt and Alcohol” treatment.  Wherein you remove the stem, block the shank, fill the bowl with kosher salt, then top it up with alcohol.  Let it sit for 12-24 hours.  Remove the contents of the bowl, let it all dry out, and repeat.

We’re currently at the “let it set” stage.  Here’s to hoping I get to enjoy my first pipe again.