Check out the recent discussion about this in the "Ask a Pipe Guy" thread. :tu

Short answer, yes it's fine, provided it is just unscented isopropyl alcohol and water.

 

It's what I use (96% actually). However, there can be a slight odor and taste, but usually I let the pipe dry for about 1 week after which is enough to dissipate all of that.

 

It's what I use (96% actually). However, there can be a slight odor and taste, but usually I let the pipe dry for about 1 week after which is enough to dissipate all of that.

Not me, water is not good for the pipe and ISO has toxic chemicals. I would use any drinking alcohol if you don't have Everclear.

 

Not me, water is not good for the pipe and ISO has toxic chemicals. I would use any drinking alcohol if you don't have Everclear.

You mean there's less water in whisky, vodka or rum, than in 96% rubbing alcohol?

 

Not me, water is not good for the pipe and ISO has toxic chemicals. I would use any drinking alcohol if you don't have Everclear.

???

 

It's what I use (96% actually). However, there can be a slight odor and taste, but usually I let the pipe dry for about 1 week after which is enough to dissipate all of that.

I have used 96% to clean out a moldy humidor with no ill effects just my 2 cents.

 

I sure am glad I can just buy the high-octane Everclear here. This stuff has been getting too complicated around these parts the last few days. opcorn:

 

i don't know about using ip alcohol, but if acquiring everclear is hard for you, (i know it is for me), use vodka, or clear rum. IMHO, if you r going to clean it this way, "sweeten" it in the process.i know the briar will absorb the ip alcohol to some extent, and that will lead to hints of the flavor or odor coming out in your smoke. vodka or rum works great for me and leaves a nice clean, "sweet" taste. hope this helps!

 

I sure am glad I can just buy the high-octane Everclear here. This stuff has been getting too complicated around these parts the last few days. opcorn:

+1 We can still get it hear in OK. Stuff works perfect. No problems, no issues. When I move I'm stocking up and bringing some with me.

 

I have to drive to Delaware or Maryland to get Everclear, because the PLCB is a pseudo-fascist organization. Luckily either of those bastions of (relative) freedom are only about 30 minutes away, and I often have to travel there for work. Plus, they have the glorious and underrated Old Overholt Rye, whereas my state does not.

 

As always very thought provoking and interesting. Thanks.

 

Isopropyl alcohol will work just fine. It isn't potable but it will evaporate just like normal alcohol (ethanol) does.

 

Kesslers for the win!

 

I live in the People's Republic of Maryland and don't have any Everclear around me. So far I have used Iso alcohol but I have definitely detected a lingering odor. I have heard Rum is a good alternative, one brand that I have seen used is "Mount Gay" but that is somewhat expensive.

Question: Is day-to-day cleaning my pipes after EACH use with Rum a good idea, I would think it would leave a better smell/taste than Iso alcohol or would this be potentially a bad idea?:bitchslap::faint:

 

Not me, water is not good for the pipe and ISO has toxic chemicals. I would use any drinking alcohol if you don't have Everclear.

Strong - please help me out on this. I have read and reread MSDS's for isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (and isopropanol) and as far as I can deduce the unscented varieties only contains alcohol and a certain percentage of water. 91% isopropyl would nominally contain 9% water, or less water than other solvents pipers use other than 190-proof Everclear.

While ingestion (drinking, breathing fumes or extended contact with skin) and subsequent metabolism may convert it into toxic compounds (like acetone) I cannot figure how using isopropyl alcohol to clean a pipe bears on toxicity.

Drinking it (as little as one tablespoon) and breathing the fumes in an unventilated or confined area are not a good thing; it's also bad to set yourself on fire with it. But I want to know exactly what and where the toxins are that people keep referencing in isopropyl alcohol.

 

I live in the People's Republic of Maryland and don't have any Everclear around me. So far I have used Iso alcohol but I have definitely detected a lingering odor. I have heard Rum is a good alternative, one brand that I have seen used is "Mount Gay" but that is somewhat expensive.

Question: Is day-to-day cleaning my pipes after EACH use with Rum a good idea, I would think it would leave a better smell/taste than Iso alcohol or would this be potentially a bad idea?:bitchslap::faint:

I think that might not be a good idea, basically because u want to let the oils from the tobacco build up a little bit. It adds to the flavor of the pipe. IMHO when the pipe starts to smell or taste kinda sour, then it's time for the rum. Absolute vodka is a good one too.

 

Strong - please help me out on this. I have read and reread MSDS's for isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (and isopropanol) and as far as I can deduce the unscented varieties only contains alcohol and a certain percentage of water. 91% isopropyl would nominally contain 9% water, or less water than other solvents pipers use other than 190-proof Everclear.

While ingestion (drinking, breathing fumes or extended contact with skin) and subsequent metabolism may convert it into toxic compounds (like acetone) I cannot figure how using isopropyl alcohol to clean a pipe bears on toxicity.

Drinking it (as little as one tablespoon) and breathing the fumes in an unventilated or confined area are not a good thing; it's also bad to set yourself on fire with it. But I want to know exactly what and where the toxins are that people keep referencing in isopropyl alcohol.

Personally, I can't say about toxins, I just think it leaves a bad taste. That's my opinion from past experience. Nothin but whiskey, rum, vodka, or 'baccy for my pipes please! :banana:

 

By the response I think it will be Rum or Vodka. Once again thanks.

 

Well Moo, there are different types of alcohol. Iso is not made for human consumption and grain alcohol is. You pipe is porous and will absorb liquids. Why put Iso in your pipe and let the toxins soak into your pipe. The alscohol does evaporate but leaves behind the toxins which not only are bad for you but have a bitter aftertaste. Grain alcohol is much more pure, and only leave behind sugars which sweeten the pipe.

 

What toxins?

Isopropyl alcohol available at pharmacies contains isopropyl alcohol and water. Once the alcohol and water evaporate there's nothing left.

 

What toxins?

Isopropyl alcohol available at pharmacies contains isopropyl alcohol and water. Once the alcohol and water evaporate there's nothing left.

IP alcohol is wood alcohol, which is infact toxic. grain alcohol is what we all drink. (I hope)

 

Wood alcohol is methyl alcohol, not isopropyl. That's the stuff that will blind you.

All alcohol is "toxic."

 

I use 99% "printers alcohol", which comes by the gallon. Evaporates within minutes. Believe it or not, it's the water content that keeps it from evaporating so quickly.

Now, on my glass pipes, I use acetone. Will get even the hardest to clean corners sparkling clean. Granted, a good rinse is usually in order when doin the 'tone.

 

I cannot remember the specific toxins but look at the warning label on the bottle. The alcohol evaporates but the toxins do not. You will never find a professional pipe repairman or restorer useing ISO, ever. But if you want to ruin your pipes that is your business. As I restore and sell about 1,000 pipes a year or more, I will only use what is harmless and best for the pipe in good conscience.

 

If I remember right The Isopropol Alcohol in itself is not poison but ever since prohibition it has been "denatured" (poisons added) to prevent people drinking it. Isn't that just typical. They would rather kill you than have you getting drunk. I'm so glad someone is looking out for me.