Glass is the easiest material to get spotless, because it doesn't absorb anything. With the right method, even a piece with percolators comes back looking new.
What you need
- Isopropyl alcohol, 91% or higher
- Coarse salt (kosher or rock salt)
- Plugs or stoppers for the openings, or your hands and paper towels
- A resealable plastic bag for small parts
- Pipe cleaners and a bottle brush
- Warm water
Step by step
- Empty and rinse. Pour out the water and rinse with warm water. Make sure the glass is at room temperature first (see the warning below).
- Remove the bowl and downstem. Put them in a bag with alcohol and salt, seal it, shake it and let them soak.
- Add alcohol and salt to the main piece. Pour in enough alcohol to cover the base, plus a tablespoon or two of coarse salt.
- Plug and shake. Cover the openings and shake firmly. The salt scrubs while the alcohol dissolves residue. Swirl it through the neck and any percolators.
- Let it sit. For heavy buildup, let it soak 15 to 30 minutes, then shake again.
- Rinse well. Flush with warm water until there's no salt or alcohol smell left. Use pipe cleaners on the joint and any tight spots.
- Dry and reassemble. Let it air dry fully before use.
Cleaning percolators and natural stems
Pieces with built-in percolators or a natural (fixed) stem have spots a brush can't reach. Use more alcohol so it flows through the percolator, shake in several directions, and give it a longer soak. Clean these pieces more often so buildup never gets heavy.
Avoid thermal shock
Never pour hot water into cold glass, or cold water into hot glass. A fast temperature change can crack it. Warm water on room-temperature glass is safe.
Safety
Isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Clean in a ventilated area away from any flame or heat, and rinse thoroughly before use.
Note: this method is for glass only. Never use alcohol or salt on acrylic. See How to Clean an Acrylic Water Pipe instead.
Shop Graffix glass.
Graffix products are for legal tobacco use only. You must be 21 or older to purchase.