3 Ways To Clean A Glass Pipe - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow The Best Ways to Clean Your Glass Bowl & Weed Pipe PDF download Download Article Remove residue safely from your pipe with our ultimate guide Co-authored by Bruna Coutinho and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: October 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Alcohol & Salt
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  • Boiling Water
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  • Alternative Cleaners
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  • Cleaning Different Materials
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  • FAQ
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This article was co-authored by Bruna Coutinho and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,693,529 times.

When your glass weed pipe is starting to look caked with burnt residue, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning. A clean smoking piece makes hits smoother and less harsh, so getting into the cleaning routine is great if you’re a regular smoker. Luckily, the fastest and most effective pipe cleaners are common household products you probably already own. Keep reading for tips on how to use rubbing alcohol and salt, boiling water, or other alternative cleaners to make your pipe look like new again!

The Fastest Way to Clean a Weed Pipe

Shake out any loose residue from your bowl, and gently scrub it with a pipe cleaner. Then, put the glass pipe in a resealable plastic bag with rubbing alcohol and a few spoonfuls of coarse salt. ​​Shake the bag for 2–3 minutes for a quick clean or let it soak for 12 hours. Afterwards, rinse your pipe off and scrub any remaining residue with a cotton swab or pipe cleaner.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

How to Clean a Weed Pipe with Alcohol and Salt

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  1. Step 1 Remove any loose residue from your pipe. 1 Remove any loose residue from your pipe. Hold your pipe upside-down over a trash can and gently tap the bottom so any loose particles fall out. Then, gently scrape any stuck-on residue with a pipe cleaner, cotton swab, toothpick, or other small object.
    • It’s okay if there’s still some residue left in your bowl. Getting rid of the larger loose chunks just makes the cleaning solution work more effectively.
    • If you have stubborn residue, try heating your pipe up with a hairdryer to help loosen the resin and make it easier to clean out.[1]
  2. Step 2 Place your pipe in a sandwich bag with rubbing alcohol. 2 Place your pipe in a sandwich bag with rubbing alcohol. 99% rubbing alcohol is the fastest and most effective cleaner because it breaks down old, sticky resin, but any concentration will work well. Set your pipe in a resealable bag, and fill it up with enough alcohol to completely cover your pipe.[2]
    • If you don’t have alcohol on hand, hydrogen peroxide or white distilled vinegar works well as a replacement.
    • If you’re cleaning a bubbler pipe that has multiple pieces, take it apart and put each piece in a separate bag for cleaning.
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  3. Step 3 Add a few spoonfuls of salt to the bag. 3 Add a few spoonfuls of salt to the bag. Salt acts like an abrasive on your pipe to clean out buildup that’s hard to reach inside your pipe. Use coarse sea salt or Epsom salt because it will be better at scrubbing the inside of your pipe. Otherwise, table salt works fine if you’re in a rush.[3]
    • If you’re using vinegar, try adding baking soda instead of salt. It will still act as an abrasive, but it will also make a bubbling reaction that can help loosen residue in your pipe.
    • For additional cleaning power, add in a squirt of dish soap to cut through the sticky resin.
  4. Step 4 Shake the pipe in the bag for 2–3 minutes for a quick clean. 4 Shake the pipe in the bag for 2–3 minutes for a quick clean. Seal the bag, and gently shake it so some of the salt goes inside your pipe. Then, put your fingers over the openings and vigorously shake the bag for 2–3 minutes so the cleaning solution breaks apart the resin.
    • Hold onto your pipe firmly so it doesn’t slip out of your hands and break.
    • The liquid will quickly darken as the residue breaks apart. If the liquid is completely opaque after shaking it, empty out the contents and refill it with fresh alcohol and salt.
  5. Step 5 Soak the pipe overnight if it’s extremely dirty. 5 Soak the pipe overnight if it’s extremely dirty. If you still see buildup inside your pipe or want a really thorough cleaning, leave it inside the bag for about 12 hours. The next day, shake the bag to get rid of any buildup that’s still stuck on your glass pipe before dumping the cleaning solution out down the drain.[4]
  6. Step 6 Rinse the pipe with hot water. 6 Rinse the pipe with hot water. Hold your pipe underneath hot water from your faucet to clean out any resin and leftover solution. Keep running water through your pipe until it comes out clear and you can’t see any more loose residue.[5]
  7. Step 7 Clean any remaining spots with a pipe cleaner or cotton swabs. 7 Clean any remaining spots with a pipe cleaner or cotton swabs. Dip the end of your pipe cleaner or cotton swab in your rubbing alcohol and gently scrub away any leftover residue. Give your pipe one final rinse when you’re finished and let it dry completely before smoking with it again.
    • Insert the pipe cleaner or cotton swab inside your pipe to remove any loose residue that’s inside.
    • Alternatively, use a stiff-bristled toothbrush for a more thorough scrub.
    • If you still notice a lot of stubborn residue that doesn’t come off, soak your pipe for longer.
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Section 2 of 5:

Cleaning a Glass Pipe with Boiling Water

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  1. Step 1 Tap loose ash and residue into a trash can. 1 Tap loose ash and residue into a trash can. If there are still any large chunks inside your weed bowl, flip it upside-down over your trash can and tap it a few times with your hand. If the residue sticks inside the bowl, use a pipe cleaner or a toothpick to scrape it out.
    • Try rinsing your pipe with warm water to see if that helps break apart any of the leftover gunk in your bowl.
  2. Step 2 Bring a small... 2 Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Fill up the pot with enough water to completely submerge your pipe. Set the burner to high heat, and as soon as the water is boiling, remove it from the heat.[6]
    • Avoid putting your pipe into the pot while the water is boiling because the intense heat could crack or break the glass.
  3. Step 3 Soak your pipe in boiling water for about 30 minutes. 3 Soak your pipe in boiling water for about 30 minutes. Warm up the pipe in your hands or run it under warm water first. Then, set your pipe in the pot so it’s completely underwater. Leave your pipe in the water for about 30 minutes so the heat breaks apart all the residue inside.[7]
    • You can let your pipe soak for longer, but refill the pot with warmer water once it starts to cool down so the residue breaks apart more easily.
  4. Step 4 Scrub remaining residue out with a pipe cleaner or cotton swab. 4 Scrub remaining residue out with a pipe cleaner or cotton swab. Use a pair of tongs to take your pipe out of the pot, and hold onto it with an oven mitt. Insert a cotton swab or pipe cleaner into your glass pipe to wipe away any resin that’s still trapped inside of it. Then, let it dry completely before using it to smoke.[8]
    • Avoid rinsing your pipe under cold water since the quick temperature change could cause the glass to break.
    • If you still see residue inside your pipe, try soaking it again for another 20–30 minutes.
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Section 3 of 5:

Alternative Pipe Cleaning Solutions

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  1. Step 1 Try denture cleaning... 1 Try denture cleaning tablets for a hands-off approach. Put your glass pipe inside a plastic container and fill it up with enough hot water to submerge it. Then, drop 2-3 denture tablets into the water and let your pipe soak for about 30 minutes. The tablets will dissolve and break apart residue on the surface. Then, scrub off any leftover residue with a pipe cleaner before rinsing the pipe with warm water.[9]
    • Denture tablets may also help get rid of surface stains on the glass.
  2. Step 2 Use a dedicated... 2 Use a dedicated pipe cleaning solution made for glass pipes. Read the instructions on the cleaning solution you use because they may vary between brands. Some will have you fill your pipe with the cleaner and shake it for 1–2 minutes to remove the residue. Others may have you soak your pipe in the solution for a few hours before rinsing it out.[10]
    • Avoid using other household cleaners, such as bleach, because they could leave a chemical taste inside your pipe when you smoke from it.
  3. Step 3 Freeze the pipe to remove hard buildups. 3 Freeze the pipe to remove hard buildups. Put your pipe in the freezer for 30 minutes or up to an hour so the residue hardens up. Then, quickly scrape at the resin with a toothpick or needle to break it apart. Try to remove as much of the resin as you can within a few minutes before it starts feeling gummy again.[11]
    • If the resin becomes sticky or hard to work with again, put it back in your freezer for another 30 minutes.
    • Freezing your pipe might not be enough to completely clean it, but it will help remove large pieces of residue so other cleaners are more effective.
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Clean Pipes Made from Different Materials

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  1. Step 1 Wood 1 Wood When you clean a wood pipe, dip a pipe cleaner in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe out all the areas that are dirty, including the bowl, stem, and mouthpiece. When the pipe cleaner looks dirty, use a fresh one in its place. When you’re finished, let the pipe dry out for 1 day before smoking with it again.[12]
    • Avoid soaking wood pipes because they could get damaged.
  2. Step 2 Metal and ceramic 2 Metal and ceramic Metal and ceramic pipes are really durable, so they can withstand being boiled in water. Fill up a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, submerge your pipe in the boiling water for around 5 minutes. Afterwards, pull it out with a pair of tongs and tap out any residue onto a paper towel.[13]
    • Lay the pipe on a clean towel and let it completely cool before you use it again.
  3. Step 3 Silicone 3 Silicone Silicone bowls and pipes are easy to clean using the same methods as glass pipes. Either soak the pipe in rubbing alcohol with salt, or submerge them in boiling water to break apart all of the residue.[14]
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Section 5 of 5:

Pipe Cleaning FAQ

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  1. 1 How often should you clean a weed pipe? Try to clean your weed pipe about once a month so the residue doesn’t build up too much. If you’re a frequent smoker, you may need to clean your pipe every couple of weeks instead.
  2. 2 Are dirty pipes safe to use? While you can take hits from a dirty weed pipe, it may have an unpleasant flavor or hit more harshly than a clean pipe. There’s also a chance that some of the loose resin could get into your lungs when you inhale. For the best and cleanest smoking experience, try to use a clean pipe every time.[15]
  3. 3 How do you clean a bong? Bongs are too large to completely submerge when you’re cleaning them, so put your cleaning solution inside the bong instead. Alcohol and salt work great, but you can use any of the cleaning solutions listed here. Plug the holes on your bong and shake the solution around to coat the sides. Then, let the solution soak in your bong for at least 30 minutes before using pipe cleaners to scrub away the extra residue.[16]
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Expert Q&A

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Video

Reader Videos

Tips

  • Avoid putting a hot pipe into cold water or vice-versa because the sudden temperature changes could cause the glass to crack. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Avoid exposing your pipe to extreme temperatures, as this can cause it to crack.
  • Try using a bicycle spoke to clean your pipe.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Alcohol and Salt Cleaning

  • Pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, or toothpicks
  • 99% rubbing alcohol (or hydrogen peroxide or distilled white vinegar)
  • Coarse salt or Epsom salt
  • Resealable plastic bag

Boiling Water

  • Pot
  • Pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, or toothpicks

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References

  1. ↑ https://dube.delivery/how-to-clean-a-weed-pipe/
  2. ↑ https://www.canncentral.com/clean-glass-pipe
  3. ↑ https://www.canncentral.com/clean-glass-pipe
  4. ↑ https://www.canncentral.com/clean-glass-pipe
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/wMJDl--MXlM?t=470
  6. ↑ https://www.veriheal.com/blog/four-methods-to-clean-your-glass-pipe-to-perfection/
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/LbwAub4Uz8k?t=192
  8. ↑ https://findclearchoice.com/how-to-clean-glass-pipe/
  9. ↑ https://theweedblog.com/guides/how-to-clean-your-pipe-or-bong
More References (7)
  1. ↑ https://www.veriheal.com/blog/four-methods-to-clean-your-glass-pipe-to-perfection/
  2. ↑ https://dube.delivery/how-to-clean-a-weed-pipe/
  3. ↑ https://www.pipeonline.it/en/blog/how-to-clean-the-pipe-n9
  4. ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/how-to-clean-your-pipes-bongs-and-vapes
  5. ↑ https://www.higherleaf.com/posts/how-to-clean-bong
  6. ↑ https://elevate-holistics.com/blog/keeping-your-lungs-happy-while-smoking-cannabis/
  7. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-bong/

About This Article

Bruna Coutinho Co-authored by: Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert This article was co-authored by Bruna Coutinho and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor. This article has been viewed 2,693,529 times. 1 votes - 0% Co-authors: 34 Updated: October 8, 2025 Views: 2,693,529 Categories: Pipe Smoking Article SummaryX

To create a pipe cleaning solution, fill a resealable plastic bag with rubbing alcohol and kosher salt. Before cleaning your glass pipe, hold the bowl upside down and tap it to remove any loose debris. Then, submerge your pipe in the solution and let it sit for several hours, shaking the bag vigorously when your first put the pipe in and before you remove it. Once the pipe looks clean, take it out of the solution and rinse it under hot water. To learn how to clean your pipe in boiling water, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Kate Woodsview

    Kate Woodsview

    Jun 6, 2016

    "I clean with alcohol, but didn't know to use salt or remove resin by freezing! I was given a pipe in bad..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Bruna Coutinho Co-authored by: Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert 1 votes - 0% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 34 Updated: October 8, 2025 Views: 2,693,529 Kate Woodsview

Kate Woodsview

Jun 6, 2016

"I clean with alcohol, but didn't know to use salt or remove resin by freezing! I was given a pipe in bad..." more H. Johnston

H. Johnston

Jan 12, 2017

"I used this site to see how to make a water pipe. It was useful, and I love my bong. I did make a few tweaks of my..." more Jeff Thomas

Jeff Thomas

Aug 24, 2016

"I do weekly cleaning with alcohol and salt. To save time, I store my Ziploc bag of solution in a small mason jar in..." more Shawn McNeil

Shawn McNeil

May 14, 2017

"What was surprising was the denture tablets, never even thought that those would be used to clean a pipe with. I am..." more Heather R.

Heather R.

May 27, 2016

"This gave easy to follow directions, I used the boiling water method because I wanted to save my resin this time..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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