The BEST Cleaners for a water pipe: Alcohol and Salt & Zep -Citrus Degreaser

     For enthusiasts of “herbal remedies” like myself, a clean water pipe is essential for a smooth, flavorful, and enjoyable experience. When it comes to cleaning, there are two popular methods: the classic alcohol and salt combo and chemical cleaners like Zep - Citrus Degreaser. Each method has its pros and cons, but ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the urgency of the cleaning task at hand.

Cleaning with Alcohol and Salt:

One of the most common and cost-effective methods for cleaning a water pipe involves using simple household ingredients: Isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Begin by:

1. Disassembling your water pipe and rinsing it with warm water to remove any loose debris.

2. Next, pour a generous amount of Isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt into the base of the water pipe.

3. Cover the openings with your hands or plugs and shake vigorously to dislodge resin and buildup.

4. Repeat this process as needed,

5. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water until all residue is removed.

6. Finally, allow the water pipe to air dry completely before use.

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3, rinse. And you're ready to blow some clouds again. This is my preferred method for day-to-day cleaning of my water pipes but, when I’m deep cleaning and want a bit more shine and polish on my collection of glass. I will use something stronger than Isopropyl and allow a full day of soaking.

Cleaning with Zep - Citrus Degreaser:

For those seeking a more potent cleaning solution, Zep - Citrus Degreaser offers a convenient alternative. It might take longer to use but the results gained are worth waiting for the process:

1. Begin by diluting the degreaser with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Then, pour the solution into the water pipe and allow it to soak for the day (24hrs.) to loosen resin/herb buildup.

3. You may use a pipe cleaner or brush to scrub away any remaining residue to speed up the process but, the longer the soak the less scrubbing is needed.

4. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

5. Be sure to follow up with a final rinse to remove any traces of the cleaner before using your water pipe again. (You can tell if the cleaner remains due to its strong smell.)

After that final rinse, you will see that your glass looks fresh off the torch from the factory again. If you ever use sink water and wonder how to get those grayish-white water stains off or even have those discolored resin stains from taking too long to clean? This is your way to go.

Conclusion:

As a seasoned water pipe enthusiast I have compared these cleaners multiple times over and both methods have their place in my cleaning routine. For regular maintenance and lighter buildup, I rely on the tried-and-true combination of alcohol and salt. It’s quicker and easier to find at most stores. However, when faced with stubborn stains and water markings, I turn to Zep - Citrus Degreaser for its effective results although you can only find it at hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowes. Ultimately, neither method is inherently better than the other—it all comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the cleaning task at hand. Whether you opt for the simplicity of alcohol and salt or the power of chemical cleaners, the most important thing is to keep your water pipe clean for a Never Ending Sesh.