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07 November 2016

Tobacco Pipe Maintenance

If your tobacco pipe is in the need of some sprucing up, UK Tobacco offers an extensive pipe repair service. This is a great option if you have that one favourite pipe you just can’t throw away.
 
If you are searching for a pipe repair service, it may be too late for you to give your tobacco pipe some maintenance yourself, but here is some advice to keep your pipe looking as good as the day you bought it, once you’ve had it repaired.
 

Create a Tobacco ‘Cake’
 
It isn’t as tasty as it sounds! A cake within a pipe is a build-up of carbon deposits which are left behind after it has has been smoked. This cake helps to create a wall around the bowl of a pipe, protecting the chamber and reducing charring which can damage your pipe. Some say this can also make tobacco aromas better, since the carbon left behind is partly formed from sugars in tobacco.

To create a cake, fill a bowl and light it evenly. Smoke it slowly, and thoroughly. After a few smokes, a cake should form. Try not to make it build up too much, as this can damage your pipe. If it does build up too much, you can take some off carefully with a blunt knife – this is known as reaming.
 
Maintaining a tobacco cake with an optimum thickness of around 1.5mm will help to preserve your pipe.
 
Sweeten the Pipe
 
Over time, your pipe make become sour or bitter tasting. A mixture of salt and pure alcohol can help to remove this unpleasant taste, and rejuvenate your pipe back to how it was. To do this, add salt to the pipe bowl (up to the rim) and drip in the pure alcohol until the salt is soaked. It is advised that this mixture remains only in the pipe bowl.
 
This method requires a bit of patience, as you then have to wait at least 24 hours before cleaning out this mixture. However, do not leave the mixture in longer than 48 hours, as this can cause damage and cracking to your pipe!
 
Polishing
 
Pipes can become discoloured if not regularly maintained. Many pipe stems are made from vulcanite, which can begin to show signs of oxidation if not wiped after use. Use an abrasive, yet mild substance to clean vulcanite pipes, such as toothpaste or baking soda. Bleach and warm water can also be used to clean your pipe effectively.