After smoking and letting the pipe cool, it's time to clean it.

Never knock the pipe out against a hard object. Use the back of your hand or the cork of a pipe ashtray. To remove any tobacco residue that can't be knocked out, use the spike of your tamper.

Remove the mouthpiece by carefully twisting it in one direction. Always try to open and close your pipe in the same direction. For example, always twist the mouthpiece in and out clockwise.

Now it's time to use the pipe cleaners. Thoroughly clean the smoke channel in the pipe bowl and mouthpiece until no more dirt clings to the pipe cleaner.

Tip: If your mouthpiece is curved, you can pre-bend the cleaners. This way, you won't scratch the plastic inside the mouthpiece with the cleaner's hard wire. Over the years, this can create a weak point in the mouthpiece.

Cleaners with brushes are particularly suitable. These absorb moisture and remove even stubborn dirt with their bristles. Examples include Vauen Cleaner and Blitz Cleaner. Due to their long mouthpieces, long pipe cleaners are available for reading pipes.

When scraping out the pipe, take care not to damage the layer of carbon inside. This protects the pipe from heat. A layer approx. 1 mm thick can be left in place.

If you smoke with a filter, do not forget to remove the filter. A new filter for each filling is ideal.

Polish your pipe occasionally while it is still warm from smoking with a cotton cloth, using a little beeswax if necessary.