When Is It Time to Clean Your Water Pipe?

You know it’s time to clean your Water pipe if a ring starts to form around the waterline of your water pipe or when you pour purified water into it and see some little floaters. Those particles, combined with bacteria and mildew , is what results in that really specific smell.

How to Clean a Water Pipe

When it comes to the best ways to clean your water pipe, you don’t need fancy solutions. The classic rubbing alcohol and salt mixture is still the best way to keep your piece looking brand-spankin’ new. Those are two things [are things that] people have in their homes already. Let’s keep our community inclusive by using accessible products

To clean your water pipe, first take out all removable pieces (like the mouthpiece and pipe). Pour 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol into the water pipe and add some coarse salt, such as Epsom or rock salt, as an abrasive. Shake your piece for about five minutes, then rinse with water and soap. Vinegar and rice will also work.

You can also buy commercial pipe cleaners, but many aren’t necessarily the best for the earth. For the most part, isopropyl alcohol and rock salt always do the trick.

What Are the Best Water Pipe Cleaning Products?

Whether you’re looking to save yourself a trip to the head shop, or prefer to restock from your own couch, we’ve rounded up some of the best water pipe cleaning products inspired by expert recommendations.

1. Solimo 99% Isopropyl Alcohol

I would suggest a 99% as it cleans everything. Lower percentages of alcohol can leave other bacteria somewhat dormant if not left in for a certain amount of time.

2. Member’s Mark 91% Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol, the effective ingredient in rubbing alcohol and homemade sanitizers, sold out during the pandemic. If you can’t get 99% alcohol, 91% will still do the job. Just soak it longer to be safe.

3. 365 Everyday Value Epsom Salt

4. Organyc Chlorine- and Plastic-Free Organic Cotton Swabs

Cleaning your bowl on each side with a Q-tip after every other use really helps keep your bowl fresh and easier on the cleaning process as you will have less junk to clean up.

5. If You Care Organic Unbleached Cheese Cloth

If you’re running low on alcohol, which is still kind of hard to get at stores, depending on your location, you can save it in a mason jar to reuse. Secure cheesecloth over the jar with a rubber band or a metal lid band and pour your used alcohol through to remove any particles.

6. Large Straw Brush

For those hard-to-scrub places, a straw brush can scrape away any grime that’s tough to reach.

10. Higher Standards Heavy Duty Beaker

If you notice that your water pipe has permanent stains, it might be due to low-quality materials. Cheap glass is more porous and the sticky icky gets stuck in and never comes out.

If all else fails, there’s always the option of buying a new piece. For that we have a wide selection for you to choose from. Check out or newest items in our SHOP Section