Proper care and cleaning are a major factor in the life span of a pipe. Done well and consistently, it can preserve a pipe for generations. Failure to do so will often cause the eventual ruin of even the most well made pipe.

Rules to live by

 Pipes require a certain amount of care in order to keep them fresh. Follow these basic rules and you should be able to keep your pipe in good order.

1.   Rest your pipe between smokes no matter how much you like it.

2.   Run a pipe cleaner through your pipe after each smoke. It is recommended that you continue to run pipe cleaners through the stem and shank until the cleaner comes out clean. When the pipe has cooled, you may gently twist the stem off the bowl and clean more thoroughly.

3. If your pipe has a filter, follow the pipe maker's instructions regarding when to replace it or if possible, how to clean it.

4.   Depending on how often you smoke your pipe you may need to use a pipe freshener (available at any reputable tobacconist) to remove tar and smoking residue that builds up in the smoking channel of your pipe. Separate the stem from the shank and using a pipe cleaner dipped in pipe freshener, run it through the stem. Run dry pipe cleaners through thew stem until they all come out clean. Repeat this with the shank of the pipe (the briar arm into which the pipe is inserted). Allow at least two days for the pipe too dry completely before smoking it again. Do not allow freshener to spill on the outside of the bowl as it may affect the finish.

5.   Ensure that you do not leave wet tobacco bits (dottle) in the bowl after a smoke. Gently remove them with a bent pipe cleaner, pipe spoon or other blunt (i.e. not sharp) instrument.

6.   You definitely want an even layer of carbon to build up in the bowl of your pipe. This helps protect the wood from excessive heat and makes the smoke cooler. Ensure the cake does not get more than the thickness of about a nickel - a thick cake can cause the bowl itself to crack or split.

7.   Store your pipe away from direct sunlight, fluorescent or strong incandescent lights as this will fade a vulcanite stem, leaving it bitter tasting.

8. Do not attempt to clean a Vulcanite pipe stem with water. This will cause serious discoloration and an awful taste which can only be removed by a professional. If you are unsure about whether your pipe is Vulcanite or not, err on the side of caution.

9.   Avoid smoking your pipe where there is a draft or wind. This movement of air can cause your tobacco to burn quickly and hotter increasing the potential for burnout.

10. Do not empty the pipe by holding the stem and banding the bowl on a hard surface. This will cause stress to the pipe and eventually cause it to break, fracture or split.

11. Use a proper pipe reamer with no sharp or pointed edges to remove excess carbon. Uneven removal of cake or accidental puncture of the inside of the bowl will create weak spots that may become susceptible to burnout.