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Post by mrlunting on Nov 11, 2020 13:12:56 GMT -5
I am getting a rather black layer inside my meer bowl. Is this a normal thing thing? Should I be doing a deep cleaning?
What is the safest way to clean meerschaum? I ask safest because this pipe is very sentimental.
Any input greatly appreciated.
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 11, 2020 13:14:45 GMT -5
I am getting a rather black layer inside my meer bowl. Is this a normal thing thing? Should I be doing a deep cleaning? What is the safest way to clean meerschaum? I ask safest because this pipe is very sentimental. Any input greatly appreciated. You just wipe it out after each smoke with a paper towel. It shouldn't build up any cake. It may turn black though. If it's already caking up maybe try a moist paper towel. |
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Post by oldcajun123 on Nov 11, 2020 13:20:21 GMT -5
 Wipe it out after every smoke with a damp, I mean slightly damp paper towel!
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Post by pepesdad1 on Nov 11, 2020 13:21:15 GMT -5
I am getting a rather black layer inside my meer bowl. Is this a normal thing thing? Should I be doing a deep cleaning? What is the safest way to clean meerschaum? I ask safest because this pipe is very sentimental. Any input greatly appreciated. What Ron said is exactly right...meers are usually worth the trouble if you like the one you have. I have 4 meers and 1 I don't smoke anymore as it has an amber stem...it is beautiful and the only pipe my wife has asked to have when I bite the dust.   |
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Post by sperrytops on Nov 11, 2020 13:53:28 GMT -5
I have several meers and they usually require minimal maintenance. I use pipe cleaners and rub out the bowl after smoking, and they don't really build up carbon in the bowl. If you think you have carbon buildup, be careful about cleaning using a scraping tool. Most of that may just be coloration. Be cautious removing any carbon in the bowl. You don't want to cut into the meerschaum.
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Post by mrlunting on Nov 11, 2020 16:29:30 GMT -5
Awesome everyone! Thank you for all your input. It lucky is not cake build up. Just color.
Now my next question if I may?
Is this what bleeds
through the meerschaum to color the pipe or is it the radiant smoke around it? Sorry for the silly question.
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Post by mrlunting on Nov 11, 2020 16:33:51 GMT -5
By meer has a coating of bees wax if that helps🤔
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Post by sperrytops on Nov 11, 2020 17:14:35 GMT -5
The coloring of the bowl and shank is from the tobacco oils seeping through the bowl to the surface. Aromatics will color faster than Vriginias, for example. The wax used on the surface of the bowl and shank acts as a barrier preventing the oils from coming out entirely. Instead they deepen color below the surface.
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Post by pepesdad1 on Nov 11, 2020 17:44:39 GMT -5
The coloring of the bowl and shank is from the tobacco oils seeping through the bowl to the surface. Aromatics will color faster than Vriginias, for example. The wax used on the surface of the bowl and shank acts as a barrier preventing the oils from coming out entirely. Instead they deepen color below the surface. This for sure^^^^. |
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,884 
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
Location:
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Post by chasingembers on Nov 11, 2020 17:59:38 GMT -5
Meers color faster from neglect as well. I wait and clean them until just prior to the next smoke to allow the sepiolite to absorb everything from the last smoke. I use unscented baby wipes on the chamber to remove any residue, Q-tips on the mortise and draft hole, and pipecleanrers on the stem. Since July, Virginias and Virginia/Orientals have darkened my Kenan this much.  After starting like this.  |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Nov 12, 2020 19:06:16 GMT -5
I only have a few meer bowl pipes.... #1 is a gourd calabash...  #2 us a bent bulldog...  I also have a meer lined billiard somewhere, but not sure where it is... I too, simply wipe the bowl out with a paper towel after each bowl... |
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Wipe it out after every smoke with a damp, I mean slightly damp paper towel!
