It’s okay if there’s still some residue left on your pipe. Getting rid of the larger loose chunks will just make the cleaning solution work more effectively.
If you’re cleaning a bubbler pipe that has multiple pieces, take them apart and put them in separate bags to clean. Use 99% rubbing alcohol if you have some since it’s the strongest cleaner. It’s okay to use a lower concentration, but it may not strip all the resin and tar off of your glass pipe.
Salt acts like an abrasive on your pipe to clean out buildup that’s hard to reach inside your pipe. If you’re using vinegar, try adding baking soda instead of salt. It will still act as an abrasive, but it will also make a bubbling reaction that can help loosen residue on your pipe.
Hold onto your pipe firmly so it doesn’t slip out of your hands and break.
Try rinsing your pipe with plain warm water since it can remove some of the buildup trapped inside.
Keep your eye on the water level to make sure it doesn’t evaporate since the heat could cause it to crack. If the water level starts to get too low, add more warm water to your pot to cover your pipe.
Avoid rinsing your pipe underneath cold water since the quick temperature change could cause the glass to shatter. If you still see residue inside of your pipe, try boiling it again for another 20–30 minutes.
Denture tablets may also help get rid of surface stains on the glass.
Avoid using other household cleaners on your pipe since they could leave the taste of chemicals inside your pipe when you smoke from it.
If the resin becomes sticky or hard to work with again, put it back in your freezer for another 30 minutes. Freezing your pipe might not be enough to completely clean it, but it will help remove large pieces of residue to make other cleaning methods more effective.
