How To Clean Glass Pipe In Microwave
Microwaves are great for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen chicken nuggets, and heating up a quick bowl of soup. They’re probably not the first appliance you think of when it comes to cleaning your glass pipe, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. If you have a dirty glass pipe with residual gunk on the inside walls or residue from old herbs in hard-to-reach places, a quick clean in the microwave is one of your best options.
Microwaving your pipe for just a few minutes is an easy way to rid it of nasty smells and staining. It might sound weird to put your pipe in the microwave, but there are some benefits to doing so. You can use this method on any type of pipe made from glass – whether it has metal parts or not.
How to Clean a Glass Pipe in the Microwave
If you want to remove the resin on the inside of the pipe, a microwave will not get the job done. You will still need to find a way to scrape off the build-up. A microwave will get your pipe sparkling clean, but it might leave some residue on the pipe that makes it taste funny.
How Does it Work?
To clean a glass pipe in the microwave, start by making sure the inside is completely clean and free of debris. Next, place the pipe in a microwave-safe bowl with a few inches of space between the pipe and the bowl’s walls. To avoid breaking the pipe, do not place it directly on the microwave’s turntable.
Microwaves work by creating an electromagnetic field around your pipe, causing particles of gunk to break away from the inside walls. Some people report that microwaving a pipe with water inside creates steam that softens the gunk and makes it easier to clean.
What You’ll Need
- Bowl and plate – microwaves can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to cover your bowl with a plate in case the pipe breaks.
- Pipe cleaner – you can also use a pipe brush if there’s a lot of buildup inside.
- Water – microwaves work best when the pipe is filled with water.
- Towel – use a clean, lint-free towel to dry off the pipe after it’s out of the microwave.
Step by Step
- Make sure the inside of the pipe is completely clean – a pipe that isn’t clean won’t be affected by the microwave’s electromagnetic field.
- Fill the pipe with water – this creates steam that softens the resin, making it easier to clean.
- Put the bowl in the microwave, along with a plate – make sure there are a few inches between the bowl and the plate.
- Microwave the pipe for 2-4 minutes – the amount of time you microwave the pipe depends on how dirty the pipe is.
- Remove the bowl and plate – be careful because the plate will be hot.
- Dry off the pipe with a towel – be careful not to burn your fingers.
Side Effects of Using a Microwave to Clean a Pipe
Microwaving a pipe that contains water might soften and warp the bowl. It might also warp metal parts like a percolator. If the inside of the pipe is not completely clean, the gunk might build up in the microwave and splatter everywhere. Microwaves work best on glass pipes. This is because metal pipes can interfere with the electromagnetic field the microwaves produce. If your pipe has metal parts, you can still clean it in the microwave – but you’ll need to follow a different process.
Wrapping Up
Microwaves are a great way to clean a dirty glass pipe that doesn’t have a lot of buildup. Using water inside the pipe makes it easier to get clean. However, if your pipe has metal parts, they can interfere with the microwave’s electromagnetic field. In that case, it’s best to use a different cleaning method.
