Pipe cleaner coming out red?

jdk5hh · April 2018

On a couple of my pipes, when I run a pipe cleaner through them, it comes out reddish, I assume from the dye. Is this normal?

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029410/uploads/editor/g3/pjuntqzi7hwy.jpg

jdk5hh · April 2018

It's wet because I was using some 151 rum.

Bentbrier · April 2018

You're correct. Its dye. Not unusual for a newer pipe. The rum will also cause more dye to be pulled out. I've found that when using alcohol to "sweeten" a pipe, a little goes a long way. I've also found it I use a dry cleaner or two right after a smoke the need to use a sweetener is reduced. Just my two cents others may offer different insights.

jfreedy · April 2018

I'm sure it's just some dye as well.

I've actually only needed to use alcohol on estate pipes or pipes that I want to "convert" over to a different type of tobacco (aros to english, etc.). Like @Bentbrier I religiously use a dry cleaner after ever bowl to keep things clean and "sweet" even after years of use.