How to use pipe sweetener?

Question

How do you use pipe sweeter? Is it something you use a Q-tip of cotton swab to apply to the bowl of the pipe? How often should it be used? I know that you're supposed to be careful to not get it on the outside of the bowl.

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

HuH!!!!

Answer 2

I'm surprised that you have a place where you can still legally smoke a pipe.  I was once tossed out of a cigar bar in Cincinnatti for lighting up (and I was out on the patio, not inside).  I wouldn't expect the politically correct to have 1/2 a clue as to what you're talking about.

Pipe sweetener is a solvent-based fluid that you dip your pipe cleaner into to get the heavy gunk out of the stem.  You don't really need it as such, but it makes cleaning faster and easier.  You can also run the moistened pipe cleaner around the inside of the bowl after reaming out the built-up carbon.  The warning about getting it on the outside of the bowl is because the solvent will take off the finish, and if you do it to an expensive and good-looking pipe, it'll spoil your day.