How to Clean a Pipe of Resin?

Cleaning a pipe of resin effectively involves using readily available materials and a straightforward process. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:

Materials You'll Need

91% Isopropyl Alcohol: This is the primary cleaning agent. A higher concentration is more effective at dissolving resin.
Coarse Salt: Acts as an abrasive to scrub away resin.
Pipe Cleaners or Cotton Swabs: For reaching tight spaces.
Ziplock Bag or Container: To soak the pipe.
Gloves (Optional): To protect your hands.
Warm Water: For rinsing.

Disassemble the Pipe: If possible, take apart the pipe into its individual components for more thorough cleaning.
Initial Rinse: Rinse the pipe with warm water to remove loose debris.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
- Place the pipe components in a ziplock bag or container.
- Pour enough 91% isopropyl alcohol into the bag/container to fully submerge the pipe.
- Add a generous amount of coarse salt to the alcohol.
Soak and Shake:
- Seal the bag/container.
- Gently shake the bag/container for several minutes. This helps the alcohol and salt dislodge the resin.
- Let the pipe soak in the solution for at least 30 minutes, or longer for heavily resin-coated pipes.
Scrubbing:
- Remove the pipe components from the bag/container.
- Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs dipped in the alcohol solution to scrub away any remaining resin, paying close attention to hard-to-reach areas.
Rinse Thoroughly:
- Rinse all components thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of alcohol and salt.
Dry Completely:
- Allow the pipe components to air dry completely before reassembling and using.

The combination of 91% isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt is particularly effective because:

Isopropyl Alcohol: Acts as a solvent, breaking down the resin at a molecular level. It is highly concentrated, which speeds up the cleaning process.
Coarse Salt: Provides an abrasive action, helping to physically dislodge the loosened resin from the pipe's surface.