Quote Originally Posted by Branzig View Post
The only time you want to put alcohol on your finished pipe, is if you are looking to take all the stain off and refinish it.

Never get alcohol anywhere near the finish of your pipe. It is instant death to stain and varnish.
Sorry, did not realize that. Even ethyl alcohol (i.e., vodka, Everclear, etc.)? Hot water sounds like the safe bet.