If cake starts forming in your meerschaum pipe, which is not unusual, lightly ream it out, being careful not to scrape or dig into the pipe itself. Use a pipe cleaner inside the stem and be gentle when separating and cleaning inside the shank. If your meerschaum pipe becomes dirty, use cotton or soft cloth with a drop of rubbing alcohol ( a similar product containing a slight trace of alcohol will also work). Gently wipe the pipe, clean when it is cool. Never boil or scrape your pipe.