How to Clean a Steel Pipe

Choose the method that works best for you and your needs. If that method doesn't work as desired, move onto a different method.

Cleaning the Inside of the Pipe

1. Run water through the inside of the pipe. This can be done in a sink if the pipe is small enough. Use a water hose outside if the pipe is too big to fit in the sink.

2. Tilt and twist the pipe. While the water is running, tilt it so the water runs against the inside of the pipe. Twist the pipe so the water cleans off the sides of the pipe.

3. Use a scrub brush saturated with soapy water to scrub the inside of the pipe. If the pipe is too narrow to fit your hand though, use a baby bottle brush to clean the inside.

4. Rinse the pipe with clean water and allow to dry.

Cleaning the Outside of the Pipe

1. Saturate a soft cloth with distilled white vinegar and wipe the outside of the pipe with the cloth. Rinse the outside of the pipe with warm soapy water.

2. Soak paper towels in baby oil and clean the outside of the pipe with them. The baby oil will make the pipe shine like new.

3. Spray a water displacing formula onto a cloth and wipe the pipe down. The water displacing formula will not only clean the pipe, but it will also aid in protecting the pipe from future marks.

Polishing the Pipe

1. Apply a small amount of metal polish to a microfiber rag.

2. Rub the microfiber rag gently across the surface of the pipe to distribute the polish evenly. Make sure the polish does not get too thick on the pipe.

3. Rub the surface of the pipe gently with a clean microfiber cloth to work off any excess polish.

4. Buff the surface of the pipe and allow to dry.