just wanted to add something, I use pipecleaners too... but there are two kinds of cleaners, the ones with the soft cotton threads on them, and then there are some with 'extra stiff' almost like brass wire bristles mixed in every so often. Make sure ya get the first. The ones with the extra stiff bristles would probably scratch up the metal in your brush.
You can get them at most drustores and smoking acessories shops.. art supply places usually have them too...