clean black iron pipe

On handling black iron plumbing pipe in my Lowe's, my hands came away very black.  It seems black pipe comes covered in oil to prevent rust during shipping (Williams).  Being a novice at google-fu, I was unable to get much information on de-oiling the pipe.  Most projects that use black iron pipe don't include instructions for cleaning the pipe, and the loft bed project I am using for reference simply says, "after cleaning pipe." Here is what I have found to this point.

Steevo recommends mineral spirits, while bob15 recommends alcohol or parts cleaner.  Most of the other sites were about removing rust, removing the black oxidation, or cleaning meth pipes.  Of these suggestions, I am going to start with alcohol.

This is why you want to clean black iron pipe before using for furniture builds.  Don't want this getting on your sheets or pants, do you?

I chose rubbing alcohol from the local grocer because it is easier to obtain than running to the hardware store.

This is the pipe before cleaning.  I squirted a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and cleaned the outside of the pipe.  I did this four times in total.

This resulted in a nicely shiny grey pipe ready to be used to build furniture.  I further discovered that one should also clean the connectors (Ts, flanges, etc.) as well.

The pictures on the page appear smaller than they are.  To see them larger, simply double click on the picture.  Also, I always welcome your constructive criticism.  Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say “No” or have a number in front of it.

References:
bob15. "Removing coating from black iron pipe." General Garage Discussion. The Garage Journal, 10 Feb. 2013. Web. 13 June 2014.

Steevo. "Removing coating from black iron pipe." General Garage Discussion. The Garage Journal, 10 Feb. 2013. Web. 13 June 2014.

Williams, Jane. "Black Pipe Vs. Galvanized." eHow. Demand Media, Inc., 21 June 2013. Web. 13 June 2014.