Dirty Line Guides

[CountBassula]

So I noticed that all the guides, and especially the first 3-5 at the tip of the rod are dirty from all the crap line picks up from water. though where the line touches it's clean, but around the edges it's a mess. do you guys clean your rod guides often if at all? should I?

[lmbfisherman]

So I noticed that all the guides, and especially the first 3-5 at the tip of the rod are dirty from all the crap line picks up from water. though where the line touches it's clean, but around the edges it's a mess. do you guys clean your rod guides often if at all? should I?

It depends, if it was really bad and collected a lot of crap from the trip then yeah.  Normally I clean them if I'm not going to use them on my next trip though or any extended length of time...by removing the reel and wiping the reel and rod down. 

[J Francho]

Take a toothbrush and some spray detergent like 409 or something similar, and clean them.

[flechero]

a Q-tip works great... if really dirty add some warm soapy water.

[OnthePotomac]

The Tidal Potomac can get pretty grungy, so I clean my rod guides after every trip with a Q Tip and Reel Magic.  I do the same with the pawls on my reels.  Some of that stuff is like concrete when it dries.  There is a new Q Tip with a pointed end, which works great.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Keeping equipment clean is one of the best and easiest maintenance steps you can take. Soft brush/cloth and mild detergent. Air dry thoroughly prior to storage.