Washing Shimano reels

[Crankin4Bass]

Just found this video from Shimano on reel maintenance. Never thought to wash reels this deeply. What do you guys do?

 

 

[Mike L]

I don’t do that!

But if they say so…

 

 

 

 

Mike

[T2DM]

Man, that's too much work, why not toss it in a dishwasher!

 

I've seen that video before, and I think the video was meant for after using the reel in saltwater environments.

 

I just let mine dry naturally then wipe them down with damp towel and use qtips to get into tight places.

[Jig Man]

If it needs that much attention I will send it in for a thorough cleaning.

[Peacedivision]

I fish brackish water near my house sometimes and basically just blast the reel with a garden hose when I get home. Similar technique to what they show but I don't take the time to remove the spool. No issues yet, knock on wood.

[woolleyfooley]

10 hours ago, T2DM said:

Man, that's too much work, why not toss it in a dishwasher!

 

 

Wait. Are you saying that’s not the way to clean reels?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Definitely a good idea immediately after salt or brackish water use. Not a replacement for regular deep cleaning but interim service is a good idea. 

[Crankin4Bass]

50 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Definitely a good idea immediately after salt or brackish water use. Not a replacement for regular deep cleaning but interim service is a good idea. 

Do you recommend taking out the spool for a Calcutta 200d and rinsing as shown after every saltwater use?

[Maverick2017]

I do this after just about every outing in fresh water. Have done it for years without any problems. Always good to take care of things!

[ABU is overpriced]

The only way i'd wash one of my reels this way is if i used it in saltwater. No way i am doing this in freshwater. One full service per season is all what's needed.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Pretty sure this is in regard to post SW use or mid-season cleaning.  If I cleaned every reel like that after every time, I fished I would spend more time cleaning than fishing.

I clean my reels the same way, under a faucet, with cool water under low pressure.  Ill use a hose, but I make sure to mist the reel, if its too much pressure it can just blasts the salt and sand deeper into the reel.

13 hours ago, T2DM said:

Man, that's too much work, why not toss it in a dishwasher!

 

I've seen that video before, and I think the video was meant for after using the reel in saltwater environments.

 

I just let mine dry naturally then wipe them down with damp towel and use qtips to get into tight places.

Not a good idea to dunk the whole reel, unless you plan on complete disassembly, purge grease/oil, dry out, then re grease/oil and reassemble.

[WRB]

You shouldn’t hose off your reels with water pressure, spray is all that is needed. 
Ideally spray rinse with distilled water and spray with WD-40 it’s a water displacement that helps to prevent corrosion. Wipe dry with a clean cloth done. Same treatment with your rod guides and reel seat.

In reference to Shimano Calcutta reels they are made for salt water use but the above cleaning prevent corrosion to any damaged or bare aluminum surfaces.

Tom

[Crankin4Bass]

Thanks for all the replies!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On 3/7/2025 at 7:46 PM, Crankin4Bass said:

Do you recommend taking out the spool for a Calcutta 200d and rinsing as shown after every saltwater use?

Yes strongly