Cleaning Cork and Reels.

[atrocity123]

Want to clean all my outfits tomorrow and was wondering what the best way of cleaning rod cork is without sanding or damaging them? Also what's the best way to remove all the dirt and algae on reels, especially the seats?

[Stasher1]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for the cork, and Windex and a toothbrush should get all of the funk off of the reels.

[Luke at Gouldsboro]

for my cork I spray windex on the handle and use a small scrub brush (or fingernail brush) to get the heavy gunk off. then I'll spray them again and wipe them down with an old rag. You may have to do this process a couple times. With my reels I use windex and an old toothbrush, then windex and a rag.Befor cleaning my reels, I strip my line off on baitcasters and remove the spool on spinning reels if I plan on using the line on them. When done cleaning reels, make sure you oil them!!!! If you want to clean your rods, use windex and a rag to wipe down the rod, and q-tips to clean the guides. You could use a little car polish on the rod and buff it off to make it shine  ;D. Hope this helps

[atrocity123]

Just tried a magic eraser on one of my broken rods and it works perfectly, should I follow it up with anything? Will try the reels tomorrow, thanks

[Stasher1]

I don't, but I suppose you could add a sealant or something if you wanted to.

Now that you know how easy it is to clean, there's no reason for a sealant, imo.

[SirSnookalot]

Magic eraser works well and so does denatured alchhol and a rag.  My freshwater reels are never cleaned, they don't get dirty even though I'm a shore fisherman, oil 1-2 times a year is about it.  Saltwater is rinsed with freshwater after every outing, oiled a bit more more often.  7 days a week, 12 months of the year for both fishing venues.

[BassThumb]

For reels, I use a toothbrush, some Q-Tips, some alcohol, and a spray bottle of hot water. I really only do this mid-season to my frogging reel, which tends to get dirty in a hurry in some of the pea soup lakes that I fish. Otherwise the entire reel gets cleaned in the off-season.

For cleaning rods, I prefer wetsanding over using a Magic Eraser, although both will work. Wetsanding restores the grip and tackiness of the cork and makes the rod feel brand new. I use a tall bucket of very warm water, and a fresh 4" x 4" piece of 600+ grit sandpaper. I let the rod handles soak in the water for a few minutes, and sand lightly as described below. It doesn't take much, but it works great. The sandpaper will be covered in gray gunk that looks like wet cement dust, exactly the same color as the stain.

Regarding the rod, I got the idea from someone on Rodbuildingforum.com who appears to have registered just to give this advice. I found it to be great advice and I clean my rods like this once a year. I do it a little differently though, with a bucket instead of running water at the sink and 600 grit instead of 400. Here's the entire quote:

________________________________________

"Hi Brandon,

I saw your Q? I have been building, refinishing and restoring (Bamboo) fly rods for almost 20 years. I learned this craft from a notable bamboo rod historian and restorer in Sisters, Oregon. Our technique is to use Super Fine-400 Grit wet-or-dry automotive sandpaper...wet. 1st: protect all other rod surfaces (reel seats, hook keepers, bamboo ,glass or graphite) from errant abrasion with regular masking tape, leaving only the cork you wish to clean exposed. Next soak a small 4" x 6" pc of 400 grit sand paper under running water. I prefer warm water at the kitchen sink. Then place the cork under the warm running water while avoiding wetting the the masked areas as much as possible. Begin to sand lightly "long-ways", parallel to the rod while simultaneously rotating the grip. Rinse often to re-wet and check progress. Do not sand around the the grip(perpendicular to the shaft) as it may dislodge cork pith. I do not use any type of soap or detergent as I believe it can leave undesirable residue. This technique scarcely removes any cork material and can smooth out unwanted ridges from improperly cared for grips. Pat dry with a towel and let air dry. If done properly, when dry, your result will be silky-smooth grip. Better than original. Repeat if necessary then carefully remove masking tape ASAP. I do this to all the grips on all my rods, even after a season's use. Patina is nice, but over-rated, except on unfishable rods, like antiques or collectibles too valuable to fish anymore, anyway.

LAST and MOST IMPORTANTLY. NEVER use any kind of a scrub brush as it will remove the softer cork material and cause unsightly ridges that can de-valuate your rod. If this has has already occurred, the above technique can help reverse that process.

I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by the results. Good luck.

Jamie"

[Mono Man in IL]

Lightly rubbing cork handles with a green Scotch Brite and a powder cleanser, i.e., Barkeepers Friend under the kitchen faucet gets the job done.

[OnthePotomac]

For me it is Dawn dish shop, a soft brush and a good rinse.  Dried with paper towel and set up to dry.  I fill new small holes with Elmer's Golden Oak wood putty in a tube and the cork looks like new.

[shortbasser]

Just tried a magic eraser on one of my broken rods and it works perfectly, should I follow it up with anything? Will try the reels tomorrow, thanks

U-40 cork seal available from Cabela's works just fine. Keeps the tacky feel and only requires water and a rag to clean afterwards. I wipe my rod blanks with a silicone cloth made by Birchwood Casey also available from Cabela's.

Shortbasser

[jdw174]

I'm with the guys who use the Magic Eraser.  It just doesn't get any easier than that

[dulouz]

I was told to use warm dish soap and a rag.  It worked like a charm, even on some of my oldest rods. 

[J Francho]

I'm with the guys who use the Magic Eraser. It just doesn't get any easier than that

Yep.  Anyone that isn't recommending it, hasn't tried it.  It's that easy.

[central.PA.bass]

I use a soapy SOS pad and warm water..

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Definitely the Magic Eraser.  Works perfectly.  I use the original one.  Not the heavy duty or extra scrubbing power type.  Just get it wet, squeeze out the excess water, and rub away.  Cork comes out brand new looking afterwards.

[flechero]

On natural cork, the magic eraser is unbeatable.  On burl or exotic burl, warm water with a light brush and a touch of dish soap is much better.

[atrocity123]

Got all my outfits looking brand new, thanks. Will be recommending the magic eraser from now on

[flippin and pitchin]

Best thing i've learned on this forum is use the Magic Eraser.  For what it's worth, I pre seal the fills on all my rods with super glue when new.  The fills don't wash out and the corks holds up great, so I can clean in longer with Magic Erasers.

[Sherlock 60]

I'm with the guys who use the Magic Eraser. It just doesn't get any easier than that

I tried the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers last night and was amazed. I didn't realize how dirty the cork handles were. Easy as pie.

[northern basser]

I'm with the guys who use the Magic Eraser. It just doesn't get any easier than that

I tried the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers last night and was amazed. I didn't realize how dirty the cork handles were. Easy as pie.

Just went and got some M. E.  Ya,  that is easy and does a good job.