Cleaning Cork Handles

[TritonTR20]

Whats the best way to clean cork handles. Every year I remove my rods from the boat and store them inside for the winter but they are filthy by spring. What is the best way to clean them, and is there something to put on them to help them stay clean?

[fowlmouth]

I've used fine steel wool with good results, just sand it until all the shiny is gone and then shop vac it.

[Cy]

You can sand them, steel wool them, scrub them and I hear Magic Eraser works well too.  Then when the are clean use some U-40 cork seal.  It will keep them looking good for a lot longer then with out.

http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/U-40/U-40-Cork-Seal-2-oz-

Cy

[HellaBass]

Steel wool & some of that Orange cleaner works well

[joshimoto son]

My friend uses the "blue" Dawn dish soap directly on the handles. Scrub with a washclothe and then rinse off.
they looked almost brand new.

joshimoto son

[Ryan]

I have had good success using dish soap and scrubing them with a toothbrush.  It takes a while to do them all, but they sure look nice when you are done.

-Ryan

[Ranger_Boats_Team_North]

I use Rod Grip's not only are they cool but they also add comfort and sensitive to your rods (which means feeling more bites which leads to more fish in the livewell) they also keep your Rod Handles clean. For any more info ask me or check www.reelgrip.com

[Lightningboy]

Any easy rinsing, non-abrasive soap works great.  I like simple green, but only because it's already in the house.  Using a dish cloth, gently scrub both around the handle and along its length.  Rinse well and let dry.  If you have oily stains that are stubborn, use a degreasing cleaner like rubbing alcohol.  Overuse will dry out the cork though.

I'd be wary of steel wool; on ocasion I've had cork become stained from bits of it sticking in the grain.

U-40 seals well, as does True Oil gunstock finish.  Be aware that too many coats of sealant will make it slippery when wet.

[TritonTR20]

Hey Rich. Good to see you. I fished with you on Lake LeHomme Dieu at the Northern Federation divisional in 2006. 

[t-bone]

This is a great question and it reminds me that I need to do this. I forget every year and my rods are a mess.

Guess what I'll be doing tonight!

[Hooksetter]

I use scotch brite to clean cork handles. I don't use any water or cleaner with it. It only takes a few minutes per handle. When they are done they look new.

Willie

[Firefighter Jeff]

I just cleaned the cork on my rods last week.  I'm not sure if it was this site, or another, but I decided to try the suggestion of using a SOS pad.  Worked great!!!