Anyone clean or wash their cork handles?

[Bigdadyrods]

Ok, let's hear it. Do you clean or wash the cork handle at the end of the year, or sooner?
I know some fly fishing boys that clean their cork every year. I just did this past week as the shak nasties is hitting me---too much snow.

Or, do you put the rod away every year to have that wonderful pantina look on the cork. You know, the grease of the motor, the slime of the fish, mixed with the oils of the plastic tubes all mixed together to give that cork the aged look.


Big D

[Aussie]

I clean the cork handles pretty often...old toothbrush and some warm soapy water bring's em up like new...!!!!.

[Bullet20dc]

yup I use a scrubby sponge and a drop of dish washing soap do it quite often. They come out like new.

[remington]

If by "washing" you mean having my sweat, blood, fish slim and fish blood "washing" then yes, I wash them.:)

[Island Breeze]

If by "washing" you mean having my sweat, blood, fish slim and fish blood "washing" then yes, I wash them.:)

yup me too

[Mello Yello]

On the few rods I have left with cork on them, Yes I wash/clean them with ooo steel wool and wash them off with rubbin achcol. Leaves a great soft feeling smooth finish on my cork grips. :D

[geezer1]

Ok, let's hear it. Do you clean or wash the cork handle at the end of the year, or sooner?
I know some fly fishing boys that clean their cork every year. I just did this past week as the shak nasties is hitting me---too much snow.

Or, do you put the rod away every year to have that wonderful pantina look on the cork. You know, the grease of the motor, the slime of the fish, mixed with the oils of the plastic tubes all mixed together to give that cork the aged look.


Big D
BigD...What do YOU use to clean up the cork handles?

[Bigdadyrods]

I cheat.
I'll use sand paper and smooth out any problems. If the cork has holes too deep, I'll fill them in. If the handle is too far gone, I'll cut it off and put a new one on. You have no idea how many times I rebuilt one of my rods to suit my fancy from one year to the next:wallbash:
Big D

[smpoarch]

Yep. I use denatured alcohol on a clean shop rag. Works very well.

[GeauxTide]

I've tried most of the above, but this year I tried a Mister Clean Magic Eraser. Run water over it and squeeze out excess. No cork removed or chemical softening. Magic! Next day I lightly apply some mineral oil and they look and feel new. On a three month cycle and results are fantastic.