Rod Cork....

[steelheadman]

I know....this is a reel repair blog..but, do any of you  have a tip on how to clean dirty cork rod handles? And if so, how clean do they get? I have a couple of steelhead rods whose handles are in dire need of some cleaning....thanks

[john2244]

I use a very fine grit sandpaper.
John

[alantani]

there is a chemical that will brighten wood.  i think it will work on cork as well.  is it oxalic acid?

[harryk3616]

hi   i always used the sandpaper as john mentioned.

[saltydog]

Use a fine grit sandpaper and spin the rod with your other hand , and after you get it back to original use a cork sealer.

[Zimbass]

Read on another forum that this is the way to treat cork handles :

Soap/water/dishrag
Soap/water/ScotchBrite sponge
Simple Green
Formula 409
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Sandpaper
Denatured Alcohol

Apply a single coat of Trondak U-40 Cork Seal after you get the grips cleaned up.
Another sealer is Birchwood Casey Tru Oil gunstock finish.

[El Pescador]

http://www.pinsandfins.com/The-Original-Wonder-Cloth.html

https://catalog.theflyshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=1537

Give this product a try!

I have used it, works wonders for gubered up cork handles!  

Wayne

[Ken_D]

I use a stiff brush, and Brillo dish soap, or Dawn, or whatever was on sale and in use.  *Don't* laugh.....I take my rod into the shower, so that any overspray while scrubbing hits the walls, and simply gets washed down the drain. No fuss no muss.

[Dominick]

*Don't* laugh.....I take my rod into the shower.

That's what I call rod abuse. Dominick

[Alto Mare]

*Don't* laugh.....I take my rod into the shower

Me too, every day
Sorry guys, I had to .

[Ken_D]

SEE? I ~~told~~ you not to laugh !!  lol...(but it's quick, easy, and all crud _does_ go down the drain.)

[UKChris]

  It's the only way, but indeed a bit of soap and some scouring pad will clean up the cork without too much trouble. Mackerel scales are the devil to shift!