Reel Cleaners

[FishDad]

I would like your opinions of Ardent Reel Kleen ? The description says it will not damage internal parts & dries clean, but leaves a protective barrier - which concerns me. What do you think?

Thanks, Dennis

[Bill B]

Dennis, I usually just use a freshwater rinse after a day on the saltwater, but I also do a thorough cleaning once a year. If you have read some of the service threads then you know the outsides and insides get a light coat of grease including the spool.  Beyond the rinse I have not needed a special reel cleaner. Some here have usd Salt Away with good results.  Fresh water reels only get a yearly service and a rinse if dumped in the dirt or in the water.  I have no experience with Reel Clean so I cannot comment on that product.....hope this helps....Bill

[FishDad]

Thanks Bill...Yes sir, this does help - thanks for your reply. This is a freshwater reel (ain't no saltwater in Tennessee - LOL). A buddy asked me to look at it, found idler gear broken. Replaced that, & he asked me to clean & lube it. Reel insides look brand new, with almost no grease anywhere, including none on any of the gears. Most of the parts & plates in this thing are plastic, so can't use carb or brake cleaner & looking for alternative. I'm not too worried about this one, just looking to the future for when I will have to give one a good cleaning.

[David Hall]

Simple green works great.

[Lunker Larry]

The Ardent reel cleaner has a very strong odour. It works well but use it outside as it can be overwhelming.

[FishDad]

Thanks David, Larry, & Bill.....since I already have some, think I'll give Simple Green a try. Appreciate you guys.

[reel man]

Kind of expensive, but when you're dealing with a number of plastic parts you have to be very careful with aerosol cleaners, so I use CRC Electra Motive, and it does not leave a film on the parts.

[Navidad Nutcase]

i have used reel kleen and found it works great to get rid of old salt corrosion and dried on kunk. I don't use the spray bottle but rather drop the piece in a container and screw a top on to keep it from evaporating because,  as mentioned here already it is expensive.

Greg