Cleaning Cork Handles...

[Frisbie]

I was wondering what people use to clean their cork handles on their fly rods?? I've heard lots of different opinions such as rubbing alcohol, baking soda, etc...
What is the best product to use?? Also, does anyone use a cork conditioner for general maintenance on their rod handles?? Does this conditioner prevent the cork from discoloring??

Thanks in advance,

Frisbie

[IRL]

I am new to saltwater fly fishing, but my baitcaster is over 5 years old, and I always cleaned it with a little WARM water and a little baking soda. Let it dry pretty good before you store it.

good luck!

[detra]

Where I come from, cleaning cork handles is akin to eating banana's on a boat!

That said, during a bamboo rod resoration cleaned with dish soap followed by a mild scrub with 0000 steel wool, turned out better than new.

[ned]

Warm water and dish soap. It'll clean it up nice.

[lemaymiami]

There's lots of ways to clean cork grips. Since I've been a custom rod builder for many years I use lacquer thinner on a terry cloth rag. It does wonders, takes only a moment, and is the same thing I use to clean off excess epoxy when building cork or veltex handles. The only downside is that you should be careful not to use it on the rod blank or any reelseats that are graphite instead of metal. You won't believe how quickly and thoroughly it does the job.

On the water with anglers I use a bit different approach. I keep a supply of car wash towels on my skiff and regularly will dampen one with saltwater and clean off sunscreen or chicken grease (or anything else my anglers manage to get on cork grips). If the handle feels greasy it gets the treatment. Then when that lifetime fish appears the angler might actually be able to hold onto the rod.... Sage is really good about honoring their warranties, but you have to have a rod to send them....

[mctrout]

windex, i have found, works best

[Frisbie]

Thanks for all the replys!! So, I guess that I don't need to go and spend the money on cork reconditioner! Sounds like any household cleaner will do the trick. "Steel wool" :eek:

I have also heard of using a fine-grit sandpaper in place of steel-wool. A friend of mine tapes his rod beforehand to prevent any mistakes. I thought he was crazy, but it seems to work well.

[formula1]

Simple green with a scrubbie type sponge (like the stuff used for washing dishes) works great IMO. Not too abrasive, and the simple green is biodegradable so I don't think it would harm the cork. I'd be leary of any solvents personally like the lacquer thinner mentioned above for the reasons about being careful that was noted and I'd be leary of its long term effects on cork.