How do I clean cork handles?

[Big Cliff]

I have a custom made rod that was given to me for Christmas by my staff about 20 years ago, I love this rod, not only is it an excellent rod but it means a lot to me. The cork is getting very grey and old looking and I would like to refresh it but I'm not sure how or what to do.

 

I know we have many experts on here so I thought perhaps someone could tell me the best way to do it.

 

All help would be much appreciated!

[J Roelofsen]

Bleach and rag does the trick for me...

 

Josh

[Snowball]

Check this out:

 

 

 

Regards,

Snowball

[kickingfrog]

I've used a little dish soap and a gentle brush and that has worked. I'm willing to try the alcohol suggested above.

[ecmilley]

used mr clean magic erasers with success

[mattp33]

^^^^^^ this. Magic eraser

[HTHM]

Kickingfrog, you're always willing to try alcohol. _{I'll see} myself ^out....

Edited April 10, 2016 by HTHM

[cheaptackle]

x3 magic eraser

 

Michael

[Lape0019]

I use magic eraser as well. Works great. A light sanding works well too. After that, if you can find some u40 cork sealer, it will prevent it from getting as dirty afterwards.

[Fisherpete]

Yup 30 seconds with a wet magic eraser and she's purdy again

[cheaptackle]

Poor Cliff must feel tired right now from dodging all the magic eraser sponges getting tossed at him!

 

MIchael

[mike rousseau]

Magic erasers

 

They do a great job

[porkpie]

Who cleans away character??

[misfish]

Who cleans away character??

 

DING DING WINNER

[mattp33]

Who cleans away character??

 

Sometimes I buy used and want my own "character" on it

 

Lol

 

I finish with a vin/water wash to remove residue.

[Big Cliff]

Who cleans away character??

I guess the same people that wash their cars or boats LOL. I love this rod and just want to take care of it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll give the magic eraser a try!

[misfish]

I find myself always washing my hands off in the water and wipe my handles the same with a towel. 99% of my cork handles look new.

 

I hate roe goooo on my handles

Edited April 10, 2016 by Brian B

[mike rousseau]

I guess the same people that wash their cars or boats LOL.

Thinking the same thing...

[chris.brock]

Who cleans away character??

 

Exactly.

 

That's why I like cork instead of synthetic foam/ plastic crap handles. Battle scars and history.

[FloatnFly]

little light sanding would do the trick

[Big Cliff]

Magic eraser and a little water, removed the dirt, left the battle scars. Thanks for the help!

[BillM]

I always clean the cork on my rods, character be damned, lol. A little soap/water and some elbow grease. Dirty cork never looks good no matter how many fish you've landed.

[Spanky80]

Warm water and magic eraser on all my cork handles every spring, works great!

[Mike Pike]

My small stream rods have pretty dirty cork, as I like to chase trouties with worms so the handles get dark with worm dirt in no time. I love taking the Magic Erasure to them and having 'em look nice and new again( until the next trout trip .. lol ).

[Steve]

ya'll are crazy!!!

 

first it was how to clean the carpet in your boat....now its how to clean the cork on your rod....

 

Do you guys wash and clean your lures as well?

 

Or maybe next its how to clean your survival suit...

 

:)