After a while my rod's cork gets dirty and was wondering if there are any tricks to clean it or just use soap and water?

If you search in the search bar you can find lots of threads about cork cleaning. The most commonly recommended (and what i do) is to use a magic eraser to clean the cork, then after to apply U-40 cork sealant. 

Yup, what bassboy said.

 

Can also take mineral spirits to the cork for cleaning prior to U-40. But a magic eraser should work just fine.

X3

Do you guys recommend using u40 when the rod is brand new?  I have a couple of new rods.  Does it work?

Do you guys recommend using u40 when the rod is brand new?  I have a couple of new rods.  Does it work?

 

Yes. It is just a sealer, will keep the cork looking "new" for a bit longer than otherwise.

Use 0000 steel wool.... Cleans quick rinse off ..done

I say no on sealer... My Op

Thanks!

Thanks for the advice!  It worked great! 

Magic eraser works pretty good.  Mineral spirits works but I find some "dirt" gets pushed into the grain of the cork giving it a bit different look.

Magic Eraser and a little elbow grease makes them look good as new. 

Take em to kitchen sink....soap and a sponge (scotch brite side helps).  Has kept rod corks good for years

Magic Eraser and a little elbow grease makes them look good as new. 

Magic Eraser + Simple Green.  You have to be careful with mineral spirits or other chemicals.  Some fillers used by the manufacturers will soften and fall out prematurely.

The Magic Eraser is the single best way I've found. Denatured alcohol is the harshest solvent I let anywhere near a rod.

If you search in the search bar you can find lots of threads about cork cleaning. The most commonly recommended (and what i do) is to use a magic eraser to clean the cork, then after to apply U-40 cork sealant. 

X2...

Magic Eraser and you do not need to use any extra elbow grease to get the job done.

Magic eraser. X7.5

Blood and fish slime seem to keep it good for decades.

If you search in the search bar you can find lots of threads about cork cleaning. The most commonly recommended (and what i do) is to use a magic eraser to clean the cork, then after to apply U-40 cork sealant. 

yes!!!!

Blood and fish slime seem to keep it good for decades.

 

The only time I clean cork now is when I'm selling a rod.

I had never tried a magic eraser on cork...tried it today and it was money. I forgot how tacky clean cork can be.

These work fantastic! I use them and they get the cork as bright as new.

http://www.amazon.com/WYPALL-Waterless-Wipes-Bucket-PRICE/dp/B002K2JTG2

Hand wipes are what I use. In fact I use them to clean the whole fishing rod.