Do you need to clean ceramic bearings occasionally. And if so, with what to prevent damaging them? Say soap and water?

I always used to toss them in some mineral spirits (paint thinner) for a few minutes then hand spin them on an old spool shaft. Haven't used them for years. Too much noise and not enough gain.

^^^^ I agree.

Too much noise.

Makes it sound like the reel is about to break down.

I stopped using them for SS, but when I had them I hosed them down with CRC Electronic Cleaner with bearings laying in a small food strainer.  The CRC cuts grease fast, dries fast and leaves no residue.  Still do this for my SS bearings.

I have used my wife's ultra sonic jewelry cleaner with acetone for SS bearings.  I only have used it when I have bought a new reel and want to clean the over lubed/greased bearings.  If an existing, older reel gets that dirty it's because I have done something stupid.  If the bearings appear problematic, I might clean them but really its just easier to replace them. 

 

As far as ceramics go, I have cleaned them using dawn soap and de-ionized water.  I let them soak for a few hours.  Rinse with some de-ionized water.  Set them out to dry for a few and then blow them dry with some canned air.  If you want you can give them a small drop of oil but too much and it will effect how they perform.  If you see wear spots or out of round spots on the balls themselves (if there is no shield), I would replace them. 

 

In the end though, I don't think ceramics need a really good cleaning if you keep your reel cleaned, maintained and not  over lubed. 

Clean them like any other bearing. Run them dry for best performance or oil lightly to quiet them.