Does anyone clean their cork handles? If you do what is your process and what products do you use? I was thinking of using oxyclean since it isn't too harsh but I don't want to eff up anything. Mine are looking kinda dirty and could use a good cleaning if it's even possible.

Mr Clean magic eraser

I have been working on cleaning mine the last few days. I used the Mister Clean Magic Eraser sponges. It does an excellent job of cleaning them. Some of my rods are close to 20 years old and had never been cleaned before. These sponges will fall apart as you use them so get a pack with several in it.

 

If the cork is in bad shape I used some Minwax wood filler in the tube in golden oak color. It is slightly darker than the cork is. I couldn't get the Elmers that is highly recommended. Sand it down smooth with 220 grit sandpaper.

 

  The final step is to get some U40 Cork Sealer and put it on the handles. Use it sparingly as a little goes a long way.

 

Edit: I forgot to post anything you don't want wood filler or Cork Sealer to get on needs to be covered with masking tape. Go to Flukemasters you tube channel. He has a good video of the whole process.

I think that tackle junky81 maybe had a good video on doing this and resealing them. He I believe used magic eraser as well. 

Clean them with Totally Awesome then cover them with shrink tubing.

Mr clean magic eraser or even the Walmart brand works very well. Looks like new again. 

 

Thanks bassholes! I never would have considered the magic eraser. I wish I would have posted this before I placed my order at TW so I could have added the U-40 Cork Sealer, it's 1/3 of the price on Amazon.

Try the Magic Eraser sheets. They are way more flexible and can easily wrap around a cork handle for easy cleaning. 

I clean with Magic Eraser when I purchase them, let is dry for a day. Mask off rod blank/plastic with painters tape apply light coat of U40 cork seal. I usually do the same process every season or as needed.

 

I sold over 25 rods with cork handles that were between 15 to 30 years old a few months ago. All of the cork handles looked new or well kept. 

I used Simple Green soap and warm water rinse before buffing with a Mr. Clean Magic eraser pad. 

Caution the past decade cork has been poorer quality compared to 20 to 30 years ago. Today’s cork has fillers to plug voids, holes, cracks and defects with ground or synthetic cork epoxy mix. After washing with Simple Green and rinsing to remove oils check the cork for voids, discoloration or loose fillers before buffing.

Tom

Another here for Magic Eraser and u40 sealer.. just did this yesterday and today. Actually just came up from workshop from peeling masking tape.