I have two Fenwick Techna AV rods that have accumulated some type of ?algae? residue inside the guides. Where I've been fishing lately there is a lot of vegetation and I've noticed some of this same stuff on some of my reel seats iin the past. I usually use a wet wash-rag and scrub it off of the reels and seats. The guides are a bit more intricate to deal with. I thought I might use a q-tip with alcohol and then follow up with a damp rag.

Any ideas?

Simple Green, an old soft toothbrush and some q tips. I'm not so sure about the alcohol.

Just water and q-tips for me. Maybe throw in a wet wipe for good measure  8-)

dish soap and a toothbrush 

Q-tip and warm water. I'd stay away from any alcohol product may be to harsh for the guides.

ive used both dry q tips and ones that are damp with alcohol for cleaning guides with no problems. if i do use alcohol, i go over them right after with a dry one.

I use a Q-tip and simple green, then clean the outter part of the guide with paper towel & simple green (both with warm water mixed in)

Man you guys are the greatest! I brought some Simple Green home today and will get on them tomorrow or the next day.

Simple green is what I use for wiping down all my rods and reels. It's non toxic and does not have any harsh chemicals that will effect the finishes on you equipment.  8-)

Be careful with simple green. I used it to clean the heavy brake dust off my wifes rims on her SUV. It dulled the shine of the anodized finish.  Ive also had it dull the finish of anodized bicycle components.