Cleaning Cork Handles?

[Speedboat]

What's the best means to clean fishing rod cork handles. My rods have started to stain I believe due to the oil on my hands and just plain exposure time in the open air.

[Jig_Man]

Totally Awesome from Wally World or Dollar General, then cover with shrink tubing.

[21XDC]

Dawn dish soap, rag and water....

[NH Buckeye]

Rubbing alcohol on a rag is what I use.

[M-D]

Dawn dish soap here too.

[harrys]

Mr clean magic eraser works great

[WarEagle24]

Mr clean magic eraser works great

I agree.

[Kyhokie]

Mr clean magic eraser works great

x2 it’s the best

[catdude28]

Dawn dish soap, rag and water....

That is how I do it too. Sometimes I will add a VERY light sanding after.

[billwvu05]

x2 it’s the best

X3

[MeatHead1313]

Mr clean magic eraser works great

This is what I use too. Clean them up with the magic eraser, let it dry then seal with U-40 cork sealer. Keeps them looking new for longer.

[willwork4fish]

220 grit foam sanding block

[Mark Perry]

I take a clean washcloth and wet it with warm water. Scrub away. Makes them look new without using soap or chemicals.

[JJohnSind]

I agree with simple Dawn dish soap (Dawn’s Powerwash spray works too). I use a scouring pad for Teflon dish/pans, it doesn’t take a layer of cork off like sandpaper would.

[Mike Thompson]

The orange hand cleaner with the pumice in it works really well for me.

[ECobb91]

Dawn is decent.

I honestly prefer the cork to look weathered (not dirty). Just means the rod is well loved with stories to tell.

[BassinPaPaw]

Dawn is decent.

I honestly prefer the cork to look weathered (not dirty). Just means the rod is well loved with stories to tell.

Same here. I don’t like when I get a new one. Takes me half a season to break it in. Lol

[krindgen]

Brillo pad, used gently, gets 'em all roughed up. After cleaning I'd seal with U-40. Min stay clean all season long and are easier to clean after sealing.

[RazorCat]

Magic Eraser and Dawn. I use it from tip to butt to clean the rod, guides, and cork handles. After the fork dries seal it with a light coat of U40.
After the cork is sealed it’s much easier to keep clean, although it will still stain somewhat.