Cork handle cleaning

Anyone have a good method for cleaning the cork handles on a fishing rod to make them look new (better?). Mine are well used but in good shape, I’d like them to be cleaner and not so grey looking.
Any ideas??

Just use some superfine sandpaper, go lightly on it… rinse w/ water and presto!… new handle. I’ve done this quite a bit on most all of my rods, improves the grip and the feel.

good luck,

I use a scotch-brite pad. Alittle water and they are brand new.

Ron

I’ve never tried the sandpaper, so if your leary of that idea try this; use rubbing alcohol on a hand towel and wipe them down using a little elbow grease. I have done this for years and it works great!

I just use a little Comet cleaner…rinse and they look like new.

I’ve used powdered laundry detergent and just washed with a rag in a ringing motion around the cork. Shined ’em up just like new! I’d imagine it has the same effect as the rubbing alcohol and comet suggestions. And……. no sandpaper needed.

According to a reply from an e-mail I sent St. Croix, use “a mild citrus cleaner or dish detergent.”

I’ve heard to just use shampoo and then give it a light coat of acrylic spray wax.

Mr. Hansen, you are definitely right, i tried the sand paper on my older baitcasting rod and it looks amazing right now! I have put mine through the worst and it looks like i just as good as my brand new baitcasting combo that i bought two days ago!