Cleaning Cork Handles

[BigBassin144]

I used to use fine sandpaper to clean my cork handles, but I didn't like to do this because it can scratch the reel seat and any metal trim rings between the cork and reel seat. I've read about using multiple cleaners like Simple Green and even rubbing alcohol. Of the many suggestions I've heard, I decided on one that I thought was pretty simple: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

So today I grabbed a magic eraser and a cup of water and my G Loomis MBR844C, which hasn't had the cork cleaned in over two seasons of use, so it showed a lot of use.

Before going after the whole thing, I tried a small section to see how it worked. Let's just say my cork handles will never see sand paper again.

Here's the first swatch I did compared to how dirty the rest of the handle was.



And comparing my MBR844C, cleaned with the Magic Eraser, next to my dad's MBR843C, yet to be cleaned.



So if anyone is looking to clean their cork handles this winter, give the regular Magic Erasers a try. I simply got it wet, and rubbed it lengthwise on the handle until it looked clean. Then I wiped the water and residue from the Magic Eraser off with a paper towel. Once the cork was dry, they looked almost new.

BB