When I clean a rod after fishing I wipe the grip down with a hot water soaked terry cloth. On rods I have had for many the grip still looks new.
My recent used acquistion had a filthy, dirty, fish slimmed grip. I washed it with hot water and soap which took it off but the low spots (checks in the cork and fills) are black. It makes the grip look, shall we say - odd...any help here?

Hi bucko,
Try SoftScrub. Seems to work well for me.
Dewey

I've used a mixture of water and baking soda with good results. Just apply and scrub with a stiff bristled brush.

Regards

I've used warm water and a cotton cloth, period. I've been happy with the results. The baking soda and all sounds like a good tips. One opinion; one comment and one question though. My opinion; I think soap dries out the cork (I'll pass). The question: since cork has oils I was wondering if anyone has ever tried anything to restore the oils on a cork grip that feels dry? Now the opinion; I like the way the dark low spots look on a grip. It's a "character" issue .

Toothpaste works too.

I alwees like a dirty grip, and I judge how long some one has been fishing by the dirt on their grip, so why clean it. When I get a new rod (not that often) I cant wait for that grip to get dirty.

Hi Bucko...

Both baking soda and SoftScrub have worked pretty well for me.

Best,
5/0

I also like the 'lived in' look of my grips... as long as I'M the one who made it funky!

First I washed the grip with hot soapy water and a terry cloth rag. It got it clean on the flat but the crevices were starkly black. I did the baking soda paste with an old tooth brush thing (didn't have any soft scrub Dewey) and that lightened it up some. I can live with it now.
Jackster I'm with you, I 'm not liken nobody else's funk....I'll start on my own filth now.

Hello,

I'm usually the one asking the questions. But, I was told and I use this method to clean the grip. Take a rag with Denatured Alcohol (NOT RUBBING ALCOHOL) and rub !. It works and there's no mess from water or soap.

Now, if your going to unload the rod on ebay, take the process a step further. A 400 grit sandpaper will restore the cork to look new, minus any filler that may have poped out. You can fill the holes with cork dust and glue. Not worth the effort...If you try the cork dust filler idea, let dry and then hit the cork with 220 grit and finish up with 400.

To all who read this, AGAIN, I'm usually the one asking the questions...

ed