Introduction: 

Learn how to clean a spinning reel like a pro. This complete guide covers every step, from disassembly to lubrication, so your reel stays smooth and long-lasting.

Why You Should Never Skip Cleaning Your Spinning Reel

If you’ve been fishing for a while, you already know that your spinning reel is your best friend on the water. Whether you’re casting for bass in freshwater or targeting snappers in saltwater, a clean reel can make all the difference. But here’s the thing—most anglers ignore reel maintenance until it’s too late.

Over time, salt, sand, and debris can corrode internal parts and destroy your reel’s performance. I’ve personally had reels lock up during a fight with a 15lb mahi-mahi—simply because I didn’t clean it after a salty day. So let’s not make that mistake again!

🔧 Why Cleaning Your Spinning Reel Matters (Even If You Don’t Fish Daily)

Many beginner anglers assume reel maintenance is only for tournament pros or heavy users. That’s far from true. Here’s why regular cleaning matters:

• Saltwater = Silent Killer: Salt can corrode inner bearings faster than you think.
• Sand = Grinding Gears: Just a few grains inside your reel can ruin smooth performance.
• Dirt Buildup = Line Trouble: Dirt affects line lay, drag performance, and retrieve speed.
• Long-Term Savings: A $150 reel can last 10+ years with simple cleaning.

🎯 Real Example:
I once used a Shimano Sedona in the Florida Keys for 4 straight days. Didn’t clean it. After a week, the anti-reverse started skipping. Opened it up? Full of white corrosion. That reel could’ve lasted years if I had just rinsed and greased it after use.

🧰 What You’ll Need (Basic Reel Cleaning Kit)

Here’s a reliable checklist you can follow. Most of these items are available online or at local tackle stores.

Item	Purpose
Soft toothbrush or small paintbrush	For removing debris and sand
Microfiber cloths	For wiping and drying parts
Warm water + mild soap	Basic cleaning solution
Cotton swabs/Q-tips	For tight spots
Small screwdriver	To open reel components
Toothpicks	For applying grease in hard-to-reach areas
Reel oil (like Shimano, Penn)	For bearings and moving parts
Reel grease (Shimano, Cal’s, Penn)	For gears and drag systems
Isopropyl alcohol (optional)	For deep cleaning stubborn grime

👉 Pro Tip: Avoid WD-40. It can damage seals and wash out factory grease.

⚙️ A Quick Look at How a Spinning Reel Works

Before we open it up, let’s understand what’s inside your spinning reel. Knowing the basic components will help you clean without damaging anything.

Major Parts to Know:

• Spool: Hold your fishing line.
• Bail Arm: Guides the line back to the spool.
• The drag system helps manage how much pressure is applied when a fish pulls on the line.
• Handle & Rotor: Cranks and rotates the spool.
• Main Gear & Pinion Gear: Located inside the reel body; they turn your effort into line retrieval.
• Ball Bearings: Enable smooth operation.
• The anti-reverse system prevents the handle from turning backward when reeling in a fish.

➡️ When we clean, we’ll focus on keeping these parts free of salt, sand, and old grease, and re-lubricate them for smooth operation.

🚨 Pre-Cleaning Precautions (Read Before You Start)

Cleaning your reel isn’t complicated—but one wrong move can cause permanent damage. Follow these safety and preparation tips before you begin:

🔸 1. Read the Manufacturer’s Manual

always follow your reel brand’s guidelines, as brands like Shimano, Penn, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia may have slight variations.

🔸 2. Work in a Clean, Flat Space

Avoid working near sand or carpet. Lay out a towel and a small tray to hold screws.

🔸 3. Take Pictures as You Go

Take pictures of each step using your phone to keep a clear record. Trust me, this will save you during reassembly!

🔸 4. Use Light Force

Never force a part open. If it’s stuck, it needs soaking—not muscle.

🔸 5. Do Not Over-Grease or Over-Oil

More isn’t better. Using too much lubricant can collect dust and cause the gears to stick.

🧽 Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Spinning Reel (Properly & Safely)

Now that you’ve prepared your tools and work area, let’s start the actual cleaning process.

🔧 1. Disassemble the Reel (But Don’t Overdo It)

You don’t have to completely break your reel down into 50 parts. Most cleanings require removing the spool, handle, drag knob, and side plate. Here’s the breakdown:

✅ How to Disassemble Safely:

• To remove the spool, turn the drag knob counterclockwise until it comes off.
• Take off the handle – usually unscrews in reverse.
• Use a small screwdriver to take off the side plate, and make sure to keep the screws in order.
• Carefully remove the rotor and gear covers, which may vary depending on your reel model.

📸 Pro Tip: Take pictures at every step. It’ll make reassembly way easier.

🧼 2. Clean Each Component (Outside & Inside)

For basic cleaning, use gentle soap and warm water. A soft toothbrush will help scrub off dirt and debris without scratching.

🪣 Clean These Parts:

Part	Cleaning Tool	Notes
Spool	Toothbrush + soapy water	Clean line area, drag washers (if accessible)
Handle	Cloth + Q-tips	Get into the knobs and shaft
Rotor	Brush	Remove sand and grit
Internal Gears	Q-tips + isopropyl alcohol	Be gentle, don’t over-saturate
Side Plate	Cloth + dry brush	Avoid water near bearing seals

🚫 Avoid soaking the reel. It might push water into sealed components.

🔩 3. Dry Thoroughly

Let each part air dry on a clean towel or gently pat dry with microfiber cloths. Make sure there’s no water left in crevices—moisture is your reel’s worst enemy.

🛢️ 4. Apply Reel Grease & Oil (The Right Way)

Now, let’s talk about lubrication. This step is important to make your reel last longer and give you smooth, effortless casts.

🟡 Where to Use Oil:

Use a high-quality reel oil and learn what to grease a fishing reel with for moving parts:

• Ball bearings
• Handle knobs
• Bail arm pivot points
• Anti-reverse bearing

👉Use a tiny amount of oil—too much can make dust and dirt build up.

🔵 Where to Use Grease:

Apply a small amount of reel grease—such as Cal’s, Shimano, or Penn blue—to the necessary parts.

• Main gear teeth
• Pinion gear
• Drag washers (if manufacturer recommends)
• Gear shafts

🧠 Real Experience Tip:
I once over-greased my Shimano reel with cheap auto grease. It clogged the main gear and slowed down retrieval speed. Since then, I only use Cal’s for gears and Shimano oil for bearings.

⚠️ Common Greasing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It’s Bad
Over-greasing gears	Attracts dirt, slows down reel
Using car or lithium grease	Not water-resistant, can damage seals
Oiling drag washers	Some washers should stay dry — check your manual
Mixing different greases	Chemical reactions may degrade the lube
Skipping bearings	Leads to noisy, jerky reel behavior

🛠️ 5. Reassemble Your Reel (Step-by-Step)

Once you’re done cleaning and greasing the parts, carefully put the reel back together. 

Follow these steps in reverse:

1. Reinsert gears and gently align them
2. Screw side plate back on securely
3. Attach rotor and bail arm
4. Insert spool and tighten drag knob
5. Attach handle and spin to test movement

👉 Test everything: Does the reel spin smoothly? Is the bail clicking? No grinding sound? Then you’ve done it right.

💧 Freshwater vs. Saltwater Reel Cleaning

Type	Frequency	Special Consideration
Freshwater	Clean every 5–10 trips	Rinse with water + mild soap
Saltwater	Rinse after every trip + deep clean monthly	Use corrosion-resistant oil/grease

💡 Pro Tip: After every saltwater trip, rinse the reel with freshwater (light mist only) and wipe it dry to avoid buildup between cleanings.

🧪 Best Grease & Oil for Spinning Reels (Quick Review)

Here’s a short comparison of the best reel lubricants I’ve personally used:

Product	Best For	Notes
Cal’s Universal Reel Grease	Gears, drag	Smooth, heat-resistant
Penn Precision Grease	Saltwater reels	Blue color, water repellent
Shimano Grease & Oil Kit	Shimano reels	Perfect match for their design
Yamalube Marine Grease	Heavy-duty reels	Great for offshore gear
Ardent Reel Butter	All-purpose	Budget-friendly option

 

🔧 Common Reel Problems & How to Fix Them After Cleaning

Even after cleaning and greasing your spinning reel, you may run into a few hiccups.  Here’s the smart way to handle them like an expert.

⚠️ Reel Feels “Sticky” or Stiff?

Probable Cause: Too much grease or dirt in bearings.
Fix:

• Reopen the side plate
• Clean excess grease
• Re-lube sparingly
• Check bearings—if damaged, replace

⚠️ Bail Arm Doesn’t Snap Back Smoothly?

Probable Cause: Lack of lubrication or spring wear.
Fix:

• Put a single drop of reel oil on the bail arm joint for smooth movement.
• If still stiff, inspect spring mechanism (you might need a replacement)

⚠️ Clicking or Grinding Sound?

Probable Cause: Sand/dirt in gears, misaligned parts
Fix:

• Open reel and clean thoroughly
• Align gears carefully during reassembly
• Apply proper grease

🎣 Real-life Tip:
I once ignored a light clicking sound in my Penn Battle reel—turns out a tiny sand particle was grinding the pinion gear. Fixed it just in time before major damage!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ How often should I clean my spinning reel?

🔹 Saltwater fishing: After every trip (quick rinse) + monthly deep clean
🔹 Freshwater fishing: Every 5–10 uses or once per season

❓ Can I use WD-40 to clean my fishing reel?

🚫 No. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant. It can strip existing grease/oil and dry out seals.

Use dedicated fishing reel cleaners or isopropyl alcohol instead.

❓ Which type of grease is best for a fishing reel?

✅ Use reel-specific grease like:

• Cal’s Universal Reel Grease
• Shimano Reel Grease
• Penn Precision Grease

📌 Related Keyword Used: “what grease to use on fishing reels”

❓ Can I use car or bike grease for my reel?

🚫 No. Car grease lacks water resistance and might damage delicate parts inside your reel. Stick to marine-grade grease or the type suggested by your reel’s manufacturer.

❓ Do I need to oil and grease every time I clean?

🔹 Light rinse: No grease, just drying
🔹 Deep clean: Yes, re-grease internal gears and oil bearings

❓ My spinning reel still feels rough—what should I do?

• Check if you missed any debris
• Clean bearings again