I break mine down twice a year. I have not found an easy way to remove fish slime mixed with minnow scales. I just keep cleaning until I get them clean. The
last time I cleaned them, I put canuba wax on them (not on the foam handles). They looked like new but it didn't last long. I have used Dawn, WD-40, Greased
Lighting, and Awsome. Didn't find one better than the other.