This may sound like an odd question, but really it is research with a purpose.

How does everyone clean their files? The type of cleaning I mean is: file-file-file plastic, it quickly gets clogged with styrene, clean-somehow, file-file-file, clean, etc. In other words, constant cleaning, not a full clean for clogged, just wiping off the dust that gets in there after a few passes.

Micro and small full sized files, and not counting the wedged chunks that need to be removed with a kines or scribe.

Some methods:

wipe file on rag
wipe file on pants
scrub file with wire brush

wirebrush

Winner!

Wire brush when necessary.

As a note: I tend to use sanding sticks vs. files. Sandpaper on wooden flat sticks - no cleaning necessary, when clogged or nasty, just cut them down or throw them out.

Wire brush when necessary
I have few set of files, a set of very small, fine pin files I use with figures, a slightly larger set I use with Armor and a similar set I use for Dioramas where different materials are used. Of course, sand paper of different varites is used a s well.

It isn't an odd question, a dirty file it isn't effective!

I pass the wire brush just a little, only to remove the main debrises , then I soak my files in a bottle of trieline and I gently shake.
That's solve the plastic remains without damaging the file teeth.
Of course, I do that, just if they don't have a plastic handle. Otherwise i use a stiff old brush to spread the trieline just on the metal parts.After them, I immediately dry the files with a cloth to prevent the rust formation.

Anyway I've noticed that to clean the files which aren't very dirty, it's enough to pass a (dry) fine sponge along the teeth. I usually use the back side of an abrasive sponge

cheers

a file card is a wirebrush specifically designed for cleaning files

hrdware/tool shops should be able to hook you up with what you need

File cards work much better than wire brushes!!!

Filecard ..

Thanks guys.

I was asking because I was thinking about an inexpensive product that might be useful...but I think I'd be the only one to use it!

I'm not a card/wire brush man myself. I'm right handed, so after a few passes, I very easily-quickly-fluidly wipe the file hard on my right pant-leg. I'm usually wearing old denim or workpants (and have glue, paint, styrene dust and various all over them!). It's just so easy and fast because you barely alter the stroke/flow...file-file-file-wipe...while still holding file, and one handed, no need to grab a card/brush.

But the downside is I destroy pants. They're workpants, but often would have much more life if I didn't grind through the cloth on the right top thigh!