Cleaning Pillar Files

[Rbraniganpipes]

Is there any special trick to getting pillar files clean? I have a #2 and #4, and they get super gummed up when I am using them on acrylic stems. I have been trying to be delicate in cleaning them so that I don’t damage the teeth. I’ve used a brass brush, but it doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

[LatakiaLover]

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/g ... on-192628/

[KurtHuhn]

I use my thumb on single cut files, and generally a file card on double cut if they happen to load (rare).