What is the best way to clean the outside of audio/video cables What is the best way to clean a cable that has gotten sticky. I know the best thing to do is to not get them sticky in the first place, but after time they get dirty/sticky all by themselves.

Lets assume that there are no breaks or cuts in the outside of the cable.

How would one best clean the outside of a cable of stickiness without damaging it more.
For delicate cables use dish washing soap and warm water with a clean rag. Do not tug or squeeze on the cable too hard and be extra gentle with anything that has twisted pair.

For not so delicate cables rubbing alcohol on a clean rag then applied should do the trick.