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How To Clean Golf Clubs At Home

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How to Clean Golf Clubs: Efficient Methods for Optimal Performance

Updated: 12/13/2023

Dirty golf clubs are more than a smudge; it’s a silent game-ruiner. But fear not; the secret to pristine clubs isn’t rocket science. Master how to clean golf clubs, and watch your game and gear transform.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn a simple and efficient technique to clean your golf clubs
  • Discover how to maintain your clean golf clubs to enhance round properly
  • Gain knowledge on setting up a cleaning area and cleaning shafts and grips effectively
Looking at this clubface, this golfer needs to read our How to Clean Golf Clubs post

The effects of a golf divot are dirt and grass pasted to the clubface.

Keep Your Golf Clubs Clean

Maintaining clean golf clubs is essential for any golfer, regardless of skill level, and is not a time consuming task. Divot debris on golf club heads reduces the spin rates of the golf ball, affecting your game while on the golf course. To ensure your golf clubs stay in top condition, follow these cleaning methods:

  1. Recognize the effects of a divot: Dirt and grass sticking to the clubface are typical of a divot.
  2. Choose a cleaning method: Either invest in golf club cleaner kits or use common household equipment for a DIY approach.
  3. Follow a cleaning routine: Regularly clean your clubs to keep them looking and performing their best. This will help maintain that brand-new showroom look.

By incorporating these steps into your routine, you can ensure your golf clubs remain clean and adequate, improving your overall performance on the course.

Materials Needed to Clean Your Golf Clubs:

To properly clean your golf clubs, be sure to have the following items on hand:

  • Bucket (optional): A bucket can be used to hold water and soap for cleaning your clubs, but if you have a dedicated washing sink, you can skip this item.
  • Dish Soap: Liquid dish soap removes stubborn stains from your dirty clubs. Avoid heavy detergents or bleaches, as they may damage your equipment.
  • Scour Pad: A soft sponge will help wipe your golf clubs without using too much soap.
  • Brush: Use a brush to clean the grooves of your clubface effectively. You can purchase a designated golf brush, such as the Frogger BrushPro Golf Brush with a retractable cord, or use a soft-bristled toothbrush as a substitute.
  • Polish: Choose a metal polish (for chrome or steel clubs) or wood polish for wooden clubs to add a finishing touch and keep them looking pristine.
  • Golf Towel: A designated microfiber or an old towel will work just as well for drying your clubs after cleaning. The Titleist Players Microfiber Golf Towel is an excellent option, with plenty of space for wiping down an entire set of clubs.
  • Water: Lukewarm water is recommended for optimal cleaning results. Avoid using too hot water, as it may soften the ferrules and cause them to slip on the shaft.

With these materials gathered, you’ll be prepared to clean your golf clubs effectively and have them looking and performing their best for your next round on the course. Before pulling them out of the golf bag, let’s address some important aspects of club cleaning.

How to clean golf clubs items needed.

Instructions on How to Clean Golf Clubs

Cleaning Golf Woods

When cleaning golf woods made from metals like Titanium, carbon steel, or 17-4 steel, ensure you are gentle with the paint finish on the driver, fairway woods, hybrid heads, and the paint on the sole. Using wire brushes may cause scratches, which can be distracting while addressing the ball.

Cleaning Golf Irons and Wedges

Irons and wedges tend to collect a lot of debris from regular play. Although you might clean your clubs during a round, it’s essential to periodically remove the built-up dirt, grass clippings, and other materials from the grooves.

Maintaining Your Putter’s Cleanliness

Although putters might not need cleaning as frequently, they should still be taken care of, especially if they come into contact with sand. Wiping the grip with a cleaning cloth keeps the grip clean and adds a bit of traction, ensuring your putter grip remains effective.

Setting Up and Preparing Your Cleaning Space

To clean your golf clubs effectively, follow these steps:

    1. Create the cleaning solution: Mix a reasonable amount of liquid soap in lukewarm water. The mixture should be enough to cover the club heads. Be cautious to avoid ferrule movement and potential damage to the woods and hybrids by not submerging them for too long. For vintage golf clubs, like old persimmon wood, refer to Louisville Golf Club Care and Maintenance of Vintage Golf Clubs.
    2. Dip the head into the solution: Let the golf club head soak in the mixture for a few minutes to loosen dirt and accumulated chemicals.

    • Clean the head: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub each face, paying attention to areas with excess dirt. Scrub the face from the hosel to the toe in a back-and-forth or circular motion. Follow with vertical scrubs from the sole to the top line. Check cavity back irons for hidden dirt and clean it out. For drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids, ensure you clean any channels or weights visible.

Getting soap suds out from behind your cavity back irons is highly recommended

  • Be cautious with painted surfaces: When cleaning the crowns and soles of woods and hybrids, avoid causing surface scratches. A microfiber towel is a safer option for buffing out dirty spots.
Callaway XR driver getting super clean

Notice the soft bristles to clean the sole of the Callaway XR Driver

  • Clean grooves: If your brush doesn’t have a groove cleaner, use a golf tee to clear out any remaining dirt in the grooves.

Using a golf club groove sharpener to get out excess dirt while getting the edge back is recommended

  • Rinse with water: Rinse the golf club head under tap water, checking for any leftover dirt. If necessary, repeat the cleaning steps until the club head is clean.
  • Dry and polish: Use a small towel to remove residual water or moisture from the heads. Add a finishing touch by applying an appropriate polish to the metal with chrome or similar polish.

Golf Towel dry your super clean irons and woods to prevent rust

Cleaning Your Shafts and Grips

Proper maintenance of the golf club shaft and grip is crucial for enhanced performance and durability.

Cleansing the Shaft

Steel and graphite are the most common shaft materials. They may require slightly different care processes, but the overall concept remains the same:

  1. Prepare the mixture: Wet your scour pad with soapy water.
  2. Gently clean the shaft: Wipe the steel shaft gently, careful not to splash water everywhere. For graphite shafts, avoid solvents to protect the delicate polyurethane casing. Use a dampened cloth instead.
  3. Remove rust (if needed): If steel shafts show signs of rust, use a little vinegar, elbow grease, and 000 or 0000 steel wool. Anything rougher may scratch the shaft.
  4. Dry and wax: After washing the shaft, wipe it dry. For graphite shafts, consider waxing as a finishing touch to restore shine. Car wax works well, too. Inspect both shaft materials for deformities such as dents or knicks and replace the shaft if necessary.

Caring for Golf Grips

Neglecting clean golf club grips can lead to dry, hard, slippery rubber surfaces, affecting your round. You can purchase ProPlay Club Grip Cleaning Wipes or create your DIY grip cleaner. Follow these steps for a good deep clean:

  1. Prepare the mixture: Combine liquid soap and water and stir to create soap suds.
  2. Wet the grips: Run the grips under running water before applying soap.
  3. Scrub the grips: Apply the sponge with a soapy mixture and gently scrub.
  4. Rinse the grips: Run warm water over the grips. Avoid hot water as it may damage the glue holding the grips to the shaft.
  5. Dry and maintain: Use a dry towel to dry the golf grips and remove excess water. Assess the condition of your grips to determine if they need sanding or replacement.

To maintain grip quality:

  1. Perform routine inspections and clean them at least once a month.
  2. Be knowledgeable about your type of grip and the best ways to maintain it, such as using a soft bristle brush and hand soap or window cleaners like Windex and Glass Plus.
  3. Replace golf club grips as needed, and consider looking into golf grip tape as a starting point.

Related: Best Golf Shoes 2023

Golf Club Cleaner Final Thoughts

As a golfer, cleaning golf clubs is crucial to ensure optimal performance. Following these guidelines will help keep all the clubs in pristine condition:

  • Regularly clean your clubs with a mixture of water and mild detergent.
  • Soak clubheads briefly, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
  • Dry thoroughly and apply wax for added protection, if desired.
  • Remember to care for your grips; proper maintenance can prolong their lifespan.

By adhering to these simple steps on how to clean golf clubs, from beginners to the scratch golfer, everyone can benefit from well-maintained equipment and enjoy a better game.

FAQ’s & Tips

What is the best way to clean golf clubs?

  1. Preparation: Create a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water.
  2. Cleaning the Head: For proper cleaning golf clubs standards, place the club head in soapy water for a few minutes. Gently scrub the clubface with a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush, focusing on the grooves. Ensure not to submerge the ferrule (the plastic part connecting the head and the shaft).
  3. Rinsing and Drying: Rinse the head with clean water and diligently dry it with a towel. Avoid leaving water on the golf club, as this might cause rust.
  4. Shaft and Grip Cleaning: Wipe the shaft using a damp cloth. Make a separate soapy water solution and use a soft brush or cloth for grips. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my golf clubs?

Use Dawn or any other mild soap to clean your golf clubs effectively. Dishwashing liquid removes grease and dirt without harming the club’s materials.

Is it okay to wash golf clubs with water?

Washing golf clubs with water is fine when done correctly. Use lukewarm water, and avoid soaking the ferrule or any part where water might enter the club’s interior. After washing, make sure to dry the clubs immediately to prevent rusting.

How do I make my golf clubs look new?

  • Thorough Cleaning: Follow the comprehensive cleaning guidelines for golf club heads, shafts, and grips.
  • Polishing: After cleaning, apply suitable polish to the metal parts of the club. Opt for chrome or metal polish for irons and wood polish for wooden club heads.
  • Groove Maintenance: Utilize a groove cleaner or a fine-bristled brush to clean and maintain the clubface grooves.
  • Grip Care: Clean and inspect the grips regularly. Replace them if they’re worn out.
  • Regular Maintenance: Consistently wipe down your clubs after each use and store them in a dry, cool area to maintain a new appearance.
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About Author

You're looking for some help when it comes to choosing the right golf gear, and finding the right set up for your game. Chris Howard has been in the golf industry since 1995, and knows just what you need to take your game to the next level. Growing up on a golf course, Chris has always had a love and passion for the sport. He desires to provide others with a better golfing experience - from helping them choose the right golf gear, to finding the perfect set up for their individual game.

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