Keeping your golf clubs clean is one of the most important things you can do to maintain peak performance. Over time, dirt, grass, and moisture can build up and damage your clubs if left unchecked. We will answer how to clean golf clubs in this article.
Regular cleaning keeps grooves sharp, prevents corrosion, and extends the life of your golf clubs. Follow this simple guide to learn how to deep clean your irons, woods, putter and grips.
How to clean golf clubs – Supplies You’ll Need
Gather the following supplies before getting started:
- Bucket or sink filled with warm, soapy water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristle toothbrush or golf club groove brush
- High-quality microfiber cloth
- Old towel for drying
The soapy water will loosen dirt, while the soft brush scrubs out debris. Microfiber cloths safely wipe down clubheads without causing scratches.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Cleaning Irons and Wedges
Irons and wedges take a beating each time you hit a shot from the rough or a bunker. Here’s how to clean them:
- Fill bucket with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Submerge irons and wedges in the soapy solution for 15-20 minutes. The warm water will loosen caked-on dirt and grass.
- Remove clubs from the water and gently wipe down each clubhead with a wet microfiber cloth. Pay extra attention to the face grooves.
- Dip soft brush in soapy water and gently scrub grooves to dislodge dirt and grass. Be careful not to bend or damage grooves.
- Rinse clubs thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Hand dry each club with a towel, making sure to remove any remaining moisture from grooves. Air drying can lead to corrosion.
Cleaning Woods
Woods and especially modern drivers require special care. Follow this process:
- Do NOT soak woods or submerge in water. Doing so can damage the epoxy holding the clubhead to the shaft.
- Instead, dampen microfiber cloth with warm soapy water and gently wipe down clubhead and shaft.
- Carefully wipe the driver face to prevent scratching or damaging the face.
- Thoroughly rinse clubhead with clean water and towel dry.
Cleaning Grips
It’s amazing how dirty grips can get. Here’s how to clean them:
- Mix warm water and dish soap in bucket. Dampen a towel with the soapy solution.
- With a light brushing motion, wipe grips to remove dirt and oils.
- Rinse grips with clean water and towel dry thoroughly. Let air dry completely before returning clubs to your bag.
Cleaning Putters
Putters require minimal cleaning. Simply wipe the clubface and grip with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid submerging putter heads in water.
On-Course Cleaning Tips
Ideally deep clean your clubs at home, but here are some quick cleaning methods for at the course:
- Keep a small brush and towel in your golf bag.
- Use brush and towel to briskly clean grooves and clubface between shots.
- Carry a divot tool to regularly clean spikes on your shoes between holes.
Proper Club Care
- Never use a wire brush when cleaning irons and wedges. Wire brushes can permanently damage grooves.
- Ensure clubs are completely dry before returning to your bag for storage.
- Regularly clean clubs every few rounds as needed. Consistent cleaning prevents long-term damage.
Keep Your Clubs in Top Shape
Regularly cleaning your golf clubs is one of the best ways to maintain optimal performance. Following this simple cleaning process keeps grooves sharp, prevents corrosion and rust, and extends the life of your valuable clubs. Investing a few minutes after each round goes a long way in preserving your equipment.
