It wasn’t until I was improving my game that I learnt about the important of clean golf clubs and and much it can impact the ball flight.
Dirty clubs can negatively affect play – and your score.
Not generating the spin you want around the greens? One cause could be the condition of your club face.
When dirt and grass clog the grooves on the clubface, it compromises spin and control. And even if your clubs look pretty clean, even just hitting the ball will leave a very thin coating of urethane from the outside of the golf ball on the club. Over time this can also impact performance.
Clean grooves ensure maximum friction between the club and the ball, leading to more accurate shots.
Regular cleaning also extends the lifespan of your clubs. If you think there may come a day you want to sell your clubs as part of an upgrade (ummm… yes, of course!) then keeping your clubs clean and in good condition will help you fetch the best price (and may mean you can justify getting the set you really want).
So if you were anything like I was and it has been a while since you gave your clubs a good clean then read on for the simple but very effective method.
Essential Supplies You Will Need
Soft-bristle Brush
A soft-bristle brush to remove dirt and grass stains. An old toothbrush is fine, or if you have one, a specialized golf club brush.
Personally, I use this:
Club Brush and (Retractable) Groove Cleaner
The ultimate club brush, equipped with everything you need to keep your gear looking and performing like it’s fresh out of the pro shop
Mild Dish Soap
Whatever you use in the kitchen is perfect. Mild dish soap mixed with warm water will help break down grime and grease on club heads, ensuring a thorough clean.
Warm Water
Note – warm water is good. Really hot water is bad. If the water is too hot there is a risk it could damage part of the club, the finish or the shaft. Unlikely, but better to not risk it with super hot water.
Towel
Really any towel is fine as long as its clean and not too harsh. You know how old towels can sometimes get really rough? Avoid those. A microfiber towel is perfect as they absorb water quickly and leave no lint behind.
Bucket
A bucket big enough to submerge your club heads easily. You will want to put all your irons in at the same time, so make sure its big enough. .
Groove Cleaner
Next you are going to want something hard and pointy to clean the grooves. Note I said point and not sharp. You don’t want a knife or anything that might cut into your club. My Club Brush above has a handy retractable groove cleaner on the end, so that’s what I use. But if you don’t have something like that, a strong toothpick or even a golf tee can work.
And that’s it. Now onto the method.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Golf Clubs (Irons)
1: Soak Your Irons
Add a squirt of your dish washing liquid to your bucket and fill it with warm water (remember, not too hot). Give it a good make and get it nice and sudsy. Submerge the club heads of your irons and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. Just like a stubborn dish in the kitchen, this soaking time will help loosen dirt and grime, making cleaning much easier.
2: Scrub Away Dirt
Grab your soft-bristle brush and one at a time, scrub the club heads gently.
During this process, also use your groove cleaner to clean out the grooves. Cleaning the grooves is really the most important step of cleaning your irons. Ensure you remove all dirt to restore optimal contact with the ball.
3: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse each club head under running water to wash away the soap and loosened dirt. Ensure all soap is removed, as residue can attract new dirt quickly.
4: Dry Completely
Use your towel to dry the club heads thoroughly. Leaving moisture can lead to rust formation, especially on metal parts. If you are putting the clubs back in your bag, make sure to leave any covers off the clubs and also keep your bag cover off. We want to make sure any remaining moisture evaporates and doesn’t get trapped.
And that’s it really. Here’s some before and afters from my last clean:
Cleaning Different Parts of the Golf Club
Cleaning Golf Grips
Don’t neglect your golf grips. They need regular cleaning to maintain tackiness and control. Use a damp cloth with warm, soapy water to wipe down the grips. If you happen to have some really stubborn dirt, you can give it a very gentle gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush but go easy and don’t damage the grips. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to avoid water damage. If you clean your grips, make sure to leave the clubs out of your bag until they are completely dry.
Cleaning Woods
Woods require a gentler approach due to their delicate surfaces and much smaller grooves. For these you can skip the soaking step and dunk them in your bucket of soapy water then give them a gentle brush. A quick rinse and dry and you should be good to go.
Cleaning Putters
Your putter won’t get as dirty as your irons, but no harm in putting it in the bucket for a soak along with your irons. Whether you have grooves or not on your putter, it’s pretty much the same process as above like your irons. Keeping your putter clean helps to have a good connection and better control on the greens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overall this process is really simple, but there are several common mistakes you want to watch out for which could lead to damage or suboptimal performance.
- Using Harsh Chemicals
Many golfers use household cleaners with harsh chemicals. Abrasive substances can damage club finishes and weaken grips. Plus you don’t need it. When you soak your clubs for 5-10minutes it will get rid of most dirt and grass marks. - Skipping Drying Steps
Leaving clubs wet after cleaning promotes rust on metal parts and mold on grips. Always dry clubs immediately with a clean towel, ensuring no moisture remains. And leave them out until the final bits of moisture have had a chance to evaporate. - Ignoring Grooves
The grooves on clubfaces are the most important part of good contact and control. Neglecting to clean grooves diminishes performance. Use a groove cleaner to fully clear them out. - Applying Excessive Force
Scrubbing too hard can scratch or damage club parts. Gentle, consistent pressure is all you need (especially after soaking them). Avoid using metal brushes that can cause unnecessary wear. - Neglecting Grips
Dirty grips affect control during swings. Some golfers overlook grip maintenance, leading to slippage. Clean your grips with warm soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and drying completely. - Incorrect Storage Post-Cleaning
Storing clubs improperly after cleaning leads to unnecessary damage. Ensure clubs are stored in a cool, dry place, and replace headcovers for additional protection after they are FULLY dry.
What Else?
Need more motiviation?
Proper maintenance can prevent rust. Moisture mixed with grass and dirt can create conditions that lead to corrosion. After rounds, drying and cleaning clubs immediately help prevent the formation of rust, maintaining club effectiveness over time.
A regular clean can also reveal damage early. Regular cleaning sessions provide an opportunity to inspect clubs for wear and tear, cracks, or other damage. Early detection allows prompt repairs, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.
Cleaning golf clubs isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for having your clubs perform how they are meant to. By following the right techniques and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure your clubs are always ready for the course. A little effort in regular maintenance goes a long way in achieving better shots and overall game improvement. So take the time to care for your clubs properly and enjoy the benefits of enhanced play and durability.
In Round Cleaning
With clean clubs being so important to performance, you should also get into the habit of cleaning your club after every shot. If you don’t have one, grab a brush like the one below and attach it to your bag.
After every shot, give it a little brush, clean out the grooves with the retractable cleaner and then give it a wipe with your towel. This will ensure it is ready to go next time you pull it out of your bag.
Club Brush and (Retractable) Groove Cleaner
The ultimate club brush, equipped with everything you need to keep your gear looking and performing like it’s fresh out of the pro shop