How to Clean Golf Clubs: a Definitive Guide

How many golfers properly clean their dirty golf clubs after every single round? Zero, it most certainly has to be zero. We’ve all hacked around the mud and bushes out there and promised ourselves that we’d pamper our clubs when we got home, only to quickly head in the house while our poor dirty clubs stay in the car or garage. Well, the fact that you are reading this article means your procrastination has come to an end! In this guide, we will show you the best way how to clean your golf clubs, from the heads to the grips.

How To Clean Golf Clubs

There are two different times to clean golf clubs: (1) on course, and (2) off course. When on course, simply wet a golf towel and give the club heads a quick wipe when needed. When off course, a more thorough deep cleaning regimen is needed.

Deep cleaning golf clubs thankfully is not an expensive chore nor a time-consuming one. Yet it is a mundane task that we sometimes put off, and then put off again and again. This guide will walk you through step-by-step how to safely clean your clubs so that their life is extended and your performance is improved. We will also point out some do’s and don’ts of cleaning methods along the way to ensure proper golf club maintenance.

Why clean golf clubs?

We’ve all strolled up to the green to find our ball with a chunk of mud on it. What is the first thing we do in this situation? We mark it, pick it up, and clean it. The last thing we want (besides 3-putting) is seeing the ball tumble out of control towards the hole looking like a muddy tumble weed being tossed around in the wind.

Cleaning golf clubs, especially the grooves on the club head, can dramatically improve your performance. To increase overall control, and more specifically spin control, having clean grooves is critical. Just think, professional tour caddies clean a player’s club after every single shot! They are not doing that because they are bored. They are ensuring the clubs are clean to maximize performance for every shot the player must make.

Finally, cleaning golf clubs will prolong their life, prevent rust, and increase their resale value!

How long does it take to clean Golf clubs?

Plan on spending 15-20 minutes to clean golf clubs (includes preparation time).

Supplies needed to clean golf clubs

Luckily, all the supplies that are needed to clean golf clubs are household items that most people already have so the expense should be minimal.

• Bucket or large bowl
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Soft bristle brush (or old toothbrush)
• Soft microfiber cloth or towel

I know some of you may be saying, “Hey, where is the wire brush listed?” There really is no need for a metal wire brush to scrub against a metal golf head. This is a recipe for scratches that will ultimately damage your clubs.

Getting Started

Squeeze about 1/2 tablespoon of mild soap into a bucket or large bowl and fill it up with warm water. The best place to clean clubs may be on a patio or porch, but a lot of times I do it from the couch or kitchen sink. The water splash from cleaning should be minimal, unless you accidentally knock over the bucket of water. Alright, now that we have everything prepared, let’s jump in on exactly how to clean golf clubs.

How to clean Irons / wedges

Golf clubs will inevitably get dirty. Even if you play 100% on mats, mat marks will show up on your clubs. Golf irons and wedges will be the dirtiest clubs in your golf bag due to divots and their constant contact with the ground. Follow these five easy steps on how to clean golf irons and wedges:

Step 1: Place all iron heads in the bucket of soapy water and let soak for a few minutes (I typically lean the shafts against a wall so none of the iron/wedge heads bang into each other)

Step 2: Using the soft bristle brush, take one club out at a time and scrub the club head, paying particular attention on the grooves (ensure to brush with the grooves horizontally)

Step 3: Dip the iron back into the bucket of soapy for a few seconds to rinse off any remaining dirt or debris

Step 4: Dry the club head with a soft microfiber cloth or towel

Step 5: Repeat steps 2-4 on all remaining irons

How to clean fairway woods / hybrids / drivers

Drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids typically don’t get caked with mud and dirt as much as irons and wedges so the cleaning process should not be as strenuous. With that said, follow these six easy steps to ensure they stay stay clean to maximize your performance:

Step 1: Do NOT soak any fairway woods / hybrids / driver club heads in the bucket of soapy water

Step 2: Using the soft bristle brush, dip the brush into the soapy water and then scrub the club head, paying particular attention to the club face and screw areas

Step 3: Dip the club head into the bucket of soapy water for a few seconds to rinse off any remaining dirt or debris

Step 4: Dry the head with a soft microfiber cloth or towel

Step 5: Allow the fairway woods / hybrids / driver club head to air dry for 5-10 minutes prior to putting the head cover back on (to prevent mildew)

Step 6: Repeat steps 2-4 on all remaining fairway woods / hybrids / drivers

How to clean a putter

Ideally, a putter should not be exposed to the high velocity swings involving dirt, mud, and grass like irons and woods are subject too. With that said, a putter should be cleaned from time to time, even if just to remove grass stains.

Step 1: Do NOT soak your putter in the bucket of soapy water

Step 2: Using the soft brush, dip the brush into the soapy water and then scrub the putter head gently

Step 3: Dry the head with a soft microfiber cloth or towel

Step 4: Allow the putter to air dry for 5-10 min prior to putting the head cover back on (to prevent mildew)

How to clean golf grips

Golf grips are oftentimes neglected during the cleaning process. Having clean golf club grips will extend the life of the grips and shockingly provide for better grip by removing excess dirt.

Step 1: Do NOT submerge your golf grips in the bucket of soapy water

Step 2: Take a damp towel or damp cloth and wipe down the grips

Step 3: Take a dry towel and wipe down the grips

Step 4: Allow grips to air dry for 5-10 minutes before putting the clubs back into the bag

How often to clean clubs

When playing out on the golf course, I typically wet my golf towel before the round and quickly wipe my club heads when needed. I advise doing the same so that your clubs will always be ready to perform for each shot.

If you are an avid golfer (playing more than 25 rounds per year), I’d recommend a “deep cleaning” (i.e., the cleaning process laid out in this guide) at least once per month. If you play daily, then I’d adjust to a deep cleaning at least weekly.

Golf club cleaning is not the most glamorous activity, but the more you take care of your clubs, the more the clubs will take care of you next round!