How to clean golf clubs

While cleaning your clubs might not always be at the top of your to-do list, doing so plays a crucial role in maintaining their performance and longevity.

Whether you're a weekend golfer or a seasoned pro, knowing how to clean golf clubs properly can make a noticeable difference to your game. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know, from the right tools to use to how to clean specific parts of your clubs.

We’ll also cover more reasons why taking care of your clubs is essential to your game.

Why is it important to clean your golf clubs?

Before looking at how to clean golf clubs, let’s talk about why it's important in the first place. Just like anything you use regularly, your golf clubs go through a lot of wear and tear. Dirt, grass, moisture, and even salt from the air can build up on your clubs, all of which can potentially affect their performance.

When dirt and debris get stuck in the club grooves, it can reduce the spin of your shots and make it harder to control the ball. Not only that, but prolonged exposure to moisture, dirt, and other elements can cause the clubhead to rust or the shaft to weaken.

However, cleaning your clubs regularly helps maintain their condition, keeps them performing at their best, and ensures they last longer.

Tools and equipments need to clean golf clubs

To get started, you’ll need the right tools. Here are the essentials to get your clubs sparkling clean:

1. A bucket of warm water: Make sure it’s not too hot, as extreme heat can damage some materials.

2. Mild dish soap: Something gentle to avoid damaging the finish of your clubs.

3. A soft-bristled brush: Think of an old toothbrush or a dedicated golf club cleaning brush.

• The Callaway Golf Club Cleaning Brush is an excellent option, featuring soft and hard bristles for thoroughly cleaning clubheads and shafts.

4. A microfibre towel: for drying your clubs.

• The Titleist Microfibre Golf Towel is great for drying and buffing your clubs after cleaning.

5. A soft cloth: To polish and buff your clubs after cleaning.

• The Taylor Microfibre Polishing Cloth is ideal to bring out the shine on your clubs.

6. A grip cleaning solution: You can use soap and water for cleaning the grips, or a commercial cleaner.

• Try the Golf Grip Cleaner, which is specifically designed to keep grips slip-free and prevent debris build-up.

7. Rust remover: If you have clubs that show signs of rust.

• Rustins Rust Remover works well for removing rust from your golf clubs, especially on irons and wedges.

8. Club head cover: This protects your clubheads after cleaning.

• The TaylorMade Driver Headcover protects your driver and adds a stylish touch to your golf bag.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to start the cleaning process. 

Step-by-step guide to cleaning your golf clubs

1. Prepare the water

Start by filling a bucket with warm water. Add a small amount of mild dish soap and stir to create a soapy mixture. This will be used to clean the clubheads and shafts, so make sure it's not too hot to avoid damaging the clubs.

2. Clean the clubheads

For most clubs, cleaning the clubheads is the most important part. Over time, dirt, grass, and even sand can build up in the grooves of your irons and wedges, affecting their performance.

• Iron and Wedge Clubheads: Take your soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the clubheads in the soapy water. Focus on the grooves, as these can fill up with dirt. You can also use the brush to clean the bottom of the clubhead, where dirt and debris can build up after each shot. If the dirt is stubborn, let the clubheads soak in the soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.
  
  
• Driver and Fairway Wood Clubheads: You can follow the same process for your driver and fairway woods, but be careful not to scrub too hard, especially if the club has a glossy finish. Be gentle and dry the clubhead with a microfibre towel after cleaning.

3. Clean the shafts

Use your soft brush to clean the shaft, wiping away any dirt or debris. Focus on the lower part of the shaft, where dirt can build up. A clean shaft will not only keep your clubs looking great, but it also reduces the chances of buildup affecting your grip.

4. Dry and polish the clubs

After you've thoroughly cleaned the clubheads and shafts, it's time to dry them. Use a microfibre towel to gently pat the clubs dry, making sure you remove all excess water. Once the clubs are dry, use a soft cloth to polish the clubhead for a smooth finish.

5. Clean the grips

Your grips are one of the most important parts of your clubs. Over time, they can become slippery due to dirt and oils from your hands, so it’s important to clean them.

Use a damp cloth or sponge with some dish soap to clean your grips. Gently scrub the grip to remove any buildup. If your grips are particularly grimy, use a grip cleaning solution. Once clean, dry the grips thoroughly with a towel. For leather grips, it’s best to use a cleaner specifically designed for leather to prevent any damage.

How to clean rust off golf clubs

Rust is a common problem with golf clubs, especially if they’re left exposed to moisture regularly. However, it’s important to deal with rust as soon as you notice it, as it can cause long-term damage to your clubs if left untreated for too long.

Removing rust

If your clubs have developed rust, it’s important to address it before the problem spreads. There are a few different methods for removing rust from golf clubs:

• Rust remover: There are several products available specifically designed to remove rust from golf clubs. Follow the instructions on the label, as each product may have slightly different application methods.
  
  
• Home remedies: Alternatively, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the rusty areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush gently with a soft brush. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the clubhead while doing this, though.

Dry the club thoroughly once the rust is gone, and apply a protective coating to prevent future rusting.

What to avoid: common mistakes when cleaning golf clubs

Cleaning your golf clubs sounds easy enough, but there are a few mistakes golfers often make that can cause more harm than good. Here are some things to avoid when cleaning your clubs:

1. Using abrasive brushes

While it might be tempting to scrub hard with a stiff brush, doing this can scratch or damage your clubs, especially on delicate surfaces like the driver’s head or the grooves of your irons. So, stick with a soft-bristled brush.

2. Submerging clubs for too long

You don’t need to soak your clubs for hours. Just a few minutes in the soapy water should be enough. Soaking them for too long can cause moisture to seep into areas where it shouldn’t.

3. Using harsh chemicals

Some golfers use harsh chemicals or cleaners that can damage the finish of their clubs. Always use mild dish soap or a cleaner specifically designed for golf clubs.

4. Forgetting to dry the clubs

After cleaning, always dry your clubs thoroughly. Leaving them damp can lead to rust.

Caring for different types of clubs

Different types of clubs may need different care:

• Irons and Wedges: These clubs get dirty quickly because of the grooves. Clean them after every round and pay extra attention to the grooves.
• Drivers and Fairway Woods: While these clubs don’t tend to get as dirty, keeping the heads clean and free of scuffs is still important. Be extra gentle when cleaning these clubs to avoid damaging their finish.
• Putters: Keeping your putter clean is important for accuracy. Use a soft cloth to keep the head clean, and don’t use too much soap.

Regular maintenance to keep your clubs in top shape

As well as cleaning your clubs regularly, there are a few other maintenance tips to keep your clubs in great condition:

1. Check for loose screws: Check the screws on your clubheads. Tighten them if necessary to avoid any wobble or shifting during play.

• PGA Tour Pro Multi Tool Kit – This kit includes tools to help you adjust and maintain your clubs properly.

2. Protect your clubs: When you're not using your clubs, store them properly. Use headcovers to protect your driver and woods, and store your clubs in a dry place to avoid rust.

• TaylorMade Headcovers – Stylish and functional, protecting your clubheads from scuffs and moisture.

3. Get your clubs regripped: Over time, the grips on your clubs will wear down, which will affect your control. If your grips feel slippery or worn, it might be time to replace them.

• Golf Pride Multi Compound Grip – A durable and comfortable grip option that provides a great feel in all weather conditions.

4. Professional cleaning and maintenance: It’s worth getting your clubs professionally cleaned and checked every so often. A professional can deep-clean your clubs, check the shafts for damage, and even sharpen the grooves for optimal performance.

Specialist golf insurance from Golf Care

Every golfer should know how to clean their golf clubs. Not only does a clean set look great, but fresh clubs can also help improve your game. Your golf clubs are an important piece of equipment, which is why you might want to consider protecting them with specialist golf insurance.

With Golf Care, policies include Equipment Cover up to £7,500, Public Liability of up to £10m, and Personal Accident Cover up to £50,000. Get a quote online today to see what your peace of mind could cost.