How to clean your golf clubs and apparel (without damaging them)

Every golfer wants clean contact. Not every golfer get its. But clean equipment and apparel? Those are within anybody’s reach. Here’s a safe and simple how-to guide.

How to clean your golf clubs

There are almost as many ways to clean your clubs as there are ways to swing them, ranging from wiping them down with a towel to a deep-groove cleaning with a tee. One GOLF.com staffer claims to have gotten great results with the same power-washer he uses on his deck. But a tried-and-true home method is easier than that. Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water, then scrub down your clubs with a toothbrush. A scrub brush will also do the trick. When the dirt and grime are gone, dry your clubs with a towel, and you’re done.

How to clean your golf club grips

Remember what you did with that bucket? Do it again to clean your golf grips, filling it with warm, soapy water. Next, you’ll need a clean towel or a soft brush (if you’re grips are extremely dirty, the latter is probably better). Whichever you go with, dip it in the water and use it to scrub your grips for 30 seconds or so, then run them under water and towel them dry.

How to clean golf balls

On the course, a damp towel or a ball-washer will suffice, though for reasons both economic and aesthetic, on-course ball washers aren’t as common as they used to be. At home, several options spring to mind, including — you guessed it — a bucket of warm soapy water. Let the balls soak then wipe them clean. Nail-polish remover is another way to go, if you can stand the smell (working outside helps). If you don’t mind the clanking, you could even put the golf balls in a mesh bag and then into a pillow case, then pop them into the washing machine. But really, a bucket of soapy water will work just fine. It’s also quieter and won’t risk damaging a pricy appliance. 

How to wash your golf hats

Three years ago, in the spirit of scientific inquiry, intrepid GOLF.com managing editor Josh Berhow experimented with four cap-cleaning methods: dishwasher, hand-washing, washing machine and shower. All things being equal, Berhow found the dishwasher to be the easiest and most effective. Problem is, all things aren’t equal. Different hats are made of different material. And after running a hat through the dishwasher, Berhow found that the leather logo on it had stiffened and discolored, and the lettering on it became harder to read. Materials matter, and not all are suited for machine-cleaning. Not surprisingly, the washing machine delivered similar upsides and downsides, while the shower depended partly on what type of shampoo you use. While hand-washing required the most effort, it also allowed for the most targeted cleaning. Bottom line: it’s worth putting in the elbow grease.

How to clean your golf gloves

For starters, gently. Many gloves are made from soft leather, which is susceptible to damage. Machine-washing can work with certain types of gloves, but be sure to close any velcro clasps before you toss your glove in the machine. Hand-washing is the safer way to go. Fill a bucket with cold water and a touch of detergent. To scrub out stains, put the glove on your hand to maintain its shape, then work out the dirt and stains with light pressure. Rinse the glove well in cold water; soapy residue can dry out the leather. Let the glove air dry then put on your hand again to revive its shape and prevent it from shrinking. Remove the glove and let it dry for a few more hours.

How to clean you golf polo (without ruining the collar)

Two words: cold water. And now a few more words. The warmer the water, the more dye will run out of your shirt. So use the cold water cycle to protect the color of your shirt. As a further safeguard, turn the shirt inside-out, button the collar and use a gentle detergent. When the shirt is clean, don’t pop it in the dryer. Lay it out flat to dry instead.