How to Clean Golf Clubs
Every time you play a round of golf, your clubs take a beating. Between the constant force of hitting the ball and being exposed to the elements, golf clubs can quickly develop signs of wear and tear, and when your equipment isn't at its best, you can't play to the fullest. Fortunately, knowing how to clean your golf clubs properly can go a long way toward protecting them.
When you know what products to use to clean your golf clubs and how to use them, you can preserve them better and maximize your return on investment in professionally fitted equipment. Read on for answers to common questions "what do I clean my golf clubs with?" and "what is the best way to clean golf clubs?"
What to Clean Golf Clubs With
Cleaning golf clubs doesn't take a lot of special materials or products. You most likely have much of what you need at home. The following are the basic supplies you will need:
- Bucket
- Warm water
- Dishwashing soap
- Old toothbrush or soft-bristled cleaning brush
- Clean, dry towel
- Chrome or steel polish
- Soft cloth
Although these are the basic supplies, you won't use all of them on every part of your clubs or every club in your bag.
Cleaning Different Golf Club Materials
So what is the best way to clean golf clubs? The answer depends on the material in question. Metal and wood club heads, club shafts and club handles all require different techniques and products.
Metal Club Heads: Irons and Wedges
Cleaning the metal club heads on irons and wedges is important for keeping natural tarnish at bay. Metal is a durable material, but some types can rust in the presence of oxygen, and it's possible to scratch or damage them if you use the wrong products. For cleaning golf clubs with metal heads, follow these steps:
- Mix warm water and dish soap in the bucket.
- Soak the metal club head in the soapy water. If you clean your clubs regularly, you may only need to wait for 10 minutes before proceeding to step three. For heavy soil, let the club remain in the water for at least 20 minutes.
- Clean all angles of the club head with the toothbrush or soft bristle brush. Make sure you thoroughly clean out all of the grooves. Allowing dirt to accumulate here can reduce the spin of the ball and make it harder to get it onto the green.
- Carefully run water over the club head. Make sure that you wash off all of the soap and any excess dirt. Although dishwashing soap is a mild product, it could damage the metal if any residue is left behind.
- Dry the club head thoroughly with the clean towel.
- Rub on chrome or steel polish, and allow it to rest for 2 minutes. Then, wipe and buff with the soft cloth until the polish is no longer visible. This step will preserve the shine of the metal.
- Slip on a cover to protect the club until you're ready to play. Devereux carries a diverse assortment of unique and stylish covers to suit your needs and preferences.
Wood Club Heads
Cleaning golf clubs with wood heads requires a different approach due to the special properties of the material. Wood absorbs water, and if you don't thoroughly dry the clubs, mold and mildew may develop and weaken the club heads. Follow these steps to master how to clean golf clubs with wooden heads:
- Mix warm water and dish soap in the bucket.
- Dip a clean towel in the water.
- Wipe off the head of the club, making sure to remove all visible dirt.
- Immediately towel the head dry to prevent damage.
- Wait an hour or so for any missed moisture to evaporate and then slip on a Devereux golf club cover.
Cleaning the Remainder of a Golf Club
Cleaning your golf clubs thoroughly doesn't stop at the heads. The rest of the clubs also need regular care. Follow these tips for cleaning:
- Grips are especially important to clean as sweat from your hands to impurities from the environment can accelerate natural wear and tear. Regular cleaning can greatly reduce the need to frequently re-grip your clubs. Use a soft cloth dampened with dish soap and water to wipe away visible grime. Then, rinse thoroughly with water and dry immediately to keep the material from absorbing excess moisture.
- Shafts also need regular care to remain clean and free of rust. Use a damp towel to sweep dirt away from the shaft of the club. Wipe down with a second soft, dry towel to dry.
How To Clean Rusty Golf Clubs
When the shaft of your golf club develops rust, use a clean towel and white vinegar to lift away the oxidation. Never attempt to scrub rust away with a brush as this can lead to damage. After you have eliminated all traces of rust, use a clean towel to dry the shaft.
How Often Should You Clean Your Golf Clubs?
How often you need to clean your golf clubs depends on how frequently you play. Generally, you should strive to clean them at least once every few rounds. However, if you end up on a muddy course or notice buildup in the grooves of your irons and wedges before then, clean sooner. It's a good idea to use your golf towel to wipe down the heads after every shot to reduce the amount of cleaning necessary.
Clean and Protect Your Clubs
By following these methods describing how to clean golf clubs, you can keep your equipment spotless and ready to play for as long as possible. Remember, the better you protect your clubs, the less time you will need to invest in cleaning. Devereux golf club head covers offer ample protection between games and rounds to minimize exposure to dirt and the elements.
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