How to Clean Golf Clubs the Right Way

Start with warm water, not harsh chemicals

Fill a bucket with warm water and a small drop of mild dish soap. You want enough soap to loosen dirt, not a bubble bath. Keep water below the ferrules so it doesn’t creep up the shaft or soften old epoxy. Let iron and wedge heads sit for a couple of minutes; woods and putters usually need only a damp cloth.

Brush the grooves with care

Use a nylon brush for most clubs. A soft brass brush can help on stubborn iron grooves, but avoid aggressive wire brushing on plated, raw, painted, or black finishes. Work across the grooves, rinse, then check whether grass and sand are gone.

Wipe shafts and ferrules

Dirt and sunscreen build up on shafts, especially near the grip. Wipe them with a damp towel and dry immediately. If ferrules have small gaps, don’t soak them; just clean around them. A dry finish matters because moisture left in a bag can encourage rust on vulnerable heads and shafts.

Don’t forget the grips

Grips lose tack when sweat, rain, dirt, and hand oils build up. Scrub gently with soapy water and a towel, rinse with a damp cloth, and dry fully before returning clubs to the bag.

A basic cleaning kit:

• Bucket or sink of warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Nylon brush
• Groove pick used lightly
• Two towels: wet and dry

Finish with inspection

Look for loose ferrules, worn grips, rust spots, cracked shafts, and dents. Cleaning day is also inspection day. Catching a slick grip before a rainy round can save you from steering every shot with white knuckles.