Dirty clubs lose spin and accuracy. Mud or grass in the grooves reduces backspin by up to 50%, which means less control on approach shots. Clean your clubs after every round, and wipe the grooves between shots during a round.
What you need
- Bucket or sink of warm water
- Mild dish soap (a few drops)
- Old toothbrush or groove cleaning brush ($3-5 at any golf shop)
- Soft towel
Don't use wire brushes on clubfaces. They scratch the finish and can damage the grooves over time.
Cleaning irons and wedges
- Fill a bucket with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Soak the clubheads for 5-10 minutes. Only submerge the heads, not the ferrules where the shaft meets the head, as prolonged soaking can loosen the epoxy.
- Scrub the grooves with the toothbrush. Work along each groove from heel to toe.
- Rinse under clean water.
- Dry completely with a towel. Don't put wet clubs back in your bag.
Wedges need the most attention. The grooves on your 56 and 60-degree wedges generate the spin that stops the ball on the green. If those grooves are packed with dirt, you lose the ability to control distance on short shots.
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Cleaning woods and drivers
Don't soak woods in water. The heads have internal cavities, and water can seep through small gaps over time.
- Dampen a towel with soapy water.
- Wipe the clubface and sole.
- Use a soft brush on the face to clear any dirt from the grooves.
- Dry immediately.
Cleaning the grips
Grips get slick from sweat and oils. Wipe them with a damp cloth after every round. For a deeper clean every few weeks:
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- Wet a cloth with warm soapy water.
- Scrub each grip, twisting the cloth around the grip.
- Rinse with a damp cloth (not under running water, to avoid soaking the shaft opening).
- Dry with a towel and let them air-dry for 30 minutes.
Replace grips every 40-60 rounds. See our regripping guide for step-by-step instructions.
During a round
Carry a wet towel on your bag. After each iron or wedge shot, wipe the face before putting the club back. This takes 5 seconds and keeps the grooves clean all round.
Many golf carts have ball washers and towel hooks. Use them. A clean ball also performs better: dirt on the ball affects spin and flight.
How often to clean
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe clubfaces between shots | Every shot (during round) |
| Full soak and scrub | After every round |
| Grip cleaning | Every 2-4 rounds |
| Grip replacement | Every 40-60 rounds or yearly |
| Shaft inspection | Monthly (check for rust, dents) |
Clean clubs last longer, perform better, and look better at address. It's 10 minutes of work after a round.
For more equipment care, see our guide on golf club rules, cleaning, and bag setup and how to measure golf club length.
