How to polish and clean golf clubs?

The game of golf is not just about hitting the golf field. After a long day of swinging, putting, and chipping you need to clean and polish your golf clubs for the next appearance. Cleaning and polishing golf clubs improve their appearance and make sure that there is no obstructing debris on the club’s face that could affect the ball striking process and mess the spin on your ball. If you are a serious golfer who respects this game, you would not want to make an appearance on a golf course with a dirty, messy, and awful-looking golf club. It is therefore very crucial to learn how to polish golf clubs as a regular maintenance routine.

Before and after cleaning

In this article, you will get a detailed guide on how you can polish your golf clubs the right way. The methods here are tried and tested, and you can be assured that they will yield useful results for your golf clubs.

How to polish golf clubs? Getting ready

Before you start polishing your golf clubs, you first need to wear safety gear. The most common safety gear are gloves, eye protection, and ear protection. These are essentially crucial when you are working with power tools. Other than the protective gear, you need at least the following items to clean your golf clubs:

  • Cordless drill
  • Cleaning rag / soft sponge
  • A clean bucket
  • Metal polishing (Chrome or steel polish)
  • A vice or metal clamp

What Is The Best Metal Polish For Your Golf Clubs?

The Club Doctor Golf Club Polish is a foolproof way to bring back the beauty and performance of your clubs. You’ll be able to use it on virtually any type of golf club, from putters to drivers. The polish creates a mirror finish that will help improve it’s appearance!

It’s safe and effective, so you don’t have to worry about potentially damaging your clubs while cleaning them. All it takes is a simple wash or wipe with a cloth or microfiber towel, and the formula goes to work!

Don’t let weather, wear, and tear affect the look and feel of your golf clubs. With Club Doctor Golf Club Polish at your side, you can confidently take any course without thinking twice about how your clubs look or if they’ll perform as needed. 


How to polish and clean golf clubs

How to polish golf clubs

The conventional method (A Stepwise Guide)

  • Add warm water to the cleaning bucket. Note that if you use hot water, the ferrules can get damaged and the head loosened.
  • Put the golf club’s head in the warm water until all the dirt is removed. The amount of time that the club’s head will stay in the water depends on how dirty it is. Generally, the club should stay in the water for at least 5 minutes. If however, you played golf in muddy conditions, you need to let the club keep in water for at least 10 minutes. If your bucket is large enough, you can soak several golf clubs at the same time.
  • Use the sponge or cleaning rag to remove the dirt still on the club entirely. If the dirt is stubborn, you can use a soft brush but ensure that it is not so hard on the club’s face.
  • Rinse the club with clean water and then dry it up immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Keep in mind that drying has to be done directly if the ferrules get wet. That is because, if you leave them in this condition, they deteriorate easily and can ruin the entire club.

How to polish golf clubs following the conventional cleaning method

  • Depending on the finish of your golf club, dip a rug on the chrome or steel finish.
  • With gentle pressure, apply the polish on the golf club in swirls. Do this until the entire polished part is covered with a single thin layer of new polish.
  • Let the polish on the golf club dry then give it a final wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

The drilling method

A cordless drill is an available golf club cleaner that you can use to clean your golf club, especially when it is scratchy and lousy. Follow this procedure to clean your golf club using this method.

  • Use a cleaning rag or soft sponge to remove dirt and rust that may have accumulated on the clubs’ surface. If the dirt is stubborn, you can also go for a soft brush.
  • Use the cotton polishing wheel connected to the drill and rub up the golf club to apply the polishing compound. Use less mixture here since the polish will be extensively and thoroughly applied to cover all the stains and scratches.
  • Wipe the club’s surface with a rug to ensure that you are removing all the remaining scratches and discolorations.
  • To achieve a final glossy look, apply the white compound and rub it gently on the club’s surface. Note that the club will smoothen after subsequent usage; hence it will be easier to wash after some time.

How to Clean Golf Club Grips

The golf club grips can also get dirty after prolonged use of the golf club. To effectively clean the grips, here are the items you should have:

  • Bucket
  • Towel
  • Washing liquid
  • Warm water
  • Toothbrush

Procedure

  • Fill the bucket with warm water, add washing liquid, and stir until the water becomes bubbly.
  • Dip the golf club into the water while securing the ferrules.
  • After a few minutes of submerging the clubs in water, use a toothbrush to scrap the dirt off while putting more stress on the grips.
  • After cleaning the grips, move to the club’s head and sole
  • When all the parts are clean, rinse the club with clean water.
  • Wipe the club with a dry cloth to remove the club’s excess water and let it air dry.

Club Cleaning Tips

Clean your clubs regularly

Frequently cleaning your golf clubs ensures that dirt does not harden up to the point that it causes rust. Note that if you are used to cleaning your clubs, it will take you relatively less time to clean them in one round.

Concentrate on the grooves

The grooves on the club’s face tend to collect grass, dirt, and moisture. If you do not stress on these parts, your club may develop a foul smell not to mention that it can lead to inaccurate shorts and ball spins.

Does Wd40 Shine Golf Clubs? 

Cleaning golf clubs with WD40 can work, but there are better solutions than this. WD40 is a petroleum-based product and can be abrasive to golf club surfaces. It may also damage some of the components within your clubs, such as shafts, grips, etc.

Also, WD40 is designed to dissolve dirt and grime but won’t do much when polishing. It’s best to use a metal polish specifically designed for golf clubs for best results.

Is Dawn Soap Good For Golf Clubs?

Dawn soap can clean golf clubs but will only do a little in terms of restoring the original shine of your golf clubs. You can use water and dawn dish soap to remove dirt and grime.

Can You Use Tire Shine On Golf Clubs?

Tire shine should not be used on golf clubs. Tire shine is designed to improve the shine and appearance of tires, not golf clubs. The chemicals in tire shine can be harsh and abrasive on the surface of your golf clubs, potentially causing damage to them. , so it will likely damage your golf club.

Cleaning Golf Clubs With Vinegar

If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean your golf clubs, vinegar is an effective and surprisingly safe alternative. You can use a mixture of white vinegar and water to scrub dirt and grime from the surface of the club. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the club with water, dry it off with a cloth, and then buff it with a clean rag to restore the shine. 

Can You Use Bar Keepers Friend On Golf Clubs?

Bar Keepers Friend is an excellent cleaning agent you can use to polish golf clubs. It’s a firm yet gentle abrasive cleaner that you can use to remove stains from the surface of your club. Just make sure to use it sparingly and only apply it to heavily stained or scratched areas. 

As always, use a soft cloth or microfiber towel for best results. If you encounter deep scratches or gouges, it may be time to invest in a new set of golf clubs. No amount of polishing will bring those back up to par! 

Can You Use Steel Wool On Golf Clubs?

Steel wool may be helpful for some cleaning tasks, but there are better choices for golf clubs. Steel wool is too abrasive and could cause serious damage to your club’s surface.

Can You Clean Golf Clubs With Clorox Wipes?

Clorox wipes are not designed for golf clubs and should be avoided. The chemicals in Clorox wipes can be harsh and abrasive on the surface of your golf clubs, potentially causing damage to them. The best way to clean your golf clubs is with dish soap and warm water or an alcohol-based cleaner specifically designed for golf clubs.

The bottom line

The only way you can return the favor that the game of golf offers in relaxing your mind is by cleaning and polishing the golf clubs you use frequently. If you want natural motivation each time you turn up to a golf course, you should keep your golf clubs clean, shining, and thoroughly polished. Luckily, you now know how to polish golf clubs with super easy and effective methods. Remember that if you care for your golf clubs properly, they can serve you for a lifetime!

FAQ

❓ What tools do you need to clean your golf clubs?

  • Cordless drill;
  • Cleaning rag / soft sponge;
  • A clean bucket;
  • Metal polishing (Chrome or steel polish);
  • A vice or metal clamp.

❓ What tools do you need to clean your golf grips?

  • Bucket;
  • Towel;
  • Washing liquid;
  • Warm water;
  • Toothbrush.