How To Clean Golf Clubs

dirty golf club face

Noticed your shots aren't landing quite where you want them? It might not just be your swing. Dirty clubs can play a factor, too. Mud-caked grooves and dirt-covered clubfaces can quietly mess with your accuracy, distance, and control.

The good news? You can clean your golf clubs with a quick and easy solution. Whether you're at home doing a deep clean or wiping down between holes, this guide covers it all. Let’s make sure your gear stays as sharp as your game.

Why Cleaning Your Golf Clubs Is Important

Clean clubs = better shots. It’s that simple. Dirt and grass stuck in the grooves mess with how your club connects with the ball. That means shorter distances, awkward spins, and unpredictable shots. Think of it like gripping a basketball with muddy hands–good luck aiming.

Cleaning your clubs regularly also prevents long-term damage. That grime? It’s full of sand and grit that slowly wears down your clubface. Over time, it can lead to rust, corrosion, and the need to replace your favorite wedge way too soon.

What You’ll Need to Clean Golf Clubs

Before you start, grab these essentials:

  • A bucket or sink with warm water

  • A teaspoon of gentle dish soap (nothing too harsh)

  • A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great)

  • A clean towel or microfiber cloth

  • Optional: Chrome or steel polish for extra shine

  • Bonus: GolfERASERS Club Cleaners for easy on-the-go cleaning without the mess

GolfERASERS come pre-moistened, so you don’t need water, soap, or any setup. Just swipe and go, perfect when you're on the course or in a hurry.

How to Clean Your Golf Clubs

Cleaning Irons and Wedges

  1. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap.

  2. Submerge the clubheads for about 5 minutes to loosen the debris.

  3. Use a soft brush to gently clean the grooves and surface.

  4. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.

  5. Want that polished look? Apply chrome or steel polish and buff with a cloth.

This method is great for giving your clubs that refreshed, ready-to-play look.

Cleaning Drivers and Fairway Woods

Seriously. Don’t soak these. The internal construction can be damaged by water.

  1. Dip a cloth in the soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe the clubhead.

  2. For tougher spots, use your soft brush with a light touch—especially around painted or detailed areas.

  3. Dry completely, especially around seams and the hosel.

Some golfers let their woods air-dry overnight after cleaning just to be extra careful.

Cleaning Wooden Clubs

Vintage wooden clubs? Handle with care.

  1. Use a barely damp cloth (not wet!) to wipe down the head.

  2. Skip the brush–too rough for wood grain.

  3. Dry immediately with a soft towel.

  4. If you’re thinking of conditioning the wood, check with a pro club fitter first.

Moisture and wood don’t mix. A little extra attention goes a long way here.

Cleaning the Shafts

Don't forget the shafts! They pick up sweat, dirt, and residue just like the heads.

  1. Wipe down with a damp cloth and soapy water.

  2. Avoid soaking the area where the shaft meets the grip or head.

  3. Dry thoroughly with a towel.

  4. Steel shafts: check for rust and gently buff with fine steel wool if needed.

  5. Graphite shafts: just stick with a cloth—no abrasives.

Cleaning the Grips

Grips are your main connection to the club. Keeping them clean is key.

  1. Use soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to clean the full surface.

  2. Pay special attention to where your hands usually go.

  3. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry immediately with a towel.

If your grips still feel slick or hard after cleaning, it might be time to replace them.

Quick & Easy: How to Clean with GolfERASERS

What Are GolfERASERS?

GolfERASERS are pre-moistened cleaning sponges made specifically for golf gear. They’re kind of like a typical eraser, but built to swipe away dirt, grass, and grime from your clubs, balls, and even clean your golf shoes, without damaging the finish.

They're simple, satisfying, and effective. You can easily save 20-30 minutes every week by cleaning your golf club faces with our GolfERASERS sponges. And they fit right in your bag, so you can touch up your clubs right after a bunker shot or muddy swing.

You’ll still need to clean the shafts and grips the traditional way, but our GolfERASERS are built to target the specific area of your golf clubs that sees the most action–your club face. By bringing a pack of these on the golf course, you’re preventing hours of cleaning you’d have to do otherwise.

Why GolfERASERS Work So Well

  • Pre-moistened and portable: Just a little water is needed to unlock its extensive cleaning capabilities.

  • Safe for all finishes: No harsh chemicals or damage.

  • Works in seconds: Just swipe to clean and go.

  • Fits in your bag: Perfect for quick mid-round touch-ups.

GolfERASERS were designed to solve the exact problem many golfers face: dirty clubs, no time, and no easy solution. Now you’ve got one.

How to Use GolfERASERS

Here’s how to have clean, sharp-looking clubs in under 30 seconds.

  1. Tap your club to shake off loose dirt.

  2. Swipe the GolfERASER across the clubface, focusing on the grooves.

  3. For tough stains, apply a bit more pressure, but no need to scrub hard.

  4. Wipe off any leftover moisture with your towel.

When Should You Clean Your Golf Clubs?

The answer is a little more complicated than an exact number. Ideally, you’re cleaning your golf clubs every day, but sometimes, your clubs need a little extra care. 

  • After every round: Wipe down with a towel to remove fresh dirt.

  • Every 4–6 rounds: Give your clubs a full soap-and-water clean. Wipe away dirt and grime from the club face and use our guide above to avoid 

  • During play: Use GolfERASERS after hitting from sand, mud, or rough terrain.

  • Before storage: Always clean your clubs before putting them away for a while.

Mistakes to Avoid

A little care goes a long way. Make sure to avoid these mistakes when cleaning your golf clubs:

  • Don’t use wire brushes or anything abrasive. They’ll scratch your clubface.

  • Don’t soak your clubs for too long (5 minutes is plenty).

  • Don’t forget to dry everything completely. Moisture can lead to rust.

  • Skip harsh household cleaners. Stick to mild soap or GolfERASERS.

  • Don’t ignore the grooves! That’s where the spin and control come from.

How to Keep Clubs Clean Between Holes

Keep some of these tips in mind to keep your golf clubs clean when playing a round. Professional players do this between holes, and it shows in their performance.

  • Keep a damp towel on your bag to wipe clubs after each shot.

  • Use GolfERASERS for tougher mid-round cleanups.

  • Store your woods and putters with headcovers to prevent scratches.

  • Make it a habit to check grooves weekly for hidden buildup

Better Clubs, Better Game

Cleaning your clubs isn’t just about looks. It’s about playing your best. When your grooves are clear and your clubface is clean, your shots go farther, spin better, and feel more controlled.

And thanks to GolfERASERS, keeping your equipment in top shape has never been easier. Quick. Easy. Effective. Whether you're at home or on the course, these little tools pack a serious punch.