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Keeping golf equipment clean plays an important, yet unforeseen role, in the effectiveness of your game.
To clean your golf club shafts properly, simply remove dirt and grime with water and a detergent-based solution. Rinse the solution, dry it, and store in a cool, dry environment. But sure to examine grip area and shafts for wear and tear and replace as needed.
Cover the heads of your woods and putter to avoid excessive damage. Take care of your clubs and you’ll get the most out of your game.
What Tools do I Need to Clean the Shaft, Clubhead and Grip?
Just as a carpenter needs proper tools for completing a project, so too does a golfer need the proper materials to effectively clean golf clubs. Fortunately, cleaning clubs requires just a few basic, inexpensive tools and materials.
These tools include a plastic bucket, a brush with small soft, non-metallic bristles, a mild dishwashing liquid detergent, a rag for washing, and a towel for drying.
Create a cleaning solution that will do the best job that requires the proper water temperature.
After adding detergent to the bucket, add enough water to cover the heads of your clubs.
Be sure the water is warm, but if it’s too hot to touch, it could melt the glue the small plastic that holds the heads to the shaft.
How to Clean the Golf Club Grip
Failing to clean the grips on your clubs could result in your club twisting in your hands on the swing or even worse, completely losing the club on the follow-through, potentially throwing the club farther than the ball is hit.
To avoid this loss of traction over time due to sweat, wipe them down regularly with a moist rag, then dry.
If you have neglected your grips for some time, they may need a more thorough cleaning. Don’t worry, just follow these easy steps:
- Add warm water and a small amount of detergent, just enough to create a few suds.
- Wet a cloth with the mixture and rub onto the grip
- Scrub the grip with a brush with soft bristles and rinse under warm water.
- Remember to never use hot water as it could loosen the grips from the club.
- Dry grips one at a time, don’t let the water linger on the grips.
Best Way to Clean the Golf Club Face?
For the average golfer, build-up of dirt and mud on the face and grooves is common, particularly if you had a bad round of chunking numerous shots.
If you just put the clubs away until the next round without cleaning the grooves, you are doing yourself a disservice. So why is it important to clean the grooves?
Simply put, clean grooves can add move spin to the ball, which provides an added lift for longer shots. It also adds to a better flight path and enough spin, particularly from better players, to have the ball actually back up on the green once it hits.
Starting with the irons and putter, simply immerse the clubs in the cleaning solution prepared for 5-to-10 minutes. The time allows the detergent to loosen dirt that has adhered between the grooves.
Make sure the solution only covers the heads and after soaking the clubs, remove one at a time and clean the grooves with an old toothbrush or any other kind of brush with soft, plastic bristles. Don’t haphazardly go through the process.
Try to remove as much dirt from the grooves as possible.
Simply use a wet rag to wipe the remainder of the clubhead, rinse with a hose and place on a clean surface until all the clubs in the bag are cleaned.
If any of the clubs are still wet, wipe with a dry, clean cloth.
How Do You Remove Scratches from the Shaft?
Sadly, although graphite golf shafts can get scratches just like club heads can, there is very little one can do to remove those scratches.
If what you see as a scratch can be wiped with a wet rag, it’s likely just a mark, some dirt, or paint from another club.
If a scratch is clearly visible but does not extend down the shaft, take a sigh of relief. It’s likely superficial and you can keep using the club. On other hand, if the scratch does extend down, then the shaft could be cracked. Any shot thereafter that is off could break the shaft.
You can attempt to remove scratches from the face of your irons. After cleaning, use 220 Grit Sandpaper after it’s been soaking in water for 15 minutes. Buff the scratches and then move to a 400 Grit Sandpaper that has been soaking for 15 minutes and buff again. Then let the club dry.
If the scratch is too deep, there is likely nothing you can do to remove the scratch. Either live with the scratch or dip into your wallet and purchase a new club.
General Maintenance Golf Shaft and Club Tips
In order to keep your shafts in as good of a condition as possible and avoid the need for an extensive cleaning, follow just a few simple guidelines.
Don’t be lazy and keep your clubs in the trunk of your hot car. Bring them inside and store them in a cool, dry place.
Never put your clubs away while still wet.
Take a moment to dry them to avoid the potential of rust forming on the shafts.
While on the course, use a towel to frequently wipe down the grips and clubs throughout your round.
Especially do this on a very humid or rainy day.
Cover the heads on your woods and putter. The bouncing of the clubs in the bag particularly when riding a cart can easily damage the heads.
Clean the grips, club heads and shafts regularly and while doing so, inspect them for wear and tear.
If there are areas of extreme smoothness, it’s time to consider purchasing new grips.
Don’t ignore the shafts. Inspect them for dents, nicks, or scratches that extend down the shaft. Don’t hesitate to replace the shaft if you see any of the above.
Taking the time to clean your clubs properly will help your game in multiple ways. Make sure you have a solution of water and detergent, rag, towel, and brush.
If you are trying to get nicks and scratches from the head, be sure to have 200 grit and 400 grit sandpaper.
Invest in some head covers to prevent excessive damage.
Remember, taking care of your golf club shafts and other parts of the club will help you get the most out of your game and help you save money in the process!