Why You Should Clean Your Golf Clubs (with DIY Instructions) 

At Forest Creek, we believe great golf starts with great essentials—and that includes the care of your clubs. After every round here, our staff gives your set of clubs some love. Each one is cleaned and wiped down so you’re ready for the next tee time. 

But we know you’re not always playing at Forest Creek (though we like to imagine we’re your one and only). When you’re on the road or teeing it up somewhere else, those clubs still deserve some TLC. Clean grooves equal better contact, more spin, and longer-lasting equipment—and the good news is, doing it yourself is easy. 

Why Clean Clubs Matter 

To put it plainly, every shot you take depends on friction between the clubface and the ball. Mud, grass, and sand trapped in the grooves reduce spin and control. Over time, grime can also wear down finishes and lead to rust. Plus, clean grips stay tackier longer, which helps you hold the club securely (and keeps it from flying out of sweaty hands mid-swing—not ideal for you or anyone nearby). 

A dirty clubface also costs you consistency. If you’ve ever watched a wedge shot come off “hot” or roll out farther than expected, debris could be the culprit. And while performance is reason enough to keep clubs clean, let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about opening your bag and seeing gleaming heads instead of caked-on grass and sand. 

Cleaning Your Clubs at Home 

Regular golf club maintenance isn’t complicated. It just takes a few minutes and extends golf club life. So, when you can’t bring your club collection back to our team after a round, here’s how to keep them looking and performing their best.  

What You’ll Need 

• A bucket of warm (not hot) water 

• Mild dish soap 

• A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush 

• A towel 

• Optional: a groove cleaner like Grooveit or a tee for stubborn dirt 

Step-by-Step: Irons, Wedges & Putters 

1. Soak — Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and dip the clubheads for a few minutes. Keep the ferrules and shafts mostly out of the water. 

2. Scrub — Use your brush to clean the face and grooves. For packed-in dirt, run a tee or groove cleaner gently through the lines. 

3. Rinse & Dry — Rinse with clean water, then dry completely with a towel. Lingering moisture is the enemy of shiny clubheads. 

Step-by-Step: Woods & Hybrids 

Avoid soaking these. Instead, dip your brush in soapy water and gently scrub the face. Wipe clean with a damp towel and dry right away. 

Grips 

Mix mild soap and warm water, then wipe grips down with a cloth. Dry entirely with a towel. This simple golf club care step keeps them tacky and sweat-free. 

Quick Post-Round Routine 

If you’re short on time, a simple wipe with a damp towel after each round keeps buildup from turning into cement. It’s not perfect, but a quick once-over is better than letting dirt sit. 

When to Ask for Help 

Some deep cleaning — like removing heavy rust, deep polishing, or changing grips — is better left to the pros. Bring your clubs to the shop here at Forest Creek; our staff can advise on re-gripping, deep cleaning, and even loft/lie checks. It’s part of our commitment to quality golf gear maintenance. 

A Final Forest Creek Tip 

When you play here, we’ll always handle the cleanup for you. But when you travel, now you have a simple routine to keep your equipment in peak shape until you’re back on our turf. Consider it an extension of the Forest Creek experience—a way to keep your game (and your clubs) sharp wherever you tee it up. 

And if you notice your wedges starting to rust, grips turning slick, or just want that just-played-at-Forest-Creek shine again, bring them by the shop. We’re always happy to help you maintain and extend the golf club life.