The Best Way to Clean Golf Grips
Golfers are a strange bunch. We expect a ball washer on every tee box, and a spike-cleaning station at the clubhouse entrance, and we beeline for the club washer whenever there’s one in sight. However, when it comes to cleaning golf grips – our only connection between body and club – we’re mostly clueless.
The great news is that cleaning your golf grips can easily be done in less than 15 minutes with supplies you already have at home.
What Supplies You Need to Clean Golf Grips
There are no surprises on the supply list for cleaning your golf grips. Here’s what you need to round up before you get started:
- Warm, soapy water (dish soap) in a bucket or sink
- Warm water with no soap in a bucket or sink
- Scrubbing brush
- Towel
Once you’ve got those four items, you’re ready to clean.
3 Steps to Cleaning Golf Grips
Cleaning your golf grips is an easy, three-step process. Even if you clean the grips on all 14 clubs in your bag, you can complete the entire process in about 15 minutes.
Step 1: Scrub the Grip
First, dip your scrubbing brush in the soapy water, and scrub all the way around the grip. Make sure to pay special attention to any spots with heavy dirt or grime.
Step 2: Rinse the Grip
Once you’ve scrubbed all the way around the grip, dip the grip into the clean water to rinse all the soap and grime away.
Step 3: Dry the Grip
After the suds and dirt are rinsed off your grip, use your towel to dry the grip, then move on to the next club.
Why Clean Your Golf Grips?
Think about all the things your hands transfer to your golf grips during a round of golf. From sweat, sunscreen, and natural oils to mud and sheer tension, you put those grips through a lot.
On top of that, sun and moisture take a toll on your golf grips over time as well.
Over time, your grips gradually become smooth, losing some of their traction. Cleaning your grips periodically helps them maintain the traction you need, and extends the life of the grips.
Cleaning your grips will extend their life, but eventually you'll need to replace them. If, even after cleaning, your grips are smooth and lacking the traction they once had, it's probably time to re-grip your clubs. This can be a do-it-yourself task, or you can bring them in to a pro shop or golf club retailer and have it done professionally.
How to Regrip Golf Clubs Yourself (With Ease)
How Often Should You Clean Your Golf Grips?
It’s a good idea to clean your grips about once every 10 rounds. Doing so will improve the look, feel, and performance of the grip, and extend the life of the grip.
Grip it and Rip It
Most golfers might not think to clean their grips, but considering the grip is what connects you to the club, which then connects you with the ball, it’s important to treat that part of your equipment with care.