How to Clean Golf Balls

Updated April 21, 2022
dirty golf ball in mud
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Golf balls can be expensive, and sometimes it's better to clean your golf balls instead of tossing them in the garbage and buying new ones. How you clean your golf balls, however, impacts how much longer they last. Here are the best ways to clean golf balls, and the wrong methods you should avoid.

Use Soap and Water in a Bucket

One of the easiest ways to clean golf balls is by using common cleaning supplies around your house. As your initial line of cleaning defense, fill a bucket with water and dish soap, grab a toothbrush of similar soft bristled brush, and a towel.

Equipment needed to clean golf balls
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    Equipment needed to clean golf balls
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  1. Fill a bucket with hot water enough water in to cover the golf balls. Add a small cap-full of dish soap and stir it around. Then drop in the golf balls.
  2. Soak the golf balls for 30 minutes to remove any excess dirt.
  3. Using your soft bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, scrub each golf ball individually. Place the clean balls to the side on a towel.
  4. Dump the water out of the bucket and rinse out the soap and dirt. Refill the bucket with water only.
  5. Rinse the golf balls in the clean water to remove any additional dirt, then dry them with the towel.
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Cleaning Extra Dirty Golf Balls With Bleach

If the above process with soap and water isn't enough to clean your golf balls, refill your bucket with hot water and add in a 1/2 cup of bleach. Allow the balls to soak in the bucket for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry each ball. Be sure to sse an old towel and wear old clothes, in case bleach gets on them.

Wash Golf Balls in the Dishwasher

Did you know you can wash your golf balls in the dishwasher? This method is not recommended for heavily soiled golf balls, but small to moderate marks or stains will come off easily in the dishwasher. Put the golf balls on the top rack of the dishwasher and use your regular dish soap. This method is great for the golfer who doesn't have time to obses over every spec of dirt in every dimple, but also wants to show up to the course with a clean arsenal of golf balls in the morning.

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Golf Ball Cleaners

Traditional on-course golf ball washer
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    Traditional on-course golf ball washer
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If efficiency is your thing and you don’t mind making a minor (or major) investment in exchange for a constant supply of clean golf balls, here are two great products we recommend.

Twister Golf Ball Washer

The Twister Golf Ball Cleaner was originally pitched on Shark Tank in 2010, but unfortunately for inventor Alfonzo Dowe, none of the Sharks were interested in golf, or investing in a golf-related product. Dowe’s ball-washing invention, however, is actually genius, and it’s available on Amazon for around $20.

The Twister is a portable ball washer that’s about the size of a can of your favorite beverage that opens in the middle and has bristles on the inside. Simply fill the Twister with some soap and water, drop your ball in the middle, and twist away. It’ll pop out looking good as new. Because of its compact size and cylindrical shape, the Twister easily clips to your golf bag or push cart, or fits into the cup holder in your golf cart.

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Birdie Bath Portable Golf Ball Cleaner

The Birdie Bath Portable Golf Ball Cleaner is another ball washer that you can clip to your bag or stick in the cup holder of your cart, which we love. It has a slightly larger footprint than the Twister, and slightly larger price to go with it, around $35 through Amazon, but you can probably save a few bucks by going directly through the Birdie Bath site. 

The Birdie Bath opens at the top, similar to a water bottle, and the lid has a ball-holder inside. Simply add water to the main unit, and drop your ball in to scrub as needed throughout your round, or before you head to the course.

Par Aide Deluxe Ball Washer

If you want to bring the golf course home with you in a somewhat functional way, how about a real-deal Par Aide ball washer in your backyard or golf room? This is the same ball washer you see on 99% of golf courses, and will let all your guests know you’re serious about golf.

Adding an authentic golf course ball washer to your home is as much a conversation piece as it is a functional tool, a fact that could help justify the $500 or so price tag. On the bright side, you’ll surely never head to the course with dirty old golf balls again.

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How Not To Clean Golf Balls

When it comes to cleaning your golf balls, there are some lines you should not cross. First of all, never use a hard or metal bristled brush to clean them. These types of brushes strip the outer layer of the golf ball. Also, never use gasoline or similar harmful chemicals to clean your golf balls. Finally, do not use a power washer to clean used golf balls, that can chip away the finish and outer layer of the golf ball.

Know When to Say When

Know when your used golf balls have been through enough. If the golf balls you're attempting to clean are severely stained, cut, or are breaking apart, it's time to say goodbye. You can use those balls for some backyard chipping practice, or if you're looking to make you own ladder ball set, but don't tee them up for a round on the course.