Do dirty clubs affect performance?

Yes. Packed grooves reduce backspin by 5-10%, which means less control on approach shots and wedge play.

Can you clean golf clubs in the dishwasher?

Don't. The heat can loosen the epoxy bonding the head to the shaft. Hand washing is quick and safe.

For light rust, steel wool or a rust eraser. For heavy rust, soak in vinegar for 30 minutes then scrub.

Chrome and stainless shafts benefit from occasional polish. Club heads just need cleaning -- don't use polish on the face.

Outdoor

Outdoor surfaces take a beating from weather, dirt, and use. Here's how to clean your golf clubs and keep them looking great.

1
Fill a bucket with warm soapy water
Mix warm water with a squirt of Lemon Glow Dish Soap. Warm, not hot -- hot water can loosen club head epoxy.
2
Soak the club heads
Submerge just the iron heads in the soapy water for 5-10 minutes. Don't soak woods or hybrids with hollow heads.
3
Scrub the grooves
Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub dirt from the club face grooves. Clean grooves are essential for ball spin.
4
Rinse, dry, and store
Rinse under clean water, dry completely with a towel, and store in a dry place. Wipe shafts with chrome polish.

TIPClean grooves on irons and wedges are essential for controlling ball spin. Dirty grooves lose 5-10% spin.
TIPCarry a wet towel in your golf bag and wipe clubs after every shot for easy maintenance during rounds.
TIPNever soak clubs with wooden heads, hybrids with hollow bodies, or any club for more than 10 minutes.

XSoaking woods and hybrids, which can allow water into the hollow head through small seams.
XUsing a wire brush on club faces, which can damage grooves and scratch the finish.
XLeaving clubs wet in the bag, which causes rust on steel shafts and mildew in the bag.

Wipe after every shot during a round. Full soak and scrub after every round or at least weekly during playing season.