Ever notice your golf club slipping during a crucial swing? Or maybe your hands feel uncomfortable, even tacky, after a few holes? The culprit is often your golf grips. Constantly in contact with your hands, golf grips accumulate dirt, sweat, and oils, which severely compromise their performance and your comfort.
Clean golf grips are vital for consistent performance, better control, and a more enjoyable game. Fortunately, bringing them back to life is simpler than you might think. This guide will walk you through the best way to clean your golf grips, restore their tackiness, and know when it’s time for a full replacement.
Why and When to Clean Your Golf Grips
Your golf grips are the only connection you have with your club. Over time, the buildup of grime and body oils can make them slick, reducing friction and causing you to grip harder. This leads to tension, fatigue, and ultimately, a loss of control and distance.
Club manufacturers often recommend cleaning or changing grips at least once a year, or even more frequently if you play often. Look for signs like a shiny, slick surface, a sticky or tacky feel (not the good kind!), or visible dirt and discoloration. Don’t wait until your clubs are flying out of your hands to take action!
Essential Supplies for Cleaning Golf Grips
Gathering your materials before you start makes the process quick and efficient. You likely have most of these items around the house already.
- Mild dish soap or grip cleaning solution
- Warm water
- Soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works great) or a clean cloth/sponge
- Clean towel for drying
- Optional: Golf grip brush or cleaning kit for dedicated results
Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean Your Golf Grips
This method focuses on cleaning grips that are still on your clubs, helping to restore their original feel and performance without needing to remove them.
1. Initial Wipe-Down
Start by wiping down each grip with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris. This pre-cleaning step prevents you from grinding dirt further into the grip material.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
In a small bucket or bowl, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. You want a sudsy, but not overly concentrated, solution. A dedicated grip cleaning solution can also be used following its instructions.
3. Scrub Gently
Dip your soft-bristle brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the entire surface of each grip. Pay extra attention to any heavily soiled areas or textures, working the soap into the grooves to lift away embedded dirt and oils.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse each grip under cool, running water to remove all traces of soap. It’s crucial to get all the soap off, as residue can make the grips slicker than before. Avoid getting excessive water into the shaft or club head.
5. Dry Completely
Use a clean, dry towel to pat the grips dry. Then, allow them to air-dry completely for at least 20-30 minutes before playing. Ensuring they are fully dry prevents mildew and helps restore their tackiness.
Advanced Grip Maintenance & FAQs
Can You Use Alcohol to Clean Golf Grips?
Yes, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can be effective for cleaning rubber and synthetic grips. It’s excellent for cutting through oils and grime. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and wipe the grips, then rinse with water and dry.
Be cautious with leather grips, as alcohol can dry them out. Always test on an inconspicuous area first, and ensure proper ventilation.
Can You Rejuvenate Old Golf Grips?
Cleaning can significantly improve the feel and tackiness of many older grips, making them feel “rejuvenated.” However, if grips are cracked, worn smooth, or have lost their elasticity, cleaning will only offer a temporary fix. At that point, a full replacement is the only true solution.
Using lighter fluid to rejuvenate grips, as sometimes suggested, can be risky. While it might remove some residue, it can also degrade the grip material over time, making them brittle or sticky in a bad way. Stick to mild soap or alcohol.
How Do You Keep Grips Clean During a Round of Golf?
To maintain clean grips on the course, carry a small, damp towel with you. Wipe your grips periodically, especially after a particularly sweaty shot or if you’ve been eating. Some golfers even keep a small, soft brush in their bag for a quick scrub.
Consider wearing a golf glove, as it absorbs sweat and provides a consistent grip. Regular cleaning at home, of course, is the best preventive measure.
Can You Use WD-40 for Cleaning Golf Grips?
No, you should NOT use WD-40 or similar oil-based lubricants to clean golf grips. While it might appear to clean, WD-40 leaves an oily residue that will make your grips extremely slick and unsafe. It can also degrade the rubber or synthetic materials, shortening their lifespan. Stick to water-based solutions.
When Cleaning Isn’t Enough: Time for a Regrip
Sometimes, no amount of cleaning can bring a grip back to life. If your grips show signs of irreversible wear such as hardening, cracking, fading, or a perpetually slick feel even after a thorough clean, it’s time to replace them. Replacing grips is a simple process that can dramatically improve your game.
Grip Tape Removal
If you’re replacing grips yourself, you’ll first need to remove the old ones. Special grip removal tools can make this easier. Alternatively, you can use a rubber kitchen scraper or putty knife to carefully lift the edge of the old grip tape and peel it away. This process can be time-consuming, so patience is key.
Preparing for New Grips
Once the old grip and tape are removed, clean the shaft thoroughly with soap and water to eliminate any remaining residue. Ensure the shaft is completely dry before applying new grip tape.
Applying New Grips
Most manufacturers recommend using rubber-based grip tape for replacement. Cut the new tape to size, apply it smoothly to the shaft, avoiding wrinkles or stretching. Once the tape is secured, you’ll typically use a solvent to activate the adhesive and slide on your new grip. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your new grips and tape.
For detailed guidance on re-gripping, consider visiting your local pro shop or consulting manufacturer websites like Golf Pride Grips for expert tutorials.
Conclusion
Maintaining clean golf grips is a simple, yet highly effective, way to improve your golf game. By regularly cleaning your grips, you ensure consistent performance, better control, and a more comfortable experience on the course. Make it a routine, and you’ll feel the difference in every swing.
