A golfer’s hands are in perpetual contact with the golf club, leaving dirt, sweat and oil on the grips. This can compromise both how well the club performs as well as the golfer’s comfort during play. Club manufacturers recommend cleaning or changing grips at least once a year or more often if dirty. Here are some steps you can take to clean golf grips.
In addition to cleaning and conditioning your golf club’s grips, make sure the grip tape is not peeling and that you check for any broken or cracked pieces in the grip. If this material is damaged, it needs to be replaced before you can apply new tape.
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Grip Tape Removal
Grip removal tools are available to help you slide off grip tape. If you are sticking with the old-fashioned way, however, use a rubber kitchen scraper or putty knife to gently work under the grip tape at one point and slowly lift it up. Once enough is lifted so you can get your fingers underneath, grab hold of that piece of grip tape and pull it up. This method can take a lot of time, so start this process days before you plan to re-grip the club.
Clean Golf Grips
Once the old grips are completely removed, wash your hands with soap and water. This will eliminate any unwanted oils or dirt that remain on your skin before you begin cleaning the grips.
Use wet wipes or small damp cloths to remove excess dirt and oil left on the grips. Be sure not to get any moisture in the grip’s interior since this will lead to developing mildew.
After rinsing, dry with a soft towel and let air-dry for about 20 minutes before beginning the tape replacement process.
Grip Tape Application
Most manufacturers recommend using a rubber-based grip tape to replace the old, worn grip. You can purchase this at your golf pro shop.
Cut the tape to size and attach it by firmly pressing down with your fingers and applying pressure around all sides of the new grip. Once you’re confident that tackiness has set in—usually after about 30 minutes—you can remove any excess material with a razor blade.
When applying the tape, be careful not to stretch the tape when wrapping it around your grip. This will lead to an un-even surface and could potentially affect how well the club performs—as well as increase the risk of slippage or blisters forming on your hands.
Dealing With Grip Tape Ripping
If the new grip tape begins to peel, simply use a razor blade to cut out any small pieces that are loose and reapply new grip tape over the affected area. Old grip tape can be removed with a few drops of lighter fluid on a clean piece of cloth or paper towel.
Once the old grip tape is removed, clean the area with soap and water and let air-dry for 20 minutes. A little lighter fluid on a new, clean cloth or paper towel will aid in removing any remaining excess grip tape residue from the club’s surface.
For more information about how to clean golf grips, contact your local pro shop or visit the website for Golf Pride Grips .
How do you clean old golf grips?
You can remove the grip tape and soak the grips in alcohol, then use a rubber scraper to lift off any dirt or excess grip material. Be careful not to get any moisture inside the grip. Let the grips dry out for at least 20 minutes before applying new tape. You can also buy grip tape removal tools (grip pullers) at your local pro shop.
How do you keep grips clean during a round of golf?
I’m not sure how to keep grips clean during a round of golf, but I’m guessing using wipes prior to hitting the ball is probably the best way. Perhaps have some wet wipes available for this purpose .
Can you rejuvenate old golf grips?
If the old grips are still in tact, you can rejuvenate them by wiping them down with a little lighter fluid. Make sure to let it dry completely before replacing the grip tape.
Can I use alcohol to clean golf grips?
Yes, you can use alcohol to clean golf grips. Simply remove the grip tape by gently working it off with either a rubber kitchen scraper or putty knife. Then soak the grips in alcohol and use your fingers to rub any dirt or excess material from both sides of the grips while they are submerged in the liquid. When you’re sure that all the dirt has been removed, empty the container and fill it with plain water. Then submerge your grips in the water and let them soak for a minimum of one hour. Finally, remove them from the water and repeat step #1 (i.e. gently scrape off any dirt or excess material that might be on either side of the grip). Finally, make sure to dry the grips completely before re-installing the grip tape.
Can you use WD-40 for cleaning golf grips?
While I don’t really know if WD-40 is good for cleaning golf grips, but I think you can try it .
How do you clean old golf grips that are soaked in lighter fluid?
If the old grips are soaked with lighter fluid, why not try using a bit of soap and water to clean them . You can also soak the grips in water overnight to help remove any remaining lighter fluid residue. Then use your fingers to rub off any excess dirt or material while they’re submerged in the liquid. When you’re sure that all the dirt has been removed, empty the container and fill it with plain water. Then submerge your grips in the water and let them soak for a minimum of one hour. Finally, remove them from the water and repeat step #1 (i.e. gently scrape off any dirt or excess material that might be on either side of the grip). Finally, make sure to dry the grips completely before re-installing the grip tape.
