Yes, you can clean golf balls, and it is important to do so regularly to keep them in good playing shape. Cleaning golf balls removes dirt, grime, grass stains, and scuffs that affect how they fly and roll. This article will show you the very best ways to clean your golf balls, from simple handwashing to using special machines. We cover many golf ball washing methods to bring back that new ball look.
Why Cleaning Your Golf Balls Matters
A dirty golf ball does not perform as well as a clean one. Dirt and grass build-up change the ball’s surface. This means air does not flow over the ball the right way. This small change can make your shots go shorter or veer off course. Think of it like driving a car with a very dirty windshield.
Clean balls look better. They are also easier to spot in the rough. Keeping your equipment nice helps your game. It also saves you money by making older balls feel newer.
Simple Steps for Basic Ball Cleaning
For everyday dirt and light soil, you do not need fancy gear. A quick scrub works well. These simple steps form the basis of most golf ball washing methods.
Hand Washing with Soap and Water
This is the quickest way to get rid of surface dirt.
- Gather Your Tools: You will need warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Make a Solution: Mix a few drops of mild soap into a bucket of warm water. Do not use harsh detergents or bleaches. These can damage the ball’s cover.
- Soak (Optional but Helpful): If the balls are very muddy, let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Soaking golf balls for cleaning loosens tough grime.
- Scrub Gently: Use the soft cloth or sponge to wipe down each ball. Focus on the dimples. Do not use steel wool or harsh scrub pads. They will scratch the cover.
- Rinse Well: Rinse each ball under clean, running water. Make sure all soap residue is gone.
- Dry Completely: Pat the balls dry with a clean, soft towel. Let them air dry fully before putting them back in your bag.
Dealing with Stubborn Mud and Grass
When simple washing fails, you need a slightly stronger touch. This helps with removing grass stains from golf balls.
- White Vinegar Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with three parts warm water. Vinegar is a mild acid that helps break down tough stains naturally.
- Baking Soda Paste: For small, dark scuffs, make a paste using baking soda and a little water. Gently rub this paste onto the mark with your finger or a soft cloth. Baking soda acts as a very mild abrasive.
Natural Cleaning Options for Your Golf Balls
Many golfers prefer to avoid strong chemicals. Good news! There are great natural golf ball cleaner options available. These are safe for the ball and the environment.
DIY Golf Ball Cleaning Solutions
You can mix up effective cleaners right in your kitchen. These DIY golf ball cleaning solutions work wonders on grime.
| Solution Recipe | Ingredients | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinegar Power Soak | 1 part White Vinegar, 3 parts Water | Tough stains, yellowing | Soak for up to an hour. |
| Lemon Brightener | Juice of 1 Lemon, Warm Water | Mild dirt, light shine boost | Safe and smells nice. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Spot Treatment | 3% Hydrogen Peroxide | Deep, set-in stains | Use sparingly; rinse very well. |
Caution: Always test any new solution on one old ball first. Check for any negative reaction before cleaning your whole batch.
Tackling Scuffs and Restoring the Finish
Scuffs happen when a ball hits a cart path, a tree, or another ball. The best way to clean scuffed golf balls involves light abrasion, but you must be very careful. Over-sanding or rubbing too hard will ruin the ball’s aerodynamics.
The Toothpaste Trick
For light scuffs, plain white, non-gel toothpaste can sometimes help. Toothpaste contains very fine abrasive particles.
- Apply a small dab of white toothpaste to the scuff mark.
- Use a soft cloth or even a microfiber towel.
- Rub the area in small, circular motions. Be gentle! You are trying to polish the scuff away, not remove the cover entirely.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
This method is great for restoring shine to old golf balls that look dull from light surface scratches.
Fine-Grit Sandpaper (Use Extreme Caution)
For very deep scuffs that affect playability, some golfers use extremely fine-grit sandpaper (like 1000-grit or higher). This is risky and should only be done on balls you don’t mind potentially damaging further. The goal is very light sanding, just enough to knock down the raised edge of the scuff. Always follow this with a polish using toothpaste or a buffing cloth.
Machine Cleaning: The Easiest Way to Clean Many Balls
If you have hundreds of balls from practice or a lost and found bin, hand washing is too slow. Investing in a machine makes the job fast and thorough.
Top-Rated Golf Ball Cleaning Machines
These machines use agitation and specialized cleaning fluid to deep clean large batches. They are often used by driving ranges or golf course maintenance crews.
- Rotary Tumbler Cleaners: These look like small cement mixers. Balls tumble inside a drum with water and cleaning solution. They are effective but can be noisy.
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: These use high-frequency sound waves in water to create tiny bubbles. These bubbles implode near the ball surface, blasting dirt out of the dimples. They are very gentle and highly effective for deep cleaning.
When using these machines, select cleaning agents approved for the device. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding water temperature and run time. These machines are often the best golf ball cleaning machine choice for volume cleaning.
Cleaning Range Balls
How to clean range balls is a common query. Range balls are built tougher than premium play balls, so they can often handle stronger cleaning. Many ranges use industrial washing systems, but at home, you can use the same methods listed above, perhaps with slightly longer soaking times due to the thick layers of dirt range balls accumulate.
Choosing Safe Cleaning Agents for Golf Balls
The material covering a golf ball—usually Surlyn or Urethane—can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Choosing safe cleaning agents for golf balls is key to preserving their flight characteristics.
What to AVOID
Never use these products on your golf balls:
- Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)
- Bleach (Chlorine)
- Strong Industrial Degreasers
- Abrasive powders like Comet or Ajax
These chemicals can break down the polymer structure of the cover. This can lead to cracking or uneven wear, making the ball fly erratically.
Recommended Safe Solutions Summary
Stick to these tried-and-true mild cleaners:
- Mild dish soap (pH neutral).
- White vinegar.
- Rubbing alcohol (use sparingly for quick wipe-downs, not long soaks).
- Specific golf ball cleaning sprays available commercially.
Deep Cleaning Techniques: When Soaking is Necessary
Sometimes, dirt penetrates deep into the dimples, especially if balls have been sitting in wet grass or mud for days. This requires soaking golf balls for cleaning.
The Overnight Soak Method
This method targets caked-on dirt without scrubbing aggressively.
- Fill a plastic bucket or container.
- Use a solution of warm water and a generous amount of white vinegar (about 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water).
- Submerge all the golf balls completely.
- Cover the container to prevent evaporation.
- Leave them to soak for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight.
- After soaking, the dirt should wipe off easily with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse them well.
This soaking process softens the hardened organic matter clinging to the ball surface, making cleaning much easier.
Managing Yellowing
Over time, especially with Surlyn-covered balls, they can take on a yellowish tint from sun exposure or mineral deposits in the water they were left in.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Soak: For yellowing, a longer soak in a weak hydrogen peroxide solution (mixed with water) can help whiten the cover naturally. Keep the balls out of direct sunlight during this process. Always rinse thoroughly afterward.
Final Touches: Polishing for the Ultimate Shine
After cleaning the grime, the final step is restoring shine to old golf balls. A shiny ball looks great and can feel faster off the clubface (though the effect is mostly visual).
Buffing for Gloss
Once the balls are completely dry, you can buff them.
- Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Rub each ball vigorously in small circles. This friction generates a little heat and smooths out the microscopic texture left by cleaning.
- For extra gloss, some people use a very small amount of car wax or polish designed for clear coats, applying it thinly and buffing it off immediately. Test this technique on one ball first, as some waxes may leave a sticky residue if not removed perfectly.
A well-polished ball feels fantastic in your hand and gives you a psychological edge before your next round.
Storing Clean Golf Balls
Once your balls are spotless and dry, store them correctly. Do not leave them loose in the bottom of a damp golf bag or trunk.
- Use breathable mesh bags or plastic containers with lids.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from extreme heat or direct, prolonged sunlight. This prevents the cover material from degrading prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I put golf balls in the dishwasher?
A: It is generally not recommended. The high heat and strong detergents in a dishwasher can warp or damage the ball’s core and outer cover. Stick to hand washing or dedicated machines.
Q: How often should I clean my golf balls?
A: After every round, a quick wipe-down is ideal. If you play often or practice in wet conditions, give them a deep clean once a month.
Q: Will cleaning fix deep gouges or cracks?
A: No. Cleaning methods help remove surface dirt and light scuffs. Deep gouges or cracks that expose the core cannot be repaired by cleaning. A severely damaged ball should be replaced for consistent performance.
Q: Are there specific cleaners for Urethane vs. Surlyn balls?
A: Urethane covers (found on premium balls) are softer and more susceptible to scratching. Be extra gentle when cleaning Urethane balls. Surlyn covers are tougher and can generally handle slightly more vigorous scrubbing or mild chemical soaks.
Q: What is the best way to clean the little logos off golf balls?
A: If you are trying to remove old, faded logos (perhaps to reuse balls for practice), rubbing alcohol or acetone (use only on the logo area, quickly, and rinse immediately) works well, but these chemicals will dull the surrounding finish. Proceed with caution.