Dirt in the grooves reduces how well the face grips the ball, and grime on the grips makes you hold the club tighter. Cleaning your clubs takes about 15 minutes and needs nothing more than warm water, washing-up liquid and a soft brush.
What you'll need
- A bucket of warm (not hot) water
- A few drops of mild washing-up liquid
- A soft brush, such as an old toothbrush
- A tee for clearing out the grooves
- Two clean towels
Irons and wedges
Stand the irons head-down in the bucket for a few minutes, keeping the water below the ferrule where the head meets the shaft. Scrub the face and grooves with the brush, use the tee for anything stubborn, then rinse and dry them straight away.
Drivers, woods and hybrids
Don't soak these. Wipe the head with a damp, soapy cloth, brush the face gently, then dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners on painted crowns and finishes.
Putters
A damp cloth is usually all a putter needs. Some putters have special finishes or face inserts, so keep scrubbing gentle.
Grips and shafts
Scrub grips with a damp, soapy brush, rinse with a clean wet cloth and towel them dry. Wipe the shafts down while you're there and check for any dents or cracks.
