I don’t know if you’re like me but have you ever been playing a round of golf and then realised that your golf bag is disgustingly dirty? From grass stains and mud clots to endless grains of sand. Despite spending plenty of time keeping my golf bag extremely organised and cleaning my golf clubs regularly, I somehow always end up neglecting my bag.

Not only does it look bad, but it can also harbour some nasty bacteria and smells. In this post, I will take you through the step by step I use to clean my golf bag easily and quickly. 

By following these simple instructions, you’ll be able to keep your golf equipment in top condition, helping to keep you looking stylish around the golf course. 

Materials You’ll Need To Clean Your Golf Bag

Cleaning your golf glove and washing your golf balls is no different to cleaning your bag, it is actually quite simple. All you need are a few household supplies which we’ve listed below:

• A mild dish soap or detergent
• A soft bristled brush
• A clean cloth
• Stain remover (iIncase your bag is badly stained)
• Warm water

Cleaning Your Golf Bag Instructions

Step 1: Empty Your Golf Bag

First, I start by empting absolutely everything out of my golf bag. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised about the number of people who will try to clean their golf bags without checking every pocket. In my opinion, not only does it make the cleaning process easier, but it will also prevent any damage to your golf clubs or other equipment.

Tip: when removing everything from your golf bag is to keep it all in one place as the small items like your ball marker can easily get lost if you’re not careful. 

Step 2: Vacuum the Inside Your Golf Bag

To help save you time and prevent you from smudging dirt around your bag I recommend you reach for your hoover. I personally think that my vacuum is great at finding and removing every last pecky grain of sand, mud and grass from inside my golf bag pockets super quickly. 

On the odd occasion when my hoover has been broken I have resorted to shaking and wiping out the different pockets and compartments where possible however I always find remnants, so it’s definitely not my preferred approach.  

Step 3: Carefully Wash Your Golf Bag

After I’ve completely emptied the equipment from my bag and removed the dirt particles, I make a soapy water mixture. Once the mix has been created I pour it into a spray bottle, this allows me to easily control the amount of product applied to the bag.

When doing this I always reach for dish soap or a mild detergent to help reduce the risk of me accidentally damaging my golf bag. If you’re unsure what to use, check the label on your golf bag for recommendations.

Tip: I recommend you spray your bag in an outdoor space as the mixture goes everywhere. 

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior and Exterior of the Bag

Once you’ve mixed up your soap and water, it’s time to start cleaning your golf bag. 

First, take a clean cloth and dampen it with just water. I prefer to use a micro-fiber cloth as I find it helps to not damage my bag but reach all of the small spaces. I then wipe down the interior and exterior of the bag and make sure all of the soapy mixture has been removed to prevent any white stains from appearing. 

On occasions when I’ve found tough grass or dirt stains, I reach for my stain remover. If I’m honest I just use the same stain remover I use for clothes as they normally don’t contain harsh chemicals but you might want to double check it won’t harm your golf bag. 

Step 5: Rinse Your Bag Off

After applying the soapy mix or stain remover and hand scrubbing the bag, it’s really important to  thoroughly rinse the area afterward with clean water. I do this using my pressure washer on a very light setting, however you could just use a hose or tap.

Step 6: Dry the Bag Completely

Once you’ve finished cleaning the bag, it’s essential to dry it completely. Moisture can cause mould and mildew, so use a clean cloth to dry off the bag. I often pop my wet golf bag in my airing cupboard as it’s important to avoid placing your bag in the direct sunlight as it can cause it to fade. 

Can You Soak a Golf Bag?

Unfortunately, that’s not a good idea. Golf bags are typically made from leather or nylon, and neither material does well when soaked in water.

The leather will shrink and harden, while the nylon will fray and fall apart. If your golf bag is extremely dirty, you can spot clean it with a damp cloth. Just be sure to avoid getting the bag too wet.

How Do You Clean a Nylon Golf Bag?

You can follow the steps outlined above. The only difference is that you’ll want to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the nylon. 

These can damage the fabric and cause it to break down over time. Instead, use gall soap. Gall soap works excellent on nylon and won’t damage the material.

How Do You Get Rid of Unwanted Odours Out of a Golf Bag?

Your golf bag probably doesn’t smell too great, especially if you’ve been storing it in a humid environment. Thankfully, you can take a few simple steps to get rid of unwanted odours. First, be sure to empty your bag after each round of golf. 

Doing so will give any damp items a chance to air out. Second, use baking soda as a natural deodorizer. Just sprinkle a bit into the bottom of your bag and let it work its magic.

How Do You Make a Golf Bag Look New Again?

If your golf bag is starting to look a bit worn, there are a few things you can do to make it look new again.

• Try cleaning it with mild soap and water: This will remove any dirt or grime accumulated on the bag.
• Polish with leather conditioner: If the bag still looks dull, you can try polishing it with a leather conditioner. A leather conditioner will help restore the bag’s natural shine.
• Use a golf bag cover: If you want to protect your bag from the elements, you can use a golf bag cover. This will help to keep it looking new for longer.

How Often Should You Clean Your Golf Bag?

For the average golfer, the question of how often to clean their golf bag requires careful consideration. After all, no one wants to be caught with a dirty bag on the course. But at the same time, no one wants to spend hours cleaning their golf bag when they could be out on the links. 

Of course, the answer depends on several factors, such as how often you play and how dirty your clubs get. However, as a general rule of thumb, giving your golf bag a good cleaning every few months is a good idea. 

Regular cleaning will help keep your clubs in good condition and prevent dirt and grass buildup. So next time you’re wondering how often to clean your golf bag, remember that a little bit of maintenance can go a long way.

Do White Golf Bags Get Dirty?

White golf bags are just as susceptible to dirt and grime as any other colour. In fact, because they’re light in colour, they may show dirt more easily.

How To Clean a White Golf Bag?

If your golf bag is white, you’ll want to take special care when cleaning it. Harsh cleaners can cause the fabric to yellow over time. Instead, use mild soap and water. 

You can also add a bit of vinegar to the water for extra cleaning power. Just be sure to rinse the bag well after cleaning to remove any residue

Final Thoughts

Although it’s boring and tedious, cleaning your golf bag is important if you want to keep your clubs in good condition. However, it’s not always necessary to spend hours cleaning your bag. Instead, a little maintenance every few months should do the trick. 

Just be sure to use mild soap or detergent and avoid harsh chemicals. You can also use a whitening agent to remove any stubborn stains. 

With a bit of care, your golf bag will look new for years to come.