Whenever I go out on the golf course, it’s inevitable that I’ll end up with dirty clubs. Whether it’s from playing out of the rough or hitting a clean fairway shot, we all know that it’s impossible to keep our irons clean even after one of the best rounds. 

If you’d like to know how to clean golf irons, you have come to the right place. If you already know how to hit an iron, this guide will likely help keep your irons in pristine condition. 

So, let’s dive into how to clean golf clubs.

What Do You Need To Clean Your Golf Irons?

The first time I got my clubs messy, I realised that I had no idea how to clean them properly. I didn’t know whether there was anything I needed to look out for or whether they could rust if I used water to clean them. Fortunately, it is not that difficult to clean golf irons, and the supplies you need are easy to find.

Before you start cleaning your golf irons, you should make sure you have the following items:

• A bucket
• Warm water
• Dishwashing soap
• A cloth
• A towel
• An old toothbrush or a soft bristle brush
• Steel or chrome polish

It is essential to note that the method you will use to clean your golf clubs will vary based on the type of clubs you have. For example, you’ll adjust your cleaning methods to clean a driver or a wood. Today we are focusing on golf irons, and as a result, you should only use this method to clean your set of irons. 

How To Clean Golf Irons

Now that you know what you need, here’s a straightforward process to use when cleaning golf irons. There are several steps to follow, so make sure you follow them closely.

1. The first thing you need to do is fill your bucket with warm water. Fill the bucket enough to cover the heads of your irons. Only use warm water since hot water can loosen the clubhead from the shaft. Cold water can also work, but it won’t be as effective in removing dirt and grime.
2. Next, you should add two or three teaspoons of soap to the water. Stir the water around until the soap mixes in.
3. Once you have your warm soapy mixture, you can submerge the heads of your dirty irons. Let them sit in the water for 5 to 10 minutes so that the dirt has enough time to loosen and break off. If your clubs are extra muddy, you may want to wait up to 20 minutes. 
4. Remove your irons from the bucket one at a time to clean them individually. Use your soft bristle brush or old toothbrush to scrub the remaining dirt from the club. When you are scrubbing, you should try to get all areas on the clubhead. Scrub it from front to back, and do not miss the bottom. 
5. Remember to get in the grooves, as some golfers tend to forget the importance of a clean clubface. It’s crucial to clean this part of the club if you want clean contact between your club and the golf ball.
6. Once you have scrubbed your irons enough, run them under water. Make sure the water does not get on the shaft and grips of your irons. 
7. Dry your irons with a towel. Ensure that the club heads and shafts are not damp, as this can lead to rusting.
8. Now, you are done cleaning your golf irons, but there are a few more things you can do. You can add some steel or chrome polish to keep your golf irons looking brand new. Apply it in circular motions and leave it for a minute or two.
9. After a few minutes, remove the polish so that no grease remains on your golf irons.

How To Clean Golf Iron Shafts

While the clubhead is the most important section of your golf irons, you should try to keep the entire club clean. So, even though you might forget, it’s good also to take the time to clean the shaft of your clubs. Fortunately, this step is usually quick since your shafts only require a superficial clan.

To clean this section of your irons, use a damp cloth. Wipe up and down the shaft to ensure that it is clear of dirt and grime. Then wipe it dry with a towel. 

If you notice that the shaft of your golf iron is starting to rust, there is an easy fix. Apply some vinegar to the rusting area with a cloth and slowly wipe away the residue. If there are any loose bits of sand on the shaft, try to avoid scratching the shaft while cleaning. 

Ensure that you’ve cleaned all the vinegar from the shafts before you put away your clubs. 

How To Clean Golf Iron Grips

The grips of your golf irons are almost important as the head. This section of your golf club is likely to get dirty because it’s the point where you hold the club. You should try cleaning golf grips regularly as they can get covered in dirt after a few rounds of golf. 

Fortunately, you should not have much trouble cleaning the grips of your golf irons. All you need is a damp cloth to wipe the entire surface of the grip. 

After wiping it clean, rinse the grip with water. Always avoid using hot water because it can damage the grip material. 

Next, you’ll want to dry the surface with a towel. Before putting your clubs away, make sure that no water has leaked onto the shaft. If it has, dry that area too.

Final Thoughts

Golf is a great social game, and people of all ages can play it and have fun. However, golf clubs are expensive, so most dedicated golfers understand that you have to take care of this investment. The best way to do that is to clean them, using proper methods, after each game.