Every round leaves soil, grass, bunker sand and water on your clubs. Dirt in the face grooves spoils contact with the ball and spin control, and moisture trapped behind the head eventually causes rust spots on steel.
It is best to clean your clubs after every round or practice session: it only takes a few minutes and stops dirt building up. Woods, irons and grips each need a different approach, so let's take them one at a time.
What you will need
- a bucket or large bowl of warm water with mild soap
- a soft brush and an old toothbrush
- soft microfibre cloths
- chrome or steel polish (optional)
- WD-40 Multi-Use to protect the metal
- WD-40 200 ml for the golf bag
Important: Do not apply WD-40 to the grips: they will become slippery and the club could slip out of your hands mid-swing. Never submerge the heads of woods and drivers, or the ferrules where the head meets the shaft.
Step 1
Dry-clean the woods and driver
Wood and driver heads, like graphite shafts, do not like water: it can get inside and damage the material. Wipe them with a barely damp soft cloth, paying attention to the face grooves, and dry them straight away.
Step 2
Soak and wash the irons
Irons pick up the most dirt. Fill a bucket with warm water and mild soap and stand only the heads in it, keeping the water below the ferrules. Leave them for 5-10 minutes.
Then work over the face, the back of the head and the shaft with a soft brush. Avoid abrasive pads and wire brushes so you do not scratch the finish.
Step 3
Clear the grooves
Scrub the face grooves with an old toothbrush until all dirt and sand are gone. This directly affects how well the club grips the ball. Check the cavity at the back of the head too, where water and dirt often collect.
Step 4
Rinse, dry and wash the grips
Rinse the heads with clean cool water without wetting the ferrules, then dry them carefully with a soft cloth, especially any cavities where water sits.
Wipe the grips with a damp cloth and a drop of soap, wipe off with a clean damp cloth and dry. Clean grips hold better in your hands.
Step 5
Bring back the shine
To restore the shine, check whether the finish is chrome or steel. Apply the matching polish in a thin layer using circular motions, let it dry as instructed, then buff with a dry cloth.
Step 6
Protect the metal from moisture and rust
Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto a clean cloth and wipe over the iron heads and steel shafts, avoiding the grips. Work it in and let it dry: it leaves an invisible film that repels moisture and dust and protects against rust.
Finally, wipe off any excess with a dry cloth so no film is left on the face. A compact WD-40 200 ml can fits easily in a golf bag pocket.
Tip: Never leave clubs in a wet bag. After playing in the rain, take them out, dry them and leave the bag open to dry, and use headcovers on the woods to protect them from moisture and scratches.
What next
Wipe your clubs after every round, give them a full wash and metal protection every few weeks, and always do it before storing the set somewhere dry for the winter.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».