Just like any sport, golf gear needs to be cleaned and maintained to give you the best performance every time. Cleaning your grips will help restore the tackiness that has been lost due to sunscreen, sweat, oils, and dirt. This will allow you to swing consistently and ultimately extends the lifespan of your grip. I recommend cleaning your grips every 5-10 rounds as-needed. Here’s everything you need to know about how to clean golf grips, as well as some advice for when you think you’ll need to replace them.
How to clean golf grips
Cleaning your golf grips isn’t as intense as you might think. Evan from Golf Pride Grips breaks it down in an easy way.
There are plenty of cleaners out there on the market, but personally, I’ve found that the gentlest way to clean golf grips is with good old soap and warm water. Mild dish soap paired with a soft brush will be just the thing to break up all of that dirt and sweat buildup. Just dip the brush in warm, soapy water and scrub gently. Then, rinse in clean water and dry it off completely before storing.
To restore the tackiness, I recommend using Windex or rubbing alcohol. This will not only give you better grip along the rubber surface, but it will also soften any harder areas.
While every five to ten rounds will probably do the trick, clean your grips more frequently if you are exposed to certain environmental factors like hot or cold temperatures, UV rays, grass exposure, or sand. To keep things easy, you can even keep a soft cloth or rag in your golf bag to maintain the grips between holes.
When should I replace my golf grips?
Golf grips should be replaced once per year, but their life can be extended if you clean them regularly. However, there are times when you might want to replace them sooner. If your golf grips are starting to look a bit shiny or glossy, have any visible cracks or splits, or slippery places, it’s time. Some golf clubs even have colored grips that help indicate wear and tear, so in these cases, check with the manufacturer.
When you’re ready to replace your grips, major retailers or golf clubs often have re-gripping services. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to bring your clubs here, but you can also re-grip them at home if you really want to. Just a disclaimer here, though — the grip solvent can be toxic or carcinogenic, so work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and avoid inhaling fumes by wearing a mask. Make sure to follow all safety directions on the back of the solvent for the best results.
Re-gripping your golf clubs does take a bit of skill, but here’s how to do it:
- Secure the shaft: Use a rubber clamp to secure the golf club near the tip, positioning the club face perpendicular to the floor for alignment.
- Remove the old grip: Use a utility knife to cut the old grip length-wise, peeling it off carefully. Always remember to cut away from you if you don’t want an ER trip.
- Clean with solvent: Clean away any residue with the solvent. Remember to do this in that well-ventilated area with masks on, and wear gloves. I recommend using latex or nitrile so you don’t get any chemical burns.
- Apply the tape: Hold the new grip parallel to the shaft to determine the tape coverage area. 3/4″ tape will wrap around in a spiral, while 2″ tape will give you full coverage.
- Clean with solvent: Then, pour more solvent into the inside of the new grip. Roll or shake it to coat the inside, and pour the excess over the tape for some extra lubrication.
- Apply the grip: Slide the grip onto the shaft end with some extra tape to secure the bond if needed. You’ll want to align the grip to the shaft pattern — square to the club face.
- Allow to dry: Once everything is positioned properly, allow it to dry for several hours before use. I recommend waiting at least twelve hours, but do at least twenty-four if you’re able to just so you can have optimal results. Once it feels secure, it’s likely ready for play.
It’s quite the process to re-grip a golf club, so there’s really no shame in having someone else do it. For the best results, find a local pro shop or specialist. They’re going to be able to do everything perfectly for you.
Overall, washing your golf clubs regularly can make a huge difference in your performance out on the course. Dirty grips can mess with your alignment and grip, causing you to trip up in all sorts of ways. By keeping your gear clean and tacky, you’re going to be that much closer to that elusive hole-in-one.
