How to Clean Golf Balls For Dummies

Updated: Jul 7

It is important to clean your golf balls to maintain their peak performance. Dirt, mud, grass marks, or other surface scuffs on the cover of the golf ball can affect the way the dimples channel airflow, which can affect the ball's flight and distance. Whether it's your golf club grips or your best set of golf clubs, cleaning your golf balls is just as important. Golf ball cleaning stations are often available at golf courses, and there are several methods to clean golf balls at home, but having your own golf ball cleaner when you need it is pretty sweet.

I like to clean my balls regularly, on and off the course... ;) But seriously, I have tried out my fair share of gold ball cleaners and only a select few stand out. So before I explain how to clean golf balls properly, let's take a look at 3 golf ball cleaners that do all the work for you, and do it properly.

How To Clean Golf Balls - Favorite Golf Ball Cleaners 2023

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OVERALL BEST:

KelMar DCA101- Portable Golf Ball Washer & Club Head Cleaner

PROS:

Portability: The KelMar DCA101 is a portable golf ball washer and club head cleaner, making it convenient to carry with you on the course. It allows you to clean your golf balls and club heads on the go, without the need for a separate cleaning station.
Efficiency: This device is designed to quickly and efficiently clean both golf balls and club heads. It typically uses a combination of water and brushes to remove dirt, grass, and debris, ensuring optimal performance and maintaining the lifespan of your equipment.
Versatility: The KelMar DCA101 is often designed to accommodate different sizes of golf balls and club heads, making it suitable for a variety of clubs in your bag.

CONS:

Limited Cleaning Capacity: Due to its portable size, the KelMar DCA101 may have a limited capacity for water and cleaning solutions, which means you may need to refill it more frequently, especially during extended rounds or practice sessions.

RUNNER-UP:

Universal Golf Ball Washer

PROS:

Easy to Use: The Universal Golf Ball Washer is typically designed with a simple and straightforward operation. You can quickly and easily clean your golf balls and club heads without any complex procedures.
Efficient Cleaning: This washer is designed to effectively remove dirt, grass, and debris from both golf balls and club heads. It often utilizes brushes and water pressure to ensure thorough cleaning, promoting optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.
Versatility: The Universal Golf Ball Club Head Washer is usually compatible with various sizes of golf balls and club heads, making it suitable for different types of clubs in your bag.

CONS:

Maintenance and Space Requirements: Depending on the specific model, this washer may require periodic maintenance, such as cleaning the brushes or ensuring proper water flow. Additionally, it may occupy space, requiring a dedicated area for installation.

2nd RUNNER-UP:

Clean Flight Premium - Portable Cleaner

PROS:

Portability: The Clean Flight Premium portable cleaner offers the advantage of being easy to carry and transport. Its compact size and lightweight design make it convenient to bring along on golf trips or to the golf course.
Versatility: This portable cleaner is often designed to clean various golf equipment, including golf clubs, balls, and even shoes. It provides a comprehensive cleaning solution in one device, saving time and effort.
Effective Cleaning: The Clean Flight Premium portable cleaner typically utilizes a combination of water, brushes, and high-pressure jets to remove dirt, grass, and debris from golf clubs and balls. It can efficiently clean both the clubheads and grooves, ensuring optimal performance on the course.

CONS:

Limited Water Capacity: Due to its portable size, the Clean Flight Premium cleaner may have a limited water capacity. This means you may need to refill it more frequently, especially during longer cleaning sessions or when cleaning multiple golf clubs or balls.
Power Source Dependency: Portable cleaners like the Clean Flight Premium may require a power source, such as batteries or electricity, to operate. This reliance on power can be a drawback if you are in a location where power sources are not readily available.
Maintenance and Durability: Like any mechanical device, the Clean Flight Premium portable cleaner may require regular maintenance and may be prone to wear and tear over time. This could include cleaning or replacing brushes, ensuring proper water flow, and addressing any mechanical issues that may arise.

How to clean golf balls properly

If you don't want to use any of the golf cleaners or want to clean all your golf balls at once after playing your round, here's how it should be done.

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or dishwashing liquid.
Place the golf balls in the bucket and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge to gently scrub the golf balls, removing any dirt or grime.
For stubborn stains, use an old toothbrush or small brush to scrub the dirt off.
Rinse the golf balls with clean water.
Dry the golf balls with a towel or let them air dry.
Optional: Soak the golf balls in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar or bleach for a few hours before scrubbing them for more stubborn stains

How to clean golf balls FAQ

Can I clean my golf balls in a washing machine?

No, you should not clean your golf balls in a washing machine. The agitation and heat from the machine can damage the surface of the golf ball.

Can I use bleach to clean my golf balls?

Yes, you can use a diluted bleach solution to clean your golf balls. Mix one part bleach with nine parts water and soak the golf balls for a few hours before scrubbing them.

Can I use a ball washer to clean my golf balls?

Yes, ball washers are available at many golf courses and can be used to clean golf balls. However, it's important to make sure the washer is clean and free of debris before using it. That's why I prefer to use one of these: KelMar DCA101- Portable Golf Ball Washer & Club Head Cleaner / Universal Golf Ball Washer / Clean Flight Premium - Portable Cleaner

Should I clean my golf balls after every round?

It's not necessary to clean your golf balls after every round, but it's a good idea to clean them regularly to maintain their performance. If you notice a buildup of dirt or grime on your golf balls, it's time to clean them.

What should I do if my golf balls have scuff marks?

Scuff marks on the surface of a golf ball can affect its flight and distance. To remove scuff marks, use a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub the area with toothpaste or baking soda. Rinse the golf ball with clean water and dry it with a towel.