How to Clean Golf Grips (Sweat & Dirt Removal Guide)

Key Takeaways

• Clean your golf grips every 6-8 rounds to keep them tacky and prevent slippage during your swing
• The best cleaning method uses warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush – it works for all grip types
• Windex as a final step restores extra tackiness that soap and water alone can’t achieve
• Replace grips every 30-40 rounds or when cleaning no longer brings back their grip
• Never soak grips completely in water – this can damage the inside of your clubs

Ever grabbed your driver on the first tee and felt that slippery, lifeless grip? I’ve been there too many times. After years of testing different cleaning methods on my own clubs and watching my scores improve with proper grip care, I can tell you that clean grips are one of the easiest ways to drop strokes from your game.

Your grips collect sweat, sunscreen, dirt, and oils every time you play. This buildup makes them slippery and forces you to grip tighter. That tension travels up your arms and ruins your swing tempo. The good news?

A simple 10-minute cleaning routine can make your grips feel brand new again.

Why Golf Grip Cleaning Actually Matters?

Most golfers don’t realize how much dirty grips are sabotaging their game until they experience the difference clean ones make. Every round, your grips absorb sweat, oils, sunscreen, and dirt that gradually turn them into slippery surfaces that force you to grip tighter than necessary. This creates a chain reaction of tension that travels up your arms and destroys your swing tempo.

Think of your grips like tires on a car. When they’re worn and slippery, you lose control. Clean, tacky grips let you hold the club with light pressure. This means:

• Better swing tempo and rhythm
• More consistent ball striking
• Less hand and arm tension
• Improved confidence over every shot

Professional golfers have their caddies wipe down grips constantly during rounds. Tour players know that even slight grip slippage can turn a good shot into a disaster.

The Ultimate Golf Grip Cleaning Method

The key to effective grip cleaning isn’t just removing surface dirt – it’s breaking down the oils and salt deposits that seep deep into the grip material over time. After testing dozens of methods, from expensive specialty products to household remedies, I’ve found that this systematic approach delivers professional-quality results every time.

The secret isn’t in fancy products, but in doing each step properly and in the right order.

After testing everything from fancy products to household items, this method works best for all grip types:

What You Need

• Bucket or large sink
• Warm water (not hot)
• Mild dish soap (Dawn works great)
• Soft brush or old toothbrush
• Clean towels
• Windex (the secret ingredient)
• Golf tees

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Fill your bucket with warm water – it should feel comfortably warm to your hand, not hot. Add only 2-3 drops of dish soap and mix gently to create light suds. Too much soap will leave a residue that actually makes grips more slippery than before you started.

Set up your workspace near a water source for easy rinsing, and lay out clean towels where they won’t get soaked during the process.

2. Protect Your Clubs

This step prevents expensive damage that many golfers don’t think about until it’s too late. Insert a golf tee firmly into the small hole at the top of each grip, making sure it creates a tight seal. Even a few drops of water inside your shaft can cause rust that weakens the club permanently.

Push the tee down far enough that it won’t pop out during cleaning, but not so far that you can’t remove it easily afterward.

3. Initial Cleaning

Dip your brush in the soapy water and start at the top of the grip, working in small 2-inch sections. Use firm circular motions, applying enough pressure to feel the bristles working into the grip texture without grinding away the material.

Pay special attention to the upper portion where your lead hand grips and the lower section where your trail hand sits – these areas collect the most oils and sweat.

For cord grips, work with the grain of the cord texture, not against it, to avoid damaging the fibers.

4. Deep Scrubbing for Problem Areas

If you encounter particularly stubborn buildup (common around the thumb areas), apply a drop of soap directly to that spot and let it sit for 30 seconds before scrubbing. Use short, overlapping strokes rather than long scrubs that can miss embedded dirt.

You’ll know you’re making progress when you see the water in your bucket start to change color – that’s years of buildup finally coming loose.

5. First Rinse

Hold each grip under running water or dip it repeatedly in a bucket of clean water. Rinse from top to bottom, rotating the club to ensure you remove soap from all sides. Don’t skip this step even if the grip looks clean – soap residue left on the surface will make your grips feel slippery even after all your hard work.

If you see any suds remaining, keep rinsing until the water runs completely clear.

6. Second Cleaning (If Needed)

For grips that haven’t been cleaned in months, one round often isn’t enough. If your grip still feels slippery or looks dingy after the first cleaning, repeat the scrubbing process.

The second round typically removes the deeper contamination that the first round loosened but didn’t eliminate. This is especially important for grips used in hot, humid conditions where sweat buildup is heaviest.

7. The Windex Secret

Here’s the game-changing step most golfers never discover: After your grips are clean and completely dry, spray a small amount of Windex on each grip and wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth.

This isn’t just about removing soap residue – the ammonia in glass cleaners breaks down any remaining oils and restores the tacky surface texture that soap and water alone can’t achieve.

Work quickly and don’t let the Windex sit too long, as it can be drying to some grip materials.

8. Final Dry and Inspection

Pat each grip dry with a clean towel using a squeezing motion rather than wiping, which can wear down the grip material prematurely. Check each grip by running your thumb across the surface – it should feel noticeably tackier than when you started.

Let grips air dry for at least 15 minutes before putting clubs back in your bag.

Storing damp grips creates the perfect environment for mold growth and accelerated deterioration.

Cleaning Different Grip Types

Different grip materials require slightly different approaches to get the best results without causing damage. What works perfectly for standard rubber grips might be too aggressive for delicate synthetic materials or not thorough enough for textured cord grips.

Not all grips are the same. Here’s how to handle each type:

Rubber Grips (Most Common)

Standard rubber grips respond well to the soap and water method. They can handle moderate scrubbing with a soft brush. The Windex finish step makes a huge difference on rubber grips.

Cord Grips

These have a rougher texture that grabs dirt more easily. Use a soft brush in circular motions to get into the cord areas. Never use a wire brush – it damages the cord and creates an uncomfortable feel.

Leather Grips

Leather needs special care. Use only mild soap and water, and avoid soaking. Pat dry immediately and consider using a leather conditioner designed for golf grips.

Synthetic/Soft Grips

These delicate grips need gentle treatment. Use just a washcloth instead of a brush. Too much scrubbing can damage the soft material.

Professional Cleaning Products That Actually Work

While the basic soap and water method handles 90% of grip cleaning situations, certain specialty products can make your job easier and deliver better results in specific circumstances. I’ve tested dozens of grip cleaning products over the years, and most are overpriced versions of what you already have at home.

However, a few products genuinely outperform household alternatives and are worth considering if you clean grips regularly.

While soap and water handle 90% of grip cleaning, some products can make the job easier:

Lamkin GRIPES Cleaning Wipes

Perfect for quick cleaning between rounds. Each wipe can clean 2-3 grips and they dry fast enough to use before your round starts.

Simple Green Golf Grip Cleaner

This foaming cleaner penetrates deep into grip pores. Apply, wait 10 seconds, scrub, and rinse. Works especially well on heavily soiled grips.

Golf Pride Grip Maintenance Kit

Includes everything you need: cleaner, brush, and towel. A bit pricey but convenient if you want everything in one package.

Quick Cleaning Methods for the Course

Sometimes your grips need attention during a round, especially in hot, humid conditions where sweat buildup happens quickly. These on-course cleaning methods won’t replace a thorough deep clean, but they can restore enough tackiness to help you finish your round with confidence.

The key is having the right tools readily available and knowing which techniques work best in different situations.

The Wet Towel Method

Keep a section of your golf towel damp. After each shot, give your grip a quick wipe. This prevents buildup and keeps grips feeling fresh.

Grass Rub Technique

In a pinch, rub your grip on the tread of a golf cart tire. The texture helps restore some tackiness temporarily.

Ball Washer Trick

Use the ball washer on the tee to quickly clean your grips. The soap and water are already there, and the brush works well for a quick clean.

How Often Should You Clean Golf Grips?

The frequency of grip cleaning depends heavily on how often you play, the conditions you play in, and how much you sweat during rounds. Players who only get out occasionally can stretch cleaning intervals much longer than those who play multiple times per week. Hot, humid climates and heavy sunscreen use also accelerate the buildup of oils and salt that make grips slippery.

Your cleaning schedule depends on how much you play:

Weekly Players (50+ rounds per year)

• Quick wipe down: After every round
• Deep clean: Every 6 rounds
• Full replacement: Every 8-10 months

Regular Players (30-50 rounds per year)

• Quick wipe down: Every 2-3 rounds
• Deep clean: Every 8-10 rounds
• Full replacement: Every 12 months

Casual Players (Less than 30 rounds per year)

• Quick wipe down: Every 3-4 rounds
• Deep clean: Every 12-15 rounds
• Full replacement: Every 18-24 months

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough: Signs You Need New Grips

Even the most thorough cleaning can’t restore grips that have degraded beyond their useful life. Learning to recognize when grips are worn out saves you from wasting time on cleaning that won’t improve performance and helps you avoid the frustration of poor shots caused by equipment failure.

Sometimes grips are beyond saving. Look for these warning signs:

• Smooth, shiny patches that won’t clean off
• Cracks or splits in the material
• Grips that stay slippery even after thorough cleaning
• Worn areas where your thumbs rest
• Grips that feel hard and lifeless

If you see any of these issues, cleaning won’t help. Time to visit your local pro shop for new grips.

Common Grip Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Many golfers unknowingly damage their grips while trying to clean them, often because they use techniques that seem logical but actually cause long-term harm.

These mistakes can range from minor issues that reduce grip life to major problems that require expensive club repairs.

1. Don’t Soak Grips Completely

Never submerge grips in water. Water can seep into the shaft and cause serious damage. Always hold clubs with the grip end pointing down.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Petroleum-based cleaners, acetone, and strong solvents can break down grip materials. Stick with mild soap or specialized golf cleaners.

3. Don’t Use Wire Brushes

Wire brushes seem like they’d work great, but they damage grip surfaces and create an uncomfortable feel.

4. Skip the Pressure Washer

High-pressure water can force water into your shafts and damage the grip-to-shaft bond.

5. Don’t Store Wet Grips

Always dry grips completely before putting clubs away. Moisture trapped in your bag creates mold and accelerates grip breakdown.

Special Cleaning Situations

Beach courses, muddy conditions, and long-term storage all present specific problems that the basic soap and water method doesn’t fully address. Knowing how to handle these special situations can prevent grip damage and ensure your equipment stays in top condition regardless of where you play.

After Beach Golf

Salt air and sand are brutal on grips. Clean immediately after beach rounds using extra soap and thorough rinsing.

Muddy Conditions

Let mud dry completely before cleaning. Wet mud just smears around. Once dry, brush off excess mud, then follow normal cleaning procedures.

Winter Storage

Before storing clubs for winter, give grips a thorough cleaning and apply a light coat of grip conditioner. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Advanced Grip Maintenance Tips

For golfers who want to squeeze every bit of performance and longevity from their grips, these advanced techniques can extend grip life and maintain optimal feel longer than basic cleaning alone.

These methods require more time and care, but they can save money on frequent replacements and ensure your grips perform consistently throughout their entire lifespan.

The Sandpaper Method (Last Resort)

For extremely worn grips that won’t clean up, try very fine sandpaper (220 grit or higher). Lightly sand the surface to remove the top layer of worn material. This can give you a few more months before replacement.

Grip Conditioners

In dry climates, grips can become hard and brittle. A quality grip conditioner can extend their life and maintain flexibility.

Rotation Strategy

If you have multiple sets of clubs, rotate them regularly. This prevents excessive wear on one set and extends the life of all your grips.

The Connection Between Grip Pressure and Performance

The connection between grip condition and swing performance is more direct than most golfers realize, affecting everything from clubhead speed to shot consistency. This knowledge helps you recognize when grip maintenance is needed and appreciate the results.

Clean grips directly improve your golf game. Here’s how:

Light Grip Pressure = Better Swing Speed

When grips are tacky, you don’t need to squeeze tight. This reduces tension and allows for faster clubhead speed.

Consistent Grip = Consistent Ball Flight

Slippery grips cause micro-movements during your swing. These tiny shifts change clubface angle and destroy consistency.

Confidence = Better Shots

When you trust your grips, you swing more freely. This confidence translates into better rhythm and timing.

Building Your Grip Maintenance Routine

The difference between golfers who consistently have tacky, reliable grips and those who don’t isn’t effort – it’s having a systematic approach that fits their playing schedule.

Creating a routine that you’ll actually follow is more important than having the perfect cleaning technique, because consistency over time delivers better results than occasional deep cleaning sessions.

Make grip care part of your regular golf routine:

After Every Round

• Quick wipe with damp towel
• Check for obvious damage
• Note any grips that feel slippery

Monthly Deep Clean

• Full soap and water cleaning
• Windex finish treatment
• Assess overall grip condition

Seasonal Review

• Professional grip analysis
• Replace worn grips before they affect performance
• Stock up on cleaning supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Next Steps

Start with the basic soap and water method this weekend. Clean just one club and feel the difference. Once you experience how much better a clean grip feels, you’ll never want to play with dirty grips again.

Remember, clean grips are one of the easiest ways to improve your game without changing your swing. They cost nothing to maintain and can save you strokes every round.

Take 10 minutes after your next round to try this cleaning method. Your hands (and your scorecard) will thank you.