Golf Balls take a lot of damage, especially during an 18-hole round. And why wouldnโt they? They are hit with clubfaces and go through a lot of dirt, even on the tidiest courses. It doesnโt take a lot of time for a golf ball to get much dirt and grime, making it unplayable without cleaning.
The problem is that most golfers donโt consider cleaning dirty golf balls important. Many players think that wiping the surface of the golf ball will be more than enough to clean it and remove all the grime, but thatโs not how it is. And sadly, these players believe that the condition of the ball wonโt affect their game.
The reality is that if your ball is not in proper condition, it can affect your game badly. Popular brands such as Bridgestone, Titleist, and many others produce golf balls with dimples and aerodynamic design, reducing drag and enhancing its performance and distance. Now you can understand that if these dimples are filled with dirt or are damaged, the ball wonโt be able to perform to its fullest.
Cleaning golf balls ensures that every part of your equipment performs up to the maximum level during every single round of golf you play. Letโs take a look at the best ways to clean golf balls.
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How to clean golf balls at home?
If you are thinking about cleaning your golf balls at home, donโt worry and go for it. Using our simple procedure, you can easily make your golf balls as good as new. Before we move on to the cleaning process, letโs take a look at the tools that you need to get started.
- Golf Ball Cleaner
- Bucket
- Scrubbing Tools
- Washing Machine
- Towel
Once you gather all the supplies, you can get started with our simple steps to clean your golf balls.
1. Golf Ball Cleaner:
Dishwashing liquid is more than enough for basic washes. If your golf ball is in really bad shape and needs a deep cleaning, then you can also add vinegar, ammonia, or undiluted bleach to enhance the cleaning. Try to avoid mixing other strong chemicals as they can harm the outer covering of your golf ball.
2. Cleaning Bucket:
You may half fill the bucket with warm water and then add the cleaning agent. Once you have done this, you can soak the golf balls in the bucket and leave them for about 15-20 minutes there.
3. Scrubbing:
Whether you need to scrub your golf balls or not, and how much you need to, depends on the condition of your ball. You might even need to utilize different tools depending on how dirty your balls are.
Cleaning mildly corroded surfaces is easy and can be done quickly using a sponge or even a soapy towel. In contrast, greasy balls require better scrubbing with more cleaning powder. An old toothbrush can come in handy in this situation as it is a cheap and convenient solution for scrubbing golf balls.
4. Using Washing Machine:
Do you have a dishwasher? If yes, then thereโs good news for you. You can load your dirty golf balls rack and clean them easily without getting your hands dirty. Note that this method wonโt harm your dishwasher. However, the results are not always the same. Balls with little dirt can be cleaned easily, but you might need to clean them separately if they are highly grimy.
5. Drying using Towel:
Finally, you are done with the hard part, but still, thereโs one thing left. Now you need to give your golf ball a final touch with any towel before you put them in your bag. Make sure to inspect your golf balls thoroughly, ensuring each part is clean and good as new.
FAQs:
Does bleach damage golf balls?
No, bleach doesnโt damage golf balls. However, if you use bleach and then scrub the balls using a wired brush, the wires can cause scratches on the outer covering of the golf ball. Soaking the golf balls in bleach cleans the discoloration and purifies the ball from any fungus that might have come in contact with the golf ball.
Is it safe to put golf balls in a dishwasher?
Yes, itโs completely safe to clean golf balls in the dishwasher. In fact, this is an efficient way to clean tons of golf balls without getting your hands dirty.
How can I clean the permanent marker off the golf balls?
If you want to remove the permanent marker off the golf balls, then using nail polish remover is the best and easiest way you can use. Just put the nail polish remover on the area and rub it thoroughly. You can also use carburetor cleaner as an alternative to nail polish remover if you want to.
How to remove scuff marks off the golf balls?
Many people think that once a golf ball has been scuffed, it wonโt get better. However, cleaning the ball with a scrub brush and a sponge can help remove the scuff marks. And even if the marks are not removed, the performance will still be improved to a certain level making your game better.
Do scuff marks affect the performance of golf balls?
Minor scuff marks have little to no impact on the performance of your golf ball. However, heavy marks definitely impact the performance by affecting the ball flight and increasing air drag.
How to clean golf balls using hydrogen peroxide?
Many golfers use hydrogen peroxide to clean golf balls, which is an efficient method to remove the strains. The hydrogen peroxide removes the dirt without the need for scrubbing.
Conclusion:
Once you learn how to clean golf balls correctly, you can always play with clean and shiny equipment. Itโs no secret that clean and scrubbed golf balls hit harder, fly higher, and perform like they are meant to. As there are tons of methods and equipment for cleaning golf balls, you never have to play with a dirty ball again.