How often do you clean your golf balls? What do you do to make them last? I certainly do not do enough to maintain my golf balls. However, I do wipe them with the towel after every hole. But is that enough? Regular golf ball cleaning and maintenance can extend their life. Additionally, it can ensure your ball performs as well as it can for a longer time.

While you might not think much of it, a bit of dirt on the ball can alter its flight. So, instead of your intended shot, you get something that can cost you a stroke or two. Those dimples on the ball are there for a purpose, to make sure the ball does what it is supposed to do. By covering them you might as well hit a blind shot and pray the ball hits the fairway.

It might sound like unnecessary work, but at the end of the day, it can help you play your best golf ever. Equipment cleaning and maintenance is part of the deal, that is if you care about your game. After all, you have paid for those balls, sometimes good money depending on which ones you use. Therefore, it becomes important that you benefit from them as much as you can.

Dos of Golf Ball Cleaning and Maintenance

When you decide to take care of your golf balls there are best practices that can help you. This way you will do the job properly and your ball will be shiny and ready for the next round. Here is what to do:

1. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution:
   • Use plain soap and warm water for an effective and safe clean.
   • Specialized golf ball cleaning products are available but not necessary.
2. Use a Soft-Bristle Brush or Towel:
   • Gently scrub the golf ball to remove dirt from the dimples without damaging the surface.
   • Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch or scuff the ball.
3. Rinse Thoroughly:
   • Ensure all soapy residue is washed off to maintain the ball’s surface characteristics.
4. Dry Properly:
   • Wipe each ball with a clean, dry cloth or let them air dry.
   • Prevent moisture-induced wear by ensuring the balls are completely dry before storage.
5. Maintain Consistency in Cleaning:
   • Develop a routine for cleaning your golf balls—after every game or at set intervals.
   • Regular maintenance extends the lifespan and performance of your balls.

Don’ts of Golf Ball Cleaning and Maintenance

Now we get to the point of what you should avoid doing. With all the best intentions there are still ways you can do your ball more harm than good. Here’s what not to do:

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
   • Using strong cleaning agents might seem effective, but they can actually degrade the materials of your golf ball, impacting its flight and durability. Opt for gentler solutions to preserve the integrity of your balls.
2. No Abrasive Cleaning Tools:
   • While it might be tempting to scrub off stubborn dirt, tools like steel wool or harsh brushes can scratch your golf balls. Such scratches can alter the aerodynamics, affecting the ball’s trajectory and overall performance.
3. Extreme Temperatures for Storage Are Harmful:
   • Just as extreme heat or cold can damage fine wine, similar conditions can warp your golf balls or alter their performance. Ensure they’re stored in a temperate environment away from direct sunlight to maintain their shape and functionality.
4. Do Not Submerge Golf Balls in Water for Extended Periods:
   • While a deep clean might seem like a good idea, prolonged water exposure can penetrate the ball, affecting its weight and balance. Stick to a brief wash and scrub instead.

Advanced Tips and Tricks for Cleaning and Maintenance

These next tips are not a must, but they can help with providing your golf balls better care. This way they will be in great shape all the time and you won’t have to worry about their performance on the course.

1. Invest in a Golf Ball Cleaning Machine:
   • Consider purchasing a machine specifically designed for cleaning golf balls. These devices ensure a thorough clean without risking damage to the balls, save time, and provide consistency in cleaning.
2. Optimal Long-Term Storage Solutions:
   • Store your golf balls in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality. For extended storage periods, wrapping each ball in acid-free tissue paper can help prevent moisture accumulation and discoloration.
3. Routine Inspection of Golf Balls:
   • Regularly check your golf balls for signs of wear, such as severe scuffs or cuts. Damaged balls can negatively affect trajectory and spin, impacting your game. Discard any balls that are significantly worn.
4. Incorporate Maintenance into Your Golf Routine:
   • Make golf ball maintenance a regular part of your golf routine. Spending a few extra minutes to clean and inspect your balls before or after playing can significantly benefit your performance on the course.

What to Do and What Not to Do

Like everything we do, there are right ways and there are wrong ways of doing it. The same case is with this topic. Below you can take a look at all the right and wrong things you can do when cleaning and maintaining your golf balls. Further below, everything is explained in more detail with some advanced tips at the end.

Do

• Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
• Use a Soft-Bristle Brush or Towel
• Rinse Thoroughly
• Dry Properly
• Maintain Consistency in Cleaning

Don’t Do

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals
• No Abrasive Cleaning Tools
• Extreme Temperatures for Storage Are Harmful
• Do Not Submerge Golf Balls in Water for Extensive Periods

Understanding the Basics of Golf Ball Care

Sometimes the best way is to learn why we have to do things in a certain way. If you want to take the best care of your golf balls, it does not harm to know more about what they are made from. Additionally, knowing what can wear them down will help with that as well.

Modern golf balls are marvels of engineering, designed to deliver distance, durability, and control. They feature a variety of materials. For cleaning and maintenance, the most important part is the cover. There are two main types of covers. One is the tougher ionomer cover and the other is the softer urethane cover. Both require the same care to provide you with consistent performance.

The fact is that golf balls can degrade over time. Factors such as dirt, chemicals, exposure to the elements, and even the sheer impact of clubs can affect their performance. Regular inspection is crucial. Spotting slight dimple distortions or discoloration early may save your game and your golf balls. There is clearly a point of no return when the golf ball is too damaged. But before that there is a lot you can do to extend its life.

Increase their Lifespan

At the end of the day, everything we possess will last longer if properly cleaned and maintained. It goes beyond golf balls in the golf world, your clubs and shoes are precious items that need proper care too. But that is a conversation for another time. Something that can be expensive as golf equipment is worth looking after.

I really hope these tips help you take your golf ball care to the next level and that you see benefits in both the lifespan of your golf balls and your performance. More than anything you are helping your consistency and performance on the golf course. Now swing with confidence, knowing that your golf balls are in top-notch condition!

How long do your golf balls last? How do you maintain them? Share below!

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• What Is the Shelf Life of a Golf Ball?