How To Clean Golf Balls (Explained)

Golf balls are a high-maintenance item. If you don’t clean them often, they get dirtier and less effective pretty quickly.

But cleaning golf balls can be intimidating if you don’t know how or what products to use. This blog post will guide you what is best for cleaning your golf balls so that they’re always ready for the next round!

How to wash golf balls at home

Cleaning golf balls at home is a great idea for any avid golfer. You can save some money by using your own products to wash them.

One of my favorite methods at home is cleaning golf balls in the sink or bucket with hot water and dish soap.

You can use an old toothbrush to scrub off those difficult chunks that like to stick. I usually do this while watching TV or talking on the phone and it’s surprisingly therapeutic!

Another method, involves using a towel soaked in soap and a bucket, and just rubbing each golf bulb, this should remove any surface dirt.

How to clean golf balls in the dishwasher

A dishwasher is designed for cleaning dirty dishes, but can also be used for cleaning your golf balls.

Putting them in the dishwasher is a quick and easy way, but it can lead to scratches and damage on the outside of the balls.

Although this is a safe option, I would tend to use the bucket and soapy water method first, if you have only a few balls to clean.

Put your golf balls in a dishwasher-safe container and run it on the hottest cycle.

Be careful not to overfill the dishwasher, and wash your golf balls with a recommended cleaning product!

Do not dry your new clean golf ball until it is completely cool to avoid any possible damage that could be caused from heat.

How to clean golf balls in bulk

Cleaning golf balls in bulk is time saving.

This will let you get all of your dirty work done in less time, saving you the hassle of repetitively doing it on an individual basis for each ball that needs cleaning.

There are many different methods to choose from, as long as they do not damage your golf balls in any way.

Collect all your golf balls, and choose either the dishwasher method or a bucket filled with warm soapy water. You can also use the sink, if you have an understanding partner!

Mix water and a mild detergent for an easy yet effective cleaning solution; or even just take some toothpaste on your fingers to scrub away stubborn dirt stains.

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How to clean golf balls from ponds

You might think golf balls are safe from the water, but after just twelve hours in it, that’s not true!

The outermost layer of your ball will allow some moisture to enter into the ball and if you leave them out for longer periods of time then permanent damage can occur.

Retrieving golf balls from ponds or lakes can save you money if they haven’t been in there long. They will need cleaning, as golf balls from ponds are typically pretty dirty.

Golf balls are difficult to clean if they have been in the pond for a long time, the dirty water will stain them.

The best cleaning method for golf balls that have ingrained dirt is soap with a little bleach added to it, which should be used sparingly.

This can remove the dirt, and bring them back to a good condition, enough for them to be used again.

How to clean used golf balls

Used golf balls can be easy to clean if you’re out on the course. Most golf clubs will have a golf ball cleaning machine.

All you have to do is put the balls in, and it will automatically clean them for you!

This may be one of the easiest ways that those who play on courses that have these machines.

However, if you’re golf balls are really dirty, you may have to use the manual method at home.

How to clean golf balls with bleach

Never use just bleach to clean your golf balls, as this is hazardous.

Cleaning golf balls with bleach should be done with care, always make sure the bleach is diluted in water.

It can remove ingrained dirt and other debris from golf balls, but it will also take away the glossiness of the ball overtime.

How to clean stained golf balls

Stained golf balls will be difficult to clean, the stain will likely be deep in the golf ball outer layer.

If you’re struggling with a tough stain, take the next step as before and use bleach or another cleaning chemical on your golf balls.

As mentioned above always be careful when using any of these products, and always read the label before use.

If you want another way of cleaning your dirty golf ball, try using toothpaste! For this one-of-a-kind method, put some water in a bucket and rub the golf balls with toothpaste.

How To Clean Permanent Marker Off Golf Balls?

When you find a ball at the course and it has someone else’s initials written in sharpie, you’ll want to remove them.

There are two ways that will make this easy.

Either take nail polish remover on a cotton ball or carburettor cleaner, if necessary put either of these substances over the area is need of being cleaned, and rub with your finger tips until the initials have disappeared.

How Do You Get Scuff Marks Off Golf Balls?

So you’ve been playing a lot of golf recently and now your balls are looking like they’ve seen better days, covered in scuffs.

Well don’t worry about it because there’s an easy fix! All that is needed to keep those old beauties going for as long as possible is a little bit of scrubbing with some gentle soap on the surface before using something called “magic erasers”.

Which will get off even the toughest dirt or stains – including stubborn marks left behind.

Will bleach damage golf balls?

Be careful using bleach on your golf balls. Most cleaning products are safe to use on them, but bleach will cause the plastic to start breaking down and eventually fall apart, if you use too much, in small doses its safe to use.

How do I make my golf ball white again?

I don’t know about you, but I love the look of a new golf ball. So it’s no surprise that we want to keep them as long as possible!

But sometimes they get discolored or start looking worn out and then what? If this has happened to your balls before, there are a few tricks for making them white again without having to buy more.

Try bleaching – just add 1/2 cup of bleach in with some water and let the balls soak up all those great whitening properties until they’re nice and clean once again (1-2 hours).

This will not only freshen up any old stains on the golf ball but also kill bacteria so fungus won’t grow too easily either.

Check out: 11 Best Beginner Golf Balls (2021)

Of course you can buy a golf ball machine to do the job for you, like this one from Amazon

Conclusion

Golfers have been cleaning and caring for their golf balls since the game was created, but with today’s technology we now know how to take care of our equipment better than ever.

With just a bit of time, effort and patience you can clean your golf ball like an expert!