How to Clean Golf Balls

One of the easiest ways to clean golf balls is by using common cleaning supplies around your house. As your initial line of cleaning defense, fill a bucket with water and dish soap, grab a toothbrush of similar soft bristled brush, and a towel.

If the above process with soap and water isn't enough to clean your golf balls, refill your bucket with hot water and add in a 1/2 cup of bleach. Allow the balls to soak in the bucket for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry each ball. Be sure to sse an old towel and wear old clothes, in case bleach gets on them.

Did you know you can wash your golf balls in the dishwasher? This method is not recommended for heavily soiled golf balls, but small to moderate marks or stains will come off easily in the dishwasher. Put the golf balls on the top rack of the dishwasher and use your regular dish soap. This method is great for the golfer who doesn't have time to obses over every spec of dirt in every dimple, but also wants to show up to the course with a clean arsenal of golf balls in the morning.

The Twister Golf Ball Cleaner was originally pitched on Shark Tank in 2010, but unfortunately for inventor Alfonzo Dowe, none of the Sharks were interested in golf, or investing in a golf-related product. Dowe’s ball-washing invention, however, is actually genius, and it’s available on Amazon for around $20.

The Twister is a portable ball washer that’s about the size of a can of your favorite beverage that opens in the middle and has bristles on the inside. Simply fill the Twister with some soap and water, drop your ball in the middle, and twist away. It’ll pop out looking good as new. Because of its compact size and cylindrical shape, the Twister easily clips to your golf bag or push cart, or fits into the cup holder in your golf cart.

The Birdie Bath Portable Golf Ball Cleaner is another ball washer that you can clip to your bag or stick in the cup holder of your cart, which we love. It has a slightly larger footprint than the Twister, and slightly larger price to go with it, around $35 through Amazon, but you can probably save a few bucks by going directly through the Birdie Bath site. 

The Birdie Bath opens at the top, similar to a water bottle, and the lid has a ball-holder inside. Simply add water to the main unit, and drop your ball in to scrub as needed throughout your round, or before you head to the course.

If you want to bring the golf course home with you in a somewhat functional way, how about a real-deal Par Aide ball washer in your backyard or golf room? This is the same ball washer you see on 99% of golf courses, and will let all your guests know you’re serious about golf.

Adding an authentic golf course ball washer to your home is as much a conversation piece as it is a functional tool, a fact that could help justify the $500 or so price tag. On the bright side, you’ll surely never head to the course with dirty old golf balls again.

When it comes to cleaning your golf balls, there are some lines you should not cross. First of all, never use a hard or metal bristled brush to clean them. These types of brushes strip the outer layer of the golf ball. Also, never use gasoline or similar harmful chemicals to clean your golf balls. Finally, do not use a power washer to clean used golf balls, that can chip away the finish and outer layer of the golf ball.

Know when your used golf balls have been through enough. If the golf balls you're attempting to clean are severely stained, cut, or are breaking apart, it's time to say goodbye. You can use those balls for some backyard chipping practice, or if you're looking to make you own ladder ball set, but don't tee them up for a round on the course.