How To Clean A Golf Bag: Everything You Need To Know
You clean your golf balls. You clean your golf clubs. But, when was the last time you cleaned your golf bag? We aren’t sure why, but this is the piece of golf equipment that golfers often forget to clean.
Don’t forget that a golf course is made from grass, dirt, and sand. The more golf you play, the more your bag will collect dirt and grime. This is even more important if you walk the course and use a golf stand bag. Your bag is always touching the ground!
Stop putting your clean golf clubs in that dirty ol’ golf bag. In less than an hour, you can get your golf bag clean and smelling great.
We can help. Let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need To Clean Your Golf Bag
First things first, let’s pull together everything you will to do the job right. The good news is that you most likely have all of these supplies sitting around the house.
Vacuum
Pull the vacuum out of the closet and find all of the smaller attachments. You’ll need them to properly clean the nooks and crannies of your pockets. You’ll be amazed by the amount of grass and sand that ends up in your golf bag.
Water Source (Bucket of Clean Water)
Any water source will work, but we prefer a bucket of water. You can use a garden hose, but this can be harder to control the amount of water that gets applied to your bag. We also feel that warm water works better and it’s easier to control the temperature in a bucket.
Dish Soap
No need to purchase any special cleaning products. Take the soap you use when dishwashing and add it to your bucket of water. This warm, soapy water is the perfect cleaning agent for your golf bag.
Sponge & Brush
You need a way to apply your soapy water to your bag and we recommend you grab a couple of different items. Use a sponge on the larger parts of your golf bag and a brush on smaller areas. The perfect tool is an old toothbrush (quick tip: we don’t recommend you use your wife’s toothbrush). A clean golf bag doesn’t help when you are sleeping on the couch!
Stain Remover
Depending on the color and material of your golf bag you might have stubborn stains that require more cleaning power than mild soap. It’s a good idea to have a stain remover handy. You can use the same product you use for your laundry.
Dry Rag/Towel
Before you start your cleaning project, make sure you have several rags and towels available. A washcloth is perfect for wiping down your bag and you can use a couple of golf towels to dry your bag once you are done cleaning it. Microfiber towels work best for this type of project.
How To Clean Your Golf Bag: Step-By-Step
1. Remove Everything From Your Bag
Clean out all of your pockets and remove as much grass and sand with your fingers as possible. If possible, remove the strap (should strap) from your bag. Turn your golf bag upside down and shake out anything. You’ll be shocked to see how much stuff falls out of your bag. You’ll find golf tees, ball markers, and even golf balls that have fallen down into your bag.
2. Vacuum Out The Pockets
Use smaller attachments that come with your vacuum to fully clean all pockets on your golf bag. This should include your ball pocket, apparel pocket, and valuables pocket. The goal of this step is to remove all of the grime that collects in your bag. Try to get every blade of grass and every grain of sand.
3. Clean The Strap
Assuming you can detach your shoulder strap, start with cleaning this piece of your bag. Soak it in soapy water for a few minutes and use your toothbrush on any visible stains. You can flatten it against the floor (the outside deck is perfect) to squeeze out excess water. Set it aside to let it dry - don’t leave it in direct sunlight because that will cause it to fade.
4. Gently Wash Your Bag With Soap & Water
Using your sponge and bucket of warm, soapy water wash the rest of your golf bag. This is the part of the cleaning process where you should spend the most time. Use a soft bristle brush on areas of the bag that require extra attention.
The color of your bag will also impact how long this step takes to complete. A white golf bag shows dirt and will require more time and “elbow grease.” It can be harder to see dirt on a darker golf bag, so you need to make sure you wash the entire bag.
5. Rinse Your Bag
You can use a garden hose for this step or wash out your bucket of soapy water and refill it with clean water. Use a clean cloth or sponge to rinse your bag. The goal here is to remove all soap and avoid leaving any residue or build-up on your bag.
6. Use A Stain Remover (If Necessary)
You’ve washed and rinsed your golf bag. It’s now time to assess your work. Does your bag look clean or do you still see some stubborn stains? It is possible that you’ll have spots on your bag that require more than the wipe-down you performed in steps 4 & 5. If this is true, you can use a stain remover on these sections.
7. Dry Your Bag
You’ve done a great job cleaning your bag and now it’s time to let it dry. This may seem like a simple step, but if you do it wrong, it can ruin your golf bag.
Start the drying process by opening all pockets and turning the bag upside down. You want to make sure the outside and the inside are dry.
Let your bag dry overnight - don’t try to speed up this process by using a hair dryer or other outside heat. This can damage your bag.
Be patient - make sure your golf bag is 100% dry before loading it back up with your golf equipment.
8. Organize Your Golf Bag
Congrats! You’ve cleaned your golf bag and are ready to take it back to the golf course. Take this opportunity to properly organize your golf gear.
Use the pockets as they were designed to be used. Balls, tees, gloves, and ball markers go in the ball pocket. Your windbreaker or pullover goes in the apparel pocket and your valuables belong in the velour-lined pocket.
Use the dividers in your golf bag to organize your golf clubs. It’ll make it easier the next time you play golf if your clubs are in the correct order.
9. Store Your Golf Bag Properly
Your freshly cleaned golf bag deserves proper storage to maintain its pristine condition. Tossing it in a corner of your garage isn't doing it any favors! Proper storage prevents unnecessary wear and tear, protects it from damage, and extends the life of your golf bag.
For optimal storage, consider these options:
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Store your bag in an upright position to maintain its shape
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Keep it in a climate-controlled environment (avoid damp basements or hot attics)
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Cover your bag if storing in areas where dust might accumulate
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Never stack heavy items on top of your golf bag
If space is limited, wall-mounted storage solutions like the Loma Wall Hook can be helpful for lightweight bags such as the Loma or Loma XL. These types of wall mounts take up minimal space and keep your bag off the floor, helping to prevent dirt build-up and potential moisture damage. Wall mounts are particularly useful for smaller living spaces or for organizing gear in your garage.
Whatever storage method you choose, the key is to keep your golf bag clean, dry, and protected from excessive heat, cold, or humidity. With proper storage, your golf bag will stay in great shape and be ready for your next round!
How to Clean a Leather Golf Bag
While the cleaning steps above work well for most golf bags, leather requires special attention to maintain its premium look and feel. Leather golf bags make a statement on the course, but they also demand more careful handling than their synthetic counterparts. Let's look at the specific approach needed for these luxury items:
Materials You'll Need
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Leather cleaner (avoid household cleaners with harsh chemicals)
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Leather conditioner
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Soft, lint-free cloths
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Small bowl of lukewarm water
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Soft bristle brush
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Leather protectant spray
Cleaning Process
1. Dust and Debris Removal: Use a soft cloth to wipe away surface dust and debris. Pay extra attention to seams and crevices where dirt likes to hide.
2. Spot Cleaning: Dampen a cloth with lukewarm water (not soaking wet) and gently clean any soiled areas with circular motions. For stubborn spots, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to your cloth—never directly onto the bag.
3. Gentle Cleansing: Apply a high-quality leather cleaner with a soft cloth, working in small sections. Don't oversaturate the leather, as excess moisture can damage it.
4. Conditioning: After cleaning and allowing the bag to dry completely, apply a leather conditioner to prevent the material from drying out and cracking. This step is crucial for maintaining the leather's suppleness and extending your bag's lifespan.
5. Protection: Finish with a leather protectant spray to guard against water spots, stains, and UV damage.
Important Don'ts for Leather Bags
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Never soak a leather golf bag
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Avoid direct sunlight when drying
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Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners
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Don't use household soaps that can strip natural oils
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Avoid alcohol-based products that can dry out the leather
With proper care, your leather golf bag will continue to turn heads on the course for years to come. Treat it well, and it will age beautifully, developing that coveted patina that only comes with time and proper maintenance.
How to Clean a Nylon Golf Bag
You've learned the general cleaning steps and special care for leather, but what about nylon bags? As the most common material for modern golf bags, nylon offers excellent durability and easier maintenance. The basic cleaning steps we covered earlier work well for nylon, but here are some specific tips to get the best results:
Materials You'll Need
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Mild dish soap
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Warm water
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Soft sponge or cloth
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Old toothbrush
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Garden hose (optional)
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Fabric protector spray
Cleaning Process
1. Prep Work: Empty all pockets and remove any detachable parts like straps. Shake the bag upside down to remove loose debris and vacuum all compartments thoroughly.
2. Soap Solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. You don't need special cleaners—the same soap you use for dishes works perfectly for nylon!
3. Scrub Time: Dip your sponge or cloth in the soapy water and wipe down the entire exterior of the bag. For stubborn stains or hard-to-reach areas, your trusty old toothbrush is the perfect tool.
4. Targeted Cleaning: For those extra grimy areas (we're looking at you, bottom of the bag), apply a bit more pressure but avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage the material.
5. Rinse Well: Either use clean water with a cloth or gently spray with a garden hose. Make sure to remove all soap residue, as this can attract more dirt if left behind.
6. Thorough Drying: Allow your bag to air dry completely before reassembling. Place it upside down first to drain excess water, then right-side up with all pockets unzipped for maximum airflow.
7. Protection: Once dry, apply a fabric protector spray to help repel future stains and make your next cleaning job easier.
Why Nylon Bags Are Awesome
One of the biggest advantages of nylon golf bags is their resilience. Unlike leather, nylon can handle more aggressive cleaning methods and products. Spilled sports drink? No problem. Grass stains? Easily fixed. This durability makes nylon bags perfect for golfers who play in all weather conditions or frequently walk the course.
Remember that while nylon is tough, the hardware on your bag (zippers, plastic components) may not be. Take care not to saturate these areas with excess water or cleaning solution to prevent rust or damage.
With proper cleaning and care, your nylon golf bag will remain your reliable companion for countless rounds of golf, looking almost as good as new every time you hit the links!
How To Clean A Golf Bag: Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my golf bag?
The answer to this question will depend on how often you play golf, but we recommend you clean your golf bag at least once per year. If you treat it correctly, your golf bag can last for 5-10 years.
Can I soak my golf bag?
You should feel comfortable getting your golf bag wet to clean it, but we wouldn’t recommend soaking your golf bag. The excess water can affect the shape of your bag. Instead of soaking, wash your golf bag using a sponge, washcloth, and toothbrush.
How do I get rid of a lingering smell on my golf bag?
The pockets of your golf bag can develop a “mildew-type” smell and no one wants their golf gear to stink. Clean and dry the pockets of your golf bag and use a spray-on scent or air freshener to eliminate the unwanted odor.
Can a golf bag be dry cleaned?
While professional dry cleaning services can handle many fabric items, golf bags generally aren't good candidates for traditional dry cleaning. Stick with the hand-cleaning methods outlined above, tailored to your specific bag material (nylon or leather). For stubborn stains or heavily soiled bags, some professional cleaning services that specialize in sporting equipment may offer golf bag cleaning, but always confirm they have experience with golf bags before proceeding.
Don’t Be The Stinky Kid On The First Tee
We love this quote from football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders: “If you look good, you feel good, If you feel good, you play good, If you play good, they pay good.”
We can’t promise a clean golf bag will help you shoot lower scores, but it can’t hurt, right? We all want to look our best on the golf course. Take care of your golf equipment and it’ll take care of you. If nothing else, it’ll last longer and save you some money that you can invest in greens fees or a new putter!
