Cleaning your golf clubs with vinegar may seem like an unusual idea but it really works! Vinegar can be a safe and effective cleaning solution to remove dirt, debris, and grim from your golf clubs.
Vinegar works as a cleaning solution because of its acidic qualities. These acidic properties help loosening dirt and debris from the club surface. Vinegar is tough enough to clean your golf clubs while still being gentle enough to not damage them.
Given that cleaning your clubs with vinegar is not common, you may not know the correct way to go about it. It’s important to get it right to make sure your clubs get rust free and cleaned properly.
In the article below, we are going to cover all you need to know about cleaning your golf clubs with vinegar. Why vinegar works so well as a cleaning agent as well as what type of vinegar to use. We have a lot to cover so let’s get started.
Why Do People Use Vinegar To Clean Their Golf Clubs?
Many golfers use vinegar to clean their golf clubs. If you have not tried using vinegar for cleaning your clubs, you may be curious as to why many golfers swear by using vinegar for the club cleanings. The two main reasons are to do with the ingredients found within vinegar and ease of access. Lets take a look.
The Acidic Nature Of Vinegar
For anyone who adds vinegar to food, you will know all about the sharp, bitter taste that it leaves in your mouth. The reason for this bitter taste is because of the acetic acid – a key ingredient in vinegar.
This colorless acid is also responsible for the strong smell that everyone associates with vinegar. Interestingly, acetic acid is also used in some cleaning products as it is a natural disinfectant.
It is excellent at removing germs and stains from hard surfaces so if you have marks on your club head then vinegar could be your best bet for getting rid of them. Additionally, acetic acid is good at dissolving rust. If you’ve got an old set of rusty clubs, apply vinegar to them, and the rust may dissolve.
It Is A Household Item
When it comes to finding a cleaning product to clean your clubs, the last thing you want is to have to order a specialist cleaning kit off the internet and wait a week for it to be delivered. Ideally, you want something cheap, effective, and already in your house. Vinegar ticks all these boxes.
Having a ready-made golf club cleaner in your kitchen cupboard is like gold dust. It saves you money and hassle and will do a brilliant job for you.
How To Wash Your Clubs With Vinegar
There are two methods when it comes to using vinegar to clean your clubs, depending on whether you are looking to dissolve rust or wash away stains.
1.) Using Vinegar To Clean Your Golf Clubs
For this, you will need a bucket, access to water, and of course some vinegar. Start by filling up a bucket with warm water. Fill the bucket about 1/3rd of the way. Next, its time to add the vinegar.
Add approximately half the volume of water added in vinegar. This will give you a diluted vinegar mixture that is perfect for cleaning your clubs. There is no need to be exacted in these measurements. Diluting the solution is mainly to avoid wasting vinegar. For very dirty clubs, you will want to have a higher vinegar to water ratio.
Let your clubs soak in the diluted vinegar mixture. Grab a sponge and soak it in the water and vinegar solution. Next begin scrubbing away at the stains on your clubs. Make sure to dry your clubs with a towel afterwards. Repeat this process for stubborn spots.
2.) Using Vinegar To Remove Rust From Your Golf Clubs
To remove rust from your clubs, all you need is a cloth and some vinegar. Grab the cloth and lightly dab it with some vinegar. There is no need to soak the cloth unless you want your clubs smelling of vinegar. With the lightly dabbed cloth, run it over the rust until you start to see a noticeable difference.
What Type Of Vinegar Should I Use?
The best type of vinegar you can use for cleaning is white distilled vinegar. This is because its acetic acid contents aren’t too high, and it is colorless. Some kinds of vinegar contain coloring agents that could cause further staining to your clubs. This would be an unfortunate situation given you are trying to remove stains, not add to them.
Can Vinegar Damage Your Golf Clubs When Cleaning?
The only way you can damage your golf clubs with vinegar is if you use either a type of vinegar with a high acid percentage or one that contains artificial colors. If you do use one high in acidic content or with artificial colors, then you may end up with a club with more stains and scratches than what you started with.
Additionally, if you smother your clubs in vinegar then you are going to end up with a set of clubs that stink of vinegar so be careful with how much you apply. Using a diluted mixture will clean your clubs without the overpowering vinegar smell.
What are Alternatives For Vinegar for Cleaning Golf Clubs?
Vinegar is one of our favorite cleaning and rust removal solution because it is safe and effective on golf clubs. However, sometimes you may not have the option to use vinegar. Below is a list of ways to clean clubs or remove rust when you can’t use vinegar.
Club Cleaning Options
Rust Removal Options
- Try Coca-Cola To Remove Rust
- For Severe Cases, Try Soaking Rusting Clubs In CLR
- Remove Rust And Polish Your Clubs With A Dremel
Also remember that rust prevent is much more effective than rust removal. Check out our articles on Rust Prevention for a complete guide.
Final Thoughts
Vinegar can be an effective solution in removing dirt and debris from your golf clubs. The acidic nature of vinegar is perfect for removing debris from clubs while still being gentle enough to not damage them.
Vinegar can be used to clean your clubs during normal cleanings, to keep your clubs in their best shape. Use the tips above to maximize
Hopefully you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!
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