Cleaning your golf balls with a dishwasher may seem like a crazy idea but it really works! The steaming hot, rotating water used to clean dishes is ideal for restoring dirty used golf balls to their former glory.
Before getting started, it is important to know how to safely wash golf balls in your dishwasher. Cleaning golf balls using this method carries the risk of potentially damaging your dishwasher which would be expensive to replace.
In the article below, we are going to cover all you need to know about cleaning your golf balls in the dishwasher. How to properly clean them and what not to do so you can avoid damage. We have a lot to cover so let’s get started!
Can You Clean Golf Balls In A Dishwasher?
It’s no wonder why some golfers would want to use a dishwasher to self clean their golf balls.
Cleaning your golf equipment can be time consuming so many golfers look for ways to automate the process, but is the dishwasher the right tool for the job?
Yes, you can clean golf balls in the dishwasher, but you do run the risk of damaging the dishwasher if not done properly. When done correctly, your dishwasher can become the ultimate golf ball cleaner.
As far as damaging the golf balls themselves, luckily, they will not be damaged in a dishwasher. Golf balls can withstand the heat and water during washing.
Cleaning golf balls in a dishwasher could potentially cause damage to your dishwasher and other items you put in there.
This is why it is important that you place the golf balls in the silverware basket (where the forks and spoons usually goes) if you’re going to try it. This will contain the golf balls during the cleaning.
Loose golf balls can cause serious damage to the internal parts of the dishwasher. Also, make sure to run the golf ball cleaning separate from normal dish washing to limit any potential damage.
How To Safely Clean Golf Balls In A Dishwasher
As mentioned above, the most important things to remember when cleaning golf balls in the dishwasher is keeping them contained in one location.
The best place to safely house golf balls in a dishwasher, while still guaranteeing they get clean, is the silverware basket.
Another important safety consideration is the fact that there are usually plates, cutlery, and bowls in a dishwasher.
Even if you are washing the balls in the silverware basket as you should, we would still recommend that you ensure no other cooking utensils are in the dishwasher at the same time.
If the balls became loose for whatever reason, they could rattle around the dishwasher and easily smash plates and bowls.
Finally, make sure you use a dishwasher pod. This will ensure that you are getting the most out of the dishwasher and will result in a sparkling set of golf balls.
Below are step-by-step instructions to make sure you restore your golf balls back to their original glory!
Step-By-Step Instructions To Clean Golf Balls In A Dishwasher
Step 1: Gather your golf balls Collect all the golf balls that you want to clean. Ensure they are free from any loose dirt or debris.
Step 2: Pre-rinse if necessary If the golf balls have excessive dirt or grass clippings on them, you can give them a quick pre-rinse under running water to remove the loose debris.
Step 3: Load the golf balls Place the golf balls evenly in the dishwasher’s utensil or cutlery basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this may prevent proper cleaning.
Step 4: Check dishwasher settings Ensure that your dishwasher settings are appropriate for cleaning delicate items. Avoid using high-temperature or heavy-duty cycles, as they may cause damage to the golf balls.
Step 5: Add mild detergent (optional) You can add a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent to the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser. Use a gentle, non-abrasive detergent to avoid damaging the golf balls.
Step 6: Start the dishwasher Close the dishwasher door and start the cleaning cycle according to your dishwasher’s instructions.
Step 7: Monitor the cycle Keep an eye on the dishwasher’s progress during the cleaning cycle. If you notice any issues or excessive noise, pause the cycle and check if the golf balls are moving freely or if any have become lodged.
Step 8: Remove and inspect Once the dishwasher cycle is complete, open the dishwasher door and carefully remove the golf balls from the utensil or cutlery basket.
Step 9: Dry the golf balls After removing the golf balls from the dishwasher, pat them dry with a soft cloth or towel. Ensure they are completely dry before storing or using them.
Benefits Of Using A Dishwasher To Clean Your Golf Balls
The main benefit of using a dishwasher to clean your balls is the fact that dishwashers provide the most thorough clean imaginable with little to no work on your end.
No matter how well you wash the golf balls by hand, it is not going to be as clean as what you could get from a dishwasher.
The warm water and dishwasher pod combination swirling around your golf balls is undoubtedly going to remove all the dirt from them.
Another benefit of using a dishwasher to clean your balls is the fact that it is automated. This means that you are going to save a significant amount of time by leaving your dishwasher to do the job for you.
Instead of wasting hours of your day cleaning your golf balls one by one, you can instead get to work on your swing.
Here we recap the top 3 reasons to use a dishwasher to clean your golf balls.
Time-saving: Using a dishwasher to clean your golf balls can save you a significant amount of time compared to cleaning them by hand. Simply load the golf balls into the dishwasher, set the appropriate cycle, and let the machine do the work for you.
Convenience: Instead of manually scrubbing each golf ball individually, you can place them all in the dishwasher at once. This makes it much more convenient, especially if you have a large number of golf balls to clean.
Hygienic cleaning: Dishwashers provide a hygienic cleaning solution by subjecting the golf balls to high temperatures that help eliminate bacteria and germs that may be present on the surface.
Cons Of Using A Dishwasher To Clean Your Golf Balls
The main issue with washing golf balls in a dishwasher is the potential damage that they can cause to the washer itself, and any other items in the dishwasher.
Golf balls are rock-hard and can cause significant damage to the dishwasher if they become loose during the cleaning.
Another negative aspect of washing golf balls in the dishwasher is the possibility of your water bills going up.
Dishwasher cycles use up a significant amount of water, with most households waiting until it’s full of bowls, dishes, plates before turning it on.
Due to the fact you can’t wash these utensils at the same time as your golf balls, you are effectively wasting a cycle of water.
Here we recap the 2 main reasons to avoid using a dishwasher to clean your golf balls.
Energy consumption: Running a dishwasher to clean a small number of golf balls may not be energy-efficient. Save this method of washing golfs balls for stubborn cases of dirty golf balls
Potential damage: Dishwashers use high-pressure water jets and heat. This may not be suitable for delicate or older golf balls, potentially causing damage to their surface or structure.
Golf Ball Washing Alternatives
Check out our other articles on alternative methods for getting your golf balls clean as new!
- Can I Clean My Golf Balls With Vinegar? How To Guide
- Clean Golf Gear With Hydrogen Peroxide? What You Need To Know
- Clean Golf Balls With Bleach? What You Need To Know
Final Thoughts
A dishwasher can be an effective cleaning tool you can use to restore your dirty golf balls. The hot rotating water is perfect for removing all dirt and debris from your golf ball.
Using a dishwasher to clean your golf balls is not necessary for all cleanings. However, it can be an effective tool in your cleaning tool belt when restoring old or weathered balls.
Use the tips above to maximize cleaning your clubs with dishwasher while minimizing potential damage.
Hopefully you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!
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