GRIPS - Cleaning and Maintainance...on and off the course

Grips –

Grips can be either those most ignored item on the club, or sometimes the item on the club some people obsess over too much.

In other words, we have taken in clubs where the grips were so bad and worn that they adversely affected the player’s game…and most likely the safety of those nearby! Conversely, we have repeat customers who bring in their clubs and want to be re-gripped…when in actuality; all they needed was a decent cleaning.

Let’s talk about those that simply need a cleaning and how to easily do it not only between rounds but DURING the round.

Between rounds, you can use the age old method or warm soapy water where you rinse, then use the soapy water solution with a soft brush to scrub them clean…followed with more rinsing, then dry off.

The other MUCH easier way of cleaning the grips is by using a wonderful tire cleaning solution called “Westley’s Bleche-Wite” (see image) that you can pick up at any auto parts dept.

You simply find a ventilated area, stand up wind and spray and wipe off. Not only does this clean the grips very fast, but it also rejuvenates and restores most if not all of the original tackiness.

(NOTE: Keep this stuff around as I will be referencing it periodically for other great uses for golf equipment).

So this is all cool and easy to do…but what do you do when the grips get dirty and lose their tackiness in a round of golf?

A wet towel might help….sometimes it will still leave the grip wet, whereas the glass cleaner evaporates fast and residual free.

I believe it was Tom Wishon who shared this hint…which was carry a small 2-4oz spritz bottle with everyday glass cleaner.

When the grips get dirty or slippery, spritz on the glass cleaner and the grip immediately is cleaned…and unlike other cleaners made for cleaning, this will not adversely affect the grip, as some some cleaners are not designed to work with various rubber compounds.

Incidentally, along with the small spritz bottle, I also keep a 2-4oz bottle of  Anti-Bacterial hand cleaner with me. This keeps your hands clean and tacky as well!