How To Remove Rust From Golf Clubs? [Use These Easy Methods]

There’s nothing more annoying than returning o your golf clubs after a few weeks off golf, to find the faces are covered with orange rust. No one likes to look at a set of clubs that look tired, old and rusty, so how to remove rust from a golf club?

In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the proven methods how to get rust off a golf club and get your clubs back to their best.

How To Clean Rust Off Golf Clubs?

How To Get Rust Off Golf Clubs?

Here’s our five best options for how to clean rusty golf clubs:

1. Soap and water
2. Wire Steel Wool Brush
3. Cola
4. Vinegar and Lemon Juice
5. Rust Remover

If you’re looking to get rid of that pesky rust from your golf clubs, so that they’re looking fresh and ready for action, there’s a few different methods you can try that don’t require a specialist golf store.

Depending on the type of golf club and the value of the golf club, it can depend on the type of method you use to get rid of the rust. If you’re looking at cleaning your £600 Scotty Cameron then you might want to think twice before you start scraping away at anything.

Whereas for an old wedge, you found in the garage, potentially scratching it up a little won’t hurt too much.

Let’s take a look at the five methods and find out how to use them.

Soap and Water

If you’d prefer a gentle method, try liquid soap and water cleaning. It may sound a little surprising, but a standard household soap and some tap water can certainly do a job on a bit of club rust.

Mix a few litres of warm water with dish soap or dishwashing liquid, and then let the club soak in the mixture for at least 5 minutes. Then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the rust using a scratch-free scrubber, making sure to get into the grooves or edges where the rust has burrowed into.

This method is best for light rust stains, but it’s a good starting point if you’re unsure how severe the rust is on your golf clubs.

Wire Steel Wool Brush

Next up, we have the trusty ultra-fine steel wool method. It’s a cheap and easy method as most people have one of these brushes lying around their homes.

It won’t remove all of the rust, but it will certainly get the top layer of surface rust off if done correctly.

To use this method, you’ll need some fine steel wool and some elbow grease. Simply rub the steel wool over the rusted areas of the clubs, and watch the rust disappear. It may take some time and effort, but with patience, you can get your golf clubs looking like new again.

Although this method does work, if you brush too hard with the steel wool it can begin to scratch the golf club and could cause excessive damage to the metal.

Coca-Cola

Believe it or not, Coca-Cola can also help remove rust from your rusted golf clubs. The acidic properties in the soda can break down the rust, making it easier to remove.

Simply pour some Coca-Cola into a container and leave the club to soak in it for up to 24 hours to get the maximum effect, before wiping it away with a microfiber clean cloth and scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush.

This is a great form of rust removal and it’s pretty cheap to do. Letting the club sit in the Cola for a good few hours means it can fully soak in and work its magic.

Vinegar and Lemon

When it comes to how to clean rust off of golf clubs, another great method for removing rust from golf clubs is using vinegar and lemon juice.

Mix equal parts of vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl, and soak the rusted areas of your clubs in the mixture for a few hours.

After soaking, scrub the rust away with a soft-bristled brush, and rinse with warm water.

Using vinegar and lemon on your clubs is a cheap and easy way to get rid of any rust.

Rust Remover

Finally, if all else fails, you can use a rust remover to get rid of stubborn rust stains. An industrial rust remover for golf clubs is powerful and contains harsh chemicals which can damage metals.

This is the most extreme and abrasive technique for removing golf club rust, so tread carefully before you start doing anything. But I always feel like it’s the best method of actually getting rid of the tough and the best way of cleaning rust off golf clubs.

Follow the instructions on the industrial rust removers package carefully, and make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear. This method is more aggressive, so be careful not to damage the finish of your clubs.

One of the best rust remover for golf clubs is the JENOLITE Rust Remover Trigger Spray, ideal for spraying golf clubs and shafts.

How To Prevent Golf Clubs Rusting?

Sometimes it’s just easier to stop and prevent rust instead of having to ask the question “how to clean rusted golf clubs?”.

Luckily, rust on golf clubs is preventable, you just need to know how to avoid it.

Here’s a few tips to never have to deal with rusty gold clubs again.

Dry Clubs After Rounds

If you’re playing golf in the rain or there’s moisture on the ground, this dampness can lead to your clubs rusting.

Therefore, after every round of golf, make sure there’s no water on your clubs. Whether that’s the grooves, head or shaft. Get each club out of the bag, wipe down with a soft cloth and let them dry separately.

Clean Clubs After Rounds

Giving your clubs a clean after every round is a great way to maintain them and keep them from rusting, they cost a lot of money after all, so deserve to be looked after.

There’s no guarantee clean clubs will help you play better, but they will help with rust prevention.

Store In Correct Place

Make sure to keep your clubs in a dry room that’s not damp or humid.

Any dampness in the air can lead to clubs rusting, especially during a cold Winter.

Oil Consistently

Some clubs like a Scotty Cameron putter need lots of maintenance to keep looking nice.

Using a microfiber cloth, wipe some specialist oil into the head after every use to keep it from rusting.

Final Thoughts

So that’s our look at how to get rid of rust on golf clubs. Removing rust from clubs is actually easier than you might think. Often you’ll have something lying around at home that will be able to do a good job of removing the stuff.

Before you start scrubbing away at your clubs, it’s important to mention that rust can often provide some benefits to golfers.

Surface rust from your golf can increase the friction applied to the ball and lead to greater amounts of backspin on the shot. Ideal for your wedges that need better control on pitch and chip shots.

If you’ve got a rusty old wedge, perhaps give it a try and see what it can do for your short game.

FAQs

How to clean golf clubs rust?

The best method of cleaning rust off a golf club is by using dish soap, warm water and a scrubbing brush. Another way to remove rust from golf clubs vinegar mixed with lemon juice.

Can you remove rust from golf irons?

Yes, rust can be removed from golf irons by simply using soap and warm water, or other methods such as vinegar or rust remover solution.

Does WD40 remove rust from golf clubs?

WD40 can be used to remove rust from metals such as iron and stainless steel, so is an option for removing rust from rusting golf clubs.

How do you remove rust from a golf club head?

Rust can be removed from a golf club by using cola, soap water, vinegar and lemon, among other methods. My favourite way of removing rust is with a good quality rust remover spray solution.

How to get rust off of golf clubs?

There’s many different ways of getting rust off golf clubs including a good quality golf club rust remover or just simple dish soap, water and a good scrubbing.

How to get rust off golf club shaft?

The best way to remove rust from golf shaft is to use a good quality golf club rust remover spray or solution which can be applied to the golf club rust and left for a few hours before it is wiped away with a cloth or towel.

How to fix rusty golf clubs?

Fixing a rusty golf club is easy with some soapy warm water and a soft-bristled brush. Simply soak the rusty golf club in the water and then scrub away the rust from the clubs.

How to clean rust off golf club shafts?

The best answer for how to get rust of golf clubs shafts is by using a rust remover which can be sprayed on the shaft and left for a few minutes, before being wiped away with a cloth. Never leave the rust spray on for too long or else it can lead to corrosion or damage to the metal.