Do White Golf Bags Get Dirty? How to Keep It Clean
There are plenty of golf bags in various designs and colors on the market, but white bags have remained consistently popular. Their popularity is mainly due to how they match the classic golfing aesthetic of white trousers. However, there is a catch with white bags, and it all comes down to cleanliness.
In this guide, we will be taking you through the best ways to prevent your bag from getting dirty and what to do if it's already too late. The cleaning process is pretty simple, but you need to do it right for the best results. Interested? Then read on!
Do White Golf Bags Get Dirty?
In short, yes, white golf bags get dirty. There are multiple reasons for this related to the fabric color and the uses on the golf course.
For starts, golfers haul their bags all over the course, whether setting them in carts or walking with them. Even if you mostly keep your bag slung over your shoulder, you still need to set it down when you take a shot. Ultimately, anything white that comes into contact with the ground is going to get a little dirty. It is especially true in wetter conditions. That’s when you're asking for trouble.
The fabric also makes the dirt more noticeable. So does that mean white golf bags are a terrible idea? No, it doesn't. It isn't like they attract more dirt than any other bag; it’s just more noticeable, which could be a blessing in disguise. Players with black or darker-colored golf bags might put off cleaning them for far longer than they should, simply because they don't notice how bad it's gotten.
The key with a white golf bag is good habits and upkeep. If you aren't the kind of player interested in maintaining your equipment, in that you prefer just to get out and play, it’s probably best to avoid white bags. However, if you are okay to put the work in, there's no reason you can't enjoy some of the sleekest bags out there.
How to Stop White Golf Bags from Getting Dirty
So, you're committed to the white golf bag lifestyle. It’s time to build some good habits.
Luckily for you, you don't need to learn these lessons the hard way. We've compiled some top tips on how to keep your white golf bag as clean as possible for as long as possible.
Minimize Contact With the Ground
Naturally, this is easier said than done, but it will help enormously. It makes sense that the less time your bag spends on the ground, the less dirt and grime it will acquire.
However, what are you supposed to do when you're taking shots? You can’t swing with it still attached to your back.
Our recommended solution is to invest in a stand bag. Stand bags come with extendable arms built in that allow you to prop your bag upright with only the bottom of the bag touching the ground. The design is ideal for when you're swinging and can't keep your bag on your shoulders. Cart bags work similarly, though they require the addition of a cart or trolley.
Of course, you can avoid all of this by simply keeping your bag on your cart, but that isn't applicable if you prefer to walk the course. However you choose to do it, just keep your white bag off the ground. It's a simple rule to live by but will make your maintenance efforts thousand times easier.
Keep Your Clubs Clean
The exterior of your bag should never be your only concern. Sure, the most noticeable signs of dirt and grime will appear on the outer surface of the bag first. But the inside is just as important! If you are repeatedly placing dirty clubs or golf balls inside your white bag, you will see dirt build up significantly quicker.
To remedy this, make sure to clean your clubs and wedges before placing them back in your bag. A good habit to get into is wiping them off between swings. Not only will it improve your game, but it will prevent unnecessary grime build-up inside your bag.
You might not think the interior matters all that much since no one can see inside anyway, but signs of degradation will start to show through the material surprisingly quickly.
Go for a Water-Resistant Option
This tip has less to do with habits and more to do with making informed purchases, but we include it anyway. If you can, try to buy a water-resistant golf bag.
Even if you aren't prone to playing in wet weather, water-resistant bags tend to be more durable and are naturally more resistant to stains. They are also much easier to clean since you can usually wipe soapy water over them without compromising the material.
If you have your heart set on a bag that isn't water-resistant or can't afford to replace your current one, don't worry. Water repellant sprays also exist. You spray the liquid over your bag, and a water-resistant sheen emerges. Sure, it isn't as effective as the water-resistant material, but it's better than nothing and worth a shot!
How to Clean Dirty White Golf Bags
So, now we've covered some tips on how to prevent your bag from getting too dirty. It’s time to talk about actually cleaning it.
Prevention can only go so far, and inevitably you will need to do some cleaning eventually. Luckily, it isn't a complicated process, but it is necessary if you don't want to have to repeatedly replace your bag due to preventable wear and tear.
Below is our step-by-step guide on the best way to keep your bag looking its best. You will need:
- A source of water (a hose or sink works fine)
- A mild soap that won't discolor or damage your bag, such as dish soap
- Gentle stain remover
- Washcloth
- A separate cloth for drying
Once you have these, you're good to go, so let's get into it!
Step 1: Completely Empty Your Bag
Take everything out of your big entirely, no matter how small. That way, you can give your bag a thorough clean without having to worry about accidentally damaging anything.
Your clubs and wedges will rust quicker if they are wet too often, especially if they are titanium or iron (as many are), so it's best not to wash soapy water over them.
Step 2: Wet Your Bag
The easiest way to do this is with a hose so that you can wet your bag all at once in just a couple of seconds. You don't need to go overboard. All you need to do is make sure the whole bag is damp.
If you don't have access to a hose, you can wipe the bag down with a wet cloth, though this is a more time-consuming process.
Step 3: Mix Up Some Soap and Water
This mixture can be as simple as warm water and dish soap (or any mild soap), so don't overthink it. If you want to go for a more intensive clean, throw in some gentle stain remover too. Alternatively, you can specifically use the stain remover on particularly stubborn areas rather than putting it in the entire mixture. This technique gives you more control over potency.
TIP: If your bag is leather, be especially careful with which soaps or stain remover you use. Some brands contain harsh chemicals that can damage the material, so be mindful of this. It may be worth investing in a specialized soap dedicated to cleaning leather.
Step 4: Soak Your Washcloth and Get to Wipin'!
After soaking a washcloth in your mixture, it is time to start wiping your bag down. You don't need to exert too much effort unless some particularly tricky areas require more elbow grease.
There isn't a fine art to this procedure. You just need to make sure you wipe down the entire bag.
Step 5: Rinse Your Bag
Again, the easiest way to do this is with a hose, but a second cloth can also be a practical choice. Simply rinse off the soap until your bag is free of any bubbles or foam. Make sure to check everywhere and not just the obvious places.
Step 6: Dry Off
Unfortunately, there is no quick-hack for drying your bag; it’s mostly just a waiting game. Try not to hang it out in direct sunlight as this can cause discoloration or shrinkage. Most players will air-dry their bags overnight. Make sure all the pockets and compartments are inside out so that they can fully dry.
Don't rush to use your bag until you are confident this final step is complete. Remember what we said about golf clubs and rust? That rule still applies to a clean bag!
