Cleaning Golf Clubs With WD40: 5 Tips to Remove Rust 2026

Pulled your favorite irons out of the bag only to find them covered in rust? It’s a frustrating sight, turning your reliable equipment into a source of concern and potentially impacting your game. You’re not alone in searching for an easy, effective DIY solution to restore that shine and performance.

Cleaning golf clubs with WD-40 is an effective method for removing surface rust and grime, especially on steel irons and wedges. To do it safely, apply the product, let it sit briefly to penetrate the rust, scrub gently with a non-abrasive material, and then thoroughly clean and dry the club to remove any residue that could attract dust.

Leveraging established best practices, this guide will walk you through the correct way to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product as a powerful rust remover. You’ll discover the five essential tips for not just removing rust but also protecting your clubs from future damage. This process will help you restore your clubs’ performance and appearance safely.

Is Cleaning Golf Clubs With WD-40 a Good Idea to Remove Rust?

When it comes to golf club maintenance, the question of using WD-40 for golf clubs often sparks debate. The simple answer is yes, it can be a fantastic tool, but only when used correctly for the right job. WD-40‘s primary function is as a water displacer and solvent, which makes it highly effective at penetrating and loosening stubborn rust on the steel heads of your irons and wedges. This is especially true for old golf clubs or forged irons that are prone to oxidation. However, it’s not a “spray and forget” solution. A key concern is that WD-40 attracts dust and can leave an oily film if not properly cleaned off. This guide provides the expert steps to leverage its rust-busting power while avoiding any negative side effects, ensuring your clubs get a clean shine without the sticky residue.

5 Expert Tips for Cleaning Golf Clubs With WD-40 to Remove Rust

The process of cleaning golf clubs to remove rust off them is straightforward when you break it down into a few key actions. Think of this as a restoration project that not only improves the look of your clubs but also their performance by ensuring clean grooves for better contact. This five-step method covers everything from preparation to final protection, using WD-40 Multi-Use Product as the core rust-dissolving agent. By following this guide, you’ll see just how easy it is to bring your rusty old irons back to life.

1. Preparing Your Clubs and Workspace for a Mess-Free Clean

Pin this easy prep step to your ‘Golf Care’ board!

Before you start spraying, a little preparation makes the entire process of basic golf club maintenance smoother and cleaner. Treating your dirty golf clubs shouldn’t create a mess in your home or on your patio.

Supplies Needed

• Old towels or a canvas drop cloth
• A bucket of warm water with a few drops of dish soap
• A soft-bristle or nylon brush
• WD-40 Multi-Use Product

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Choose a well-ventilated area, like a garage with the door open or an outdoor patio.
2. Lay down your drop cloth or towels to protect the surface from overspray and grime.
3. Give the club heads a preliminary wash with the soapy water and brush to remove loose dirt, grass, and caked-on mud.
4. Rinse the club heads with clean water and dry them completely with a towel. This ensures the WD-40 will work directly on the rust, not the dirt.

Pro-Tip: In my experience, removing the surface grime first allows the WD-40 to act as a rust penetrant more effectively, cutting your scrubbing time in half.

2. Applying WD-40 to Dissolve and Loosen Stubborn Rust

Save this rust-busting tip for your next club cleaning session!

Now it’s time for the magic. Applying WD40 correctly is key to its effectiveness. The goal is to let the product do the heavy lifting by dissolving the bond between the rust and the steel of your golf club heads.

Supplies Needed

• WD-40 Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw
• A clean, dry microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Using the Smart Straw for precision, spray a generous coat of WD-40 directly onto all rusted areas of the club head. Focus on the face, sole, and any rust spots on the hosel.
2. Be careful to avoid spraying the paint-fill areas on modern clubs if you are concerned about potential damage.
3. Let the WD-40 sit and penetrate the rust for at least 10-15 minutes. For heavily rusted golf clubs, you can let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
4. You may see the WD-40 begin to drip with a brownish tint; this is a good sign that it is breaking down the oxidation.

Pro-Tip: WD-40 is a moisture displacer. Its primary function is to get under the rust and break the bond with the metal by driving out moisture. Giving it time to work is the most crucial step.

3. Gently Scrubbing Away Rust with Steel Wool for a Restored Shine

Want that new club shine back? Pin this scrubbing technique!

With the rust loosened, it’s time to gently scrub it away. The combination of WD40 and steel wool is classic, but the key is using the right grade of steel wool to be safe for chrome finishes.

Supplies Needed

• Super-fine #0000 grade steel wool
• A clean, dry microfiber cloth
• (Optional) A stiff nylon brush for delicate areas

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take a small piece of the #0000 grade steel wool and begin scrubbing the rusted areas in small, circular motions.
2. Apply gentle but firm pressure. The WD-40 has done most of the work, so you shouldn’t need to scrub excessively hard.
3. For clubs with a sensitive finish or for areas near paint-fill, use the stiff nylon brush instead of steel wool.
4. Periodically wipe the club head with a microfiber cloth to check your progress. Reapply a small amount of WD-40 and continue scrubbing if stubborn rust remains.

Pro-Tip: ONLY use #0000 (super-fine) grade steel wool. Anything coarser will scratch the chrome finish on your irons. For expensive forged irons or clubs with a black/PVD finish, test on an inconspicuous area first or stick to a nylon brush.

4. Detailing the Grooves to Restore Spin and Better Contact

Get more spin on the ball! Pin this groove cleaning hack.

Cleaning the golf club grooves isn’t just for looks; it’s essential to improve club performance. Debris and rust in the grooves can lead to reduced spin rates and less control. Getting them perfectly clean will help you achieve better contact with the ball.

Supplies Needed

• A golf groove cleaner tool or a stiff-bristled brush
• A can of compressed air (optional)
• Microfiber cloths

Step-by-Step Directions

1. After scrubbing the face, you may notice rust and grime packed into the grooves.
2. Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly into the grooves.
3. Use your groove cleaner tool or a stiff brush to run along each groove, digging out the loosened rust and debris.
4. Wipe the face clean with a microfiber cloth. For a perfect finish, use a can of compressed air to blow out any remaining particles.

Pro-Tip: Clean grooves are essential for generating spin. The friction coefficient between a clean clubface and the ball is significantly higher, allowing the grooves to “grip” the ball and create backspin for better control on the green.

5. Performing the Final Clean-Up and Applying Protection

The final result! Pin this to remember how to protect your clubs after cleaning.

This is the most important step that many people miss. You must clean and protect the club after de-rusting. Removing the wd40 residue is critical to prevent rust from returning and to stop the club from becoming a dust magnet.

Supplies Needed

• Bucket of warm, soapy water
• Several clean, dry microfiber cloths
• (Optional) A dedicated rust inhibitor spray or silicone spray

Step-by-Step Directions

1. It is critical to remove all WD-40 residue, as it can attract dust and dirt. Wash the entire club head thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Rinse the club head with clean water until all soap is gone.
3. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth. Do not let the clubs air dry, as this can lead to new rust spots.
4. For long-term protection, apply a very light coat of a dedicated rust inhibitor or silicone spray and wipe it off, leaving a thin, dry protective film.

Pro-Tip: The reason WD-40 attracts dust is that it’s an organic-based oil. By washing it off and applying a modern, dry-film silicone spray, you get the rust-removing benefit of WD-40 and the non-sticky protection of a specialized product—the best of both worlds.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Cleaning Golf Clubs With WD-40

This quick overview recaps the most important steps to remember when tackling rust on your clubs. Following these core principles will ensure a great result every time.

• WD-40 is for Rust, Not Just Dirt: Use WD-40 specifically as a rust penetrant on steel irons and wedges after you’ve already washed off surface-level dirt and grime.

• Patience is a Virtue: You must let the WD-40 sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen the rust, which makes scrubbing much easier and safer for the club.

• Use the Right Tools: Always use super-fine #0000 grade steel wool to avoid scratching the chrome finish. For delicate or painted clubs, a stiff nylon brush is a safer alternative.

• Clean the Residue: A critical final step is to wash the club head with soap and water to remove all WD-40 residue, which can attract dust and grime if left on.

• Dry and Protect: Always dry your clubs thoroughly immediately after cleaning. For best results, apply a dedicated rust inhibitor or silicone spray for long-lasting protection against future corrosion.

FAQs About cleaning golf clubs with wd40

Is WD-40 safe for all golf clubs?

WD-40 is generally safe for steel-headed irons and wedges, but you should use caution with other clubs. Avoid spraying it on driver or wood heads, as it can potentially damage the paint or clear coat. Also, never spray WD-40 on club grips, as it will make them slippery and can degrade the rubber over time. Always test on a small, hidden area if you’re unsure.

Can WD-40 damage the chrome on golf clubs?

When used correctly, WD-40 itself is unlikely to damage a chrome finish, but improper scrubbing can. The real danger is using an abrasive material that is too coarse, such as low-grade steel wool or a wire brush. By using super-fine #0000 grade steel wool and gentle pressure, you can remove the rust without scratching the underlying chrome.

Should I use WD-40 or vinegar to remove rust?

Both can work, but they operate differently. WD-40 is a petroleum-based solvent that penetrates and displaces moisture, while vinegar is a mild acid that dissolves rust. For light surface rust, WD-40 is faster and less messy. For extremely heavy, pitted rust, a longer soak in vinegar might be more effective but requires more careful neutralization and cleaning afterward.

How often should I clean my clubs with WD-40?

You should only use WD-40 for targeted rust removal, not for regular cleaning. For routine cleaning after a round, a bucket of warm water, soap, and a brush are sufficient. Reserve the WD-40 treatment for an annual deep clean or whenever you notice rust spots beginning to form on your irons.

Does WD-40 leave a residue on golf clubs?

Yes, WD-40 is an oil-based product and will leave a sticky residue if not cleaned off. This is why our final tip is crucial: you must wash the club head with soap and water after the rust removal process. This removes the residue that can attract dust and dirt during play.

Can I use WD-40 on my golf club shafts?

Yes, you can use WD-40 on steel shafts to clean off light rust or grime. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and wipe down the shaft. As with the club head, make sure to wipe off any excess residue with a clean, dry cloth to prevent dust attraction. Avoid spraying it near the grip or the ferrule (the plastic piece connecting the shaft to the head).

What is the difference between WD-40 Multi-Use and WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a solvent and water displacer, while the Specialist Rust Remover is a dedicated acidic formula. For light surface rust on golf clubs, the Multi-Use product is sufficient and what most people have on hand. The Specialist Rust Remover is much more powerful and designed as a soak for heavily rusted parts, which may be too aggressive for a golf club’s finish.

Will cleaning rust off my clubs improve my game?

Yes, particularly by cleaning the grooves. While removing rust from the sole or back of the club is mostly cosmetic, removing it from the clubface and grooves is critical. Clean grooves allow the club to properly grip the ball, generating more spin for better distance control and stopping power on the greens, which directly contributes to better contact and lower scores.

Is it legal to use WD-40 on golf clubs during a round?

No, applying any substance to the clubface to influence ball flight is against the Rules of Golf. Rule 4.1a states that you must use conforming clubs and are not allowed to apply any substance to the clubface. All cleaning and rust removal with agents like WD-40 must be done before or after your round, not during.

What’s the best way to prevent rust on golf clubs?

The best prevention is to keep your clubs dry. Always wipe your clubs down with a towel after every shot, especially in damp conditions. After your round, give them a quick clean and make sure they are completely dry before putting the headcovers on. Storing your clubs in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, not in a car trunk, also significantly reduces the chance of rust on golf clubs.

Final Thoughts on Restoring Your Clubs with WD-40

Ultimately, cleaning golf clubs with WD40 is an excellent and cost-effective solution for removing unsightly rust, but only when you follow the complete process. The magic isn’t just in the application; it’s in the patient soaking, the gentle scrubbing with the right tools, and, most importantly, the final wash to remove the residue. By treating WD-40 as a specialized rust-loosening agent rather than a final polish, you unlock its true potential.

Now your clubs can look and perform their best, giving you more confidence on the course. This simple but rewarding project is a cornerstone of good golf club care that can extend the life of your equipment for years to come. What’s been your experience with battling club rust?

Last update on 2026-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API