Mastering the Art of Cleaning Summer Sports Gear: Pro Tips and Tricks

You know the one: the folding chair that’s always there for you at every tournament and practice, and now looks like it’s been through a world tour. Start by letting it dry out fully if it’s damp or muddy; then flip it over and knock off any loose debris – use a stiff nylon bristle brush to scrub off any stubborn dirt on the feet and legs.

Next, hose the entire thing down, spraying the legs, fabric and armrests with Dawn Powerwash, let it sit for a minute or two, then scrub it in with your brush. Rinse thoroughly, then let it air dry completely in the sun before tossing it back in the trunk.

Soccer balls, golf balls, basketballs, all the balls – they get dirty! The technique to keep them clean is mostly the same: grab a bucket and fill it with warm water and about a tablespoon of Dawn dish soap.

Dip a Scotch-Brite scrub brush or microfiber towel into the soapy water and scrub the ball’s surface—whether it’s leather, rubber, or dimpled plastic (for softer materials use a soft towel). Once done, rinse well with warm water on a clean towel. For golf balls, you can just drop a bunch right into the bucket and agitate them with your hands. Then dry with another towel and leave the ball(s) out to air dry overnight. Fresh balls mean better performance.

First, take your shoes outside and clap them together or bang the soles on the ground to shake out loose dirt. Next, use a dry brush (an old toothbrush works in a pinch) to clean off remaining grime, focusing on the tread and edges. Every few wears or as needed, give the shoes a deep clean. Apply Shoe MGK to a clean brush and gently scrub the uppers, midsoles, and even the laces (this is especially good for leather, suede and nubuck shoes). Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

For washable shoes like the FootJoy Flex, which is a golf shoe that’s built like a nylon sneaker, toss them into the washer on a gentle cycle, air dry, and they’ll look brand new.

Planning to leave shoes in your trunk? Store them in a golf shoe bag.

Tuck a couple of charcoal odor pouches inside to keep smells away. Your trunk—and your passengers—will thank you.

Start by dumping everything out of your sports bag—oh the mystery wrappers we find! Give the inside a good shake outdoors or use a handheld vacuum with a long crevice tool to suck out dirt.

For leather accents or full leather bags, treat them with Renapur leather cleaner—apply with a soft cloth and buff dry. Leave the bag open to air dry completely overnight, then repack only what you need.

For on-the-course cleaning, clip a Caddy Splash brush to your golf bag—it’s got a built-in water reservoir so you can scrub between swings. Cleaner clubs mean better contact and that, in turn means fewer curse words on the back nine.