How to Clean Mold Off Your Golf Bag: A Step-by-Step Guide

Golf bags of all varieties often have to withstand all kinds of weather. If you're the kind of golfer that likes to spend extended periods on the course, regardless of the climate or time of year, then it's likely that your bag is going to get a little damp. Plenty of golf bags are water-resistant; however, excess damp could lead to mold and mildew growth for some.

If you've started to notice some mold growth on your golf bag and want to know how to remove it effectively, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to have your bag looking (almost) brand new again. Let's get into it.

Step One: Remove Everything From the Bag

Before remedying the mold situation, you need to ensure your bag is empty. You're going to need to wet the bag thoroughly, and if your golf clubs are left inside, they may become rusty. You won't have a moldy bag anymore, but you will have compromised clubs. Not ideal. Remove everything from the pack and unzip all compartments. 

Step Two: Wet the Bag

Using a hose for this step is easier and quicker, but if you want to use something a little more gentle, a spray bottle can do the trick just fine. 

Wetting a bag that has mold may seem counterproductive at first, as mold thrives in damp conditions. However, washing away the top layer is necessary to remove it more effectively. 

Focus your efforts on the moldy areas, but we recommend pre-emptively washing the entire bag to remove other growth sites. 

Step Three: Prepare Some Warm, Soapy Water

Once you have wet the bag, it's time for the actual cleaning to begin. Mix some mild soap with warm water to create a bubbly solution. 

Make sure that the water is not too hot and that the soap is not too strong, as this could damage the surface of your bag. Golf bags can withstand a lot, but some chemical detergents will break down the fabric. Better to play it safe than sorry!

Step Four: Use a Rag or Cloth to Wipe Down the Bag

Wet a clean washcloth in the solution and rub the mold away in circular motions. Once you have cleansed the visibly affected areas, continue to clean outward until you have wiped down the entire surface. 

This wipe-down should not only clean up any evidence of mold but should also prevent further growth from occurring. The soap and heat of the water combined should kill off any spores. 

If one wipe down doesn't seem thorough enough, feel free to repeat this process until you're satisfied. Just remember that even a mild soap can be damaging in excess, so don't go overboard!

Step Five: Rinse Off the Soap

When you're satisfied that you've eradicated the mold, rinse off the soap either using a hose or a spray bottle. 

A hose is most effective for this stage, as the power of the water will mean you can guarantee that you've rinsed away all soap. 

However, if you would prefer to use a damp cloth (different from the one you just used!) to wipe off the residue, feel free. Using a piece of fabric is a gentler method and reduces the risk of damage to softer-material bags. 

Step Six: Dry Off the Bag

Finally, once you have successfully removed all traces of mold to provide a deep clean, it's time to dry.

You do not want to leave your bag out in the sun for the drying process. Sun exposure can damage the material due to excessive heat. 

Instead, place it in a dry, shaded area for a full day. It should be more than enough time for it to dry out thoroughly. 

Browse Our Selection!

If you have followed the steps of our guide, then your bag should be salvageable and mold-free. However, sometimes it doesn't work out that way.

If your bag has reached the end of its life cycle, browse our golf bag selection for a replacement! With stylish cart, stand, and pencil golf bags, we are confident you will find what you need.