If you’re an avid golfer, you probably invest quite a bit of money in your clubs and other equipment. But if you’re hitting dirty golf balls on the green, you might not be playing up to your full potential. That’s why a portable golf ball washer can be such a wise investment.

There are quite a few portable golf ball washers on the market, but have no fear – BestReviews is here to help. Our comprehensive research enables us to provide all the information you need to find the products you want. You’ll know what to look for before you start shopping so you can choose the best items for your home every time.

If you’re looking for a new portable golf ball washer, our shopping guide is full of helpful tips.

Whether your golf ball is clean or dirty might not seem like an important issue when you’re on the green, but it can actually play an important role in your performance. Since one goal in golf is to drive the ball as far as possible, you want to make sure that it can fly through the air as easily as possible.

Dirt on the ball increases resistance as it flies through the air, which can affect how far the ball travels. If your golf ball is dirty, you also might not be able to strike it cleanly with the club. That can also affect its flight, how far you drive it, and the way it rolls.

And you can’t always tell a golf ball is dirty just by looking at it. The surface might appear clean, but there could be hidden debris in the dimples. Cleaning your golf balls periodically as you play can help make sure that you’re always on top of your game.

Type

There are two main types of portable golf ball washers: pocket and container. Both can be effective when you’re on the green.

• Pocket portable golf ball washers are more common. These are made of fabric in the shape of a pocket. A small amount of water is added to the pocket and massaged into the fabric. You place the ball inside the pocket and rub the fabric over the ball clean it. If you’re looking for the most compact, easy-to-carry option, a pocket golf ball washer is the best choice.
• Container portable golf ball washers are essentially cups with multiple brushes. You place the ball inside the cup, close the lid, and twist the container so the brushes move over the ball to remove the dirt.  A container portable golf ball washer takes up a little more space in your bag than a pocket ball washer.
   

Material

When it comes to pocket portable golf ball washers, it’s important to choose one with a waterproof outer material and a soft, durable inner material. You don’t want the water leaking out of the washer when you’re cleaning the ball.

Container portable golf ball washers are usually made of plastic, which is highly durable and easy to clean.

• Exterior: Neoprene, a waterproof, rubberized material used to make wetsuits, is a great option for the exterior of the pocket ball washer. It effectively keeps the inside of the washer moist without getting the exterior wet. Nylon is another material commonly found on the exterior of pocket ball washers, but it doesn’t always stay dry.
• Interior: Look for a portable golf ball washer with a microfiber liner. Microfiber absorbs water well, so it can effectively clean the balls, but it’s gentle enough to prevent the balls from getting scratched.
   

Size

Portable golf ball washers are designed to be as small, compact, and portable as possible, so most can only accommodate one ball at a time. If you want the most compact one, opt for a pocket style ball washer, which is small enough to fit comfortably in the pocket of your pants  or shorts.

Cleaning

The inner material of some pocket golf ball washers has antimicrobial properties, making it easy to remove odor-causing bacteria from your golf balls, and you don’t have to worry about picking up any germs when you handle the balls.

Container golf ball washers have brushes inside that scrub the ball.

Hook or strap

While you can easily fit a portable golf ball washer in your golf bag, sometimes it’s more convenient to attach the washer to your belt or waistband, and some washers have a hook or strap for that purpose. It allows easy access to the washer, so you don’t have to rifle through your bag when you want to wash your golf balls.

Care

Many pocket golf ball washers are machine washable, but some you must wash by hand.

Container golf ball washers are made of plastic and so are extremely easy to clean. The cup portion of some models can be put in the dishwasher, but you should wash the brushes by hand to avoid damaging the bristles.

Prices for portable golf ball washers vary based on the type and the materials used. In general, you can expect to spend between $7 and $27 for one.

Inexpensive: Pocket portable golf ball washers made with a nylon exterior range in price from $7 to $15.

Mid-range: Pocket portable golf ball washers made with a neoprene exterior range in price from $15 to $20.

Expensive: Container portable golf ball washers range in price from $20 to $27.

• Don’t use too much water. Avoid adding more than about two tablespoons of water to a pocket portable golf ball washer or it could leak.

• Know the rules for using a golf ball washer. Having a portable ball washer with you as you play is very convenient, but make sure you understand the rules regarding when you can use it during a game. If you use your ball washer when it isn’t permitted, a stroke is added to your score.

• Use the golf ball washer at home, too. While a portable golf ball washer is designed for use on the course, it also comes in handy at home. Use it to clean your golf balls before your next game.

Q. Can a portable golf ball washer replace a golf towel?

A. When it comes to cleaning golf balls, a portable ball washer can easily replace a golf towel. But you might still need a towel to wipe down or clean your clubs during a game because not all portable ball washers are large enough to fit club heads. You might also want a towel for wiping your hands as you play.

Q. What’s the best way to carry a portable golf ball washer?

A. Container ball washers are bulkier, so they must be placed in your golf bag. Some models have a clip or strap, so you can hang the washer from your bag. Pocket golf ball washers are compact enough to carry in your pocket, but you can also attach them to your belt, belt loop, or bag. Many golfers find it more convenient to attach a pocket ball washer to their pants rather than the bag.

Q. What type of portable golf ball washer is best for heavily soiled balls?

A. Container ball washers are usually the best option for extremely dirty golf balls. The brushes scrub the dirt and debris out of the ball’s dimples to promote superior performance on the green.