Start with the label, not the look
Find the care label or the manufacturer's page for your exact cover. Check the outer material, lining and any trim; the part you can see may not tell you everything about its construction. Seamus offers leather personalization sewn onto its wool covers. A cover that looks like wool is not necessarily wool: STITCH describes the Techno Wool in its USA Knit cover as 100% acrylic.
If the model or material is unknown, avoid guessing a wash cycle, cleaner or dryer setting. Let the cover air-dry and ask its maker about cleaning and storage instructions for that specific item.
After a wet round, separate and dry
Remove the damp cover from the bag and allow it to dry before closing it away. Seamus advises hanging or laying its wet covers flat promptly; it also suggests crumpled paper inside to absorb moisture. Those details are the maker's advice for its own covers, not a test we performed on yours.
Before storing, check the opening and lining as well as the outside. An exterior that feels dry does not establish that the interior is dry. If the cover has special trim or the manufacturer gives a different drying direction, follow that instruction.
A knit example: one machine-washable model
STITCH lists its USA Knit Head Cover as 100% acrylic and says that model is machine washable and may be tumble-dried on low. The product page does not specify a water temperature or wash cycle. This is an example of a particular maker's instruction, not permission to wash or tumble-dry every knitted, wool or acrylic cover. Check the exact label first.
Leather and waxed canvas need their own instructions
Seamus says not to fully wash its leather or waxed-canvas covers. For its leather covers it suggests lightly dabbing a spot with a baby wipe. For its waxed canvas, it says to start with water; a very mild detergent or baby wipe should be tested first, since soap may wear down the wax.
For its canvas, wool and tartan group, Seamus suggests mild soap and warm water applied gently with a soft brush or cotton cloth, with a hidden-spot test for color change. Follow these directions only when they match your cover and the maker's advice; leather-look synthetics and mixed-material covers may be different.
Store it dry, with the lining considered
Birdie Club describes its BC Head Cover as vegan leather with plush lining. For that cover, it recommends a damp-cloth wipe, avoiding prolonged exposure to water and direct sunlight, and storing it in a dry place. That is model-specific care, not a claim that every synthetic cover has the same finish.
Once the outside and lining are dry, put your cover in its usual dry storage space. If there is a persistent odor, stain or damage, identify the material and ask the maker for appropriate care rather than applying a generic treatment.
Keep the cover you have when it works
Routine drying need not involve buying a cleaner, conditioner or drying gadget. Seamus says leather conditioner can be used on its leather covers; that does not make it appropriate or necessary for every material. Skip a product when you cannot confirm it is suitable for your exact cover.
If the cover no longer fits comfortably or crowds the bag, compare the fit and opening of a replacement only after checking the club type. A cover that fits and remains usable can be kept.
Our buying guides contain affiliate links; ParteeTime may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. If your current cover no longer fits your driver or clears the bag, see our driver headcover fit and clearance guide. For a fairway wood, see the fairway-wood cover and number-tag guide.
Can every knit headcover go in the washing machine?
No. STITCH says its USA Knit Head Cover is machine washable and can be tumble-dried on low, but another knit cover can have different materials and directions. Check the exact label.
Should I put a wet headcover straight back in the bag?
Take it out and allow it to dry first, including the lining. Seamus advises promptly hanging or laying its wet covers flat; follow your own maker's instructions.
Is leather conditioner needed on all leather-look covers?
No. Seamus says conditioner can be used on its leather covers, but a leather-look cover may be made of another material. Check the exact manufacturer's care directions before applying a product.
What if there is no care label?
Identify the maker and model if possible and ask for the correct directions. Until then, do not guess a wash cycle, dryer setting or treatment; let the damp cover air-dry.
