What to Clean A Golf Cart With? — A Golf Cart Cleaning Guide

Cleaning of your golf cart is more than just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a crucial aspect of golf cart maintenance and responsible ownership. More specifically, regular golf cart cleaning enhances the golf cart’s appearance and your driving experience; it provides an opportunity for ongoing checkups to identify any potential issues early; it retains the vehicle value, making it easier to sell or trade in when the time comes for a golf cart upgrade.

No matter how you look at it, regularly cleaning your golf cart is beneficial. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you establish an effective cleaning routine. Make sure you read through the end for some helpful golf cart cleaning tips. 

Let’s Run Through Some General Guidelines First

Choose Appropriate Cleaning Products

Select cleaning supplies that are effective yet gentle on your golf cart’s materials. Consult your owner’s manual for recommended products. While quality cleaners may cost more upfront, they can prevent damage and save money on repairs in the long run. Always ensure your chosen products are compatible with the specific surfaces you’ll be cleaning.

Select an Ideal Cleaning Location 

Park your golf cart in a solid, non-porous area with proper drainage, such as a driveway or concrete pad. It is recommended to avoid cleaning your golf cart on the grass, as cleaning chemicals and debris washed off the cart can harm your lawn.

Pre-Clean Preparation 

Before starting the main cleaning process, remove loose dirt and debris from your golf cart. Clear out all personal items, electronics, and removable components from storage areas and the interior, such as USB connectors and even floor mats. This prevents water damage and allows for a more thorough cleaning. Don’t forget to empty any onboard trash containers.

Power Down 

As a crucial safety measure, ensure your golf cart is completely turned off before beginning the cleaning process.

What To Clean Your Golf Cart with? —  The Basics

Cleaning your golf cart shouldn’t be more complicated than other things you clean, both in terms of the “cleaning kit” and the “cleaning process”. 

So, as you come to clean your golf cart, make sure you have these basic cleaning supplies, including:

• Two buckets: one with clean water, another with a soap solution
• Liquid dish soap (preferred cleaning agent)
• Soft sponges or washcloths
• Microfiber towels for drying (opt for reusable towels over disposable paper towels for a more eco-friendly approach)
• Baking soda and a toothbrush (for battery maintenance)

Specialized products you can gather are aluminum cleaner, mold/mildew remover, and plastic shine, but they are not essential. Plain water and soap are sufficient and help avoid the use of hazardous chemicals.

Once you have that cleaning equipment ready, the cleaning process is pretty straightforward:

1. Remove any solid dirt
2. Clean the vehicle with a wet sponge dipped in the soapy water
3. Rinse with a sponge from the clean water bucket
4. Dry thoroughly using microfiber towels

Hot to Clean Golf Cart Batteries?

If you own an electric golf cart, maintaining clean batteries is crucial. When charged, these batteries release hydrogen gas, water, and acid, which can settle on other components and cause corrosion if not cleaned promptly. Keeping the battery terminal connections clean helps extend battery life.

If you notice corrosion building up around your battery terminals, clean them immediately by following these steps:

1. Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one quart of water in a plastic spray bottle
2. Spray the tops and sides of the batteries, terminals, and any nearby metal components
3. Let the solution sit for at least three minutes
4. Scrub the corrosion with a toothbrush
5. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove the residue
6. Rinse and wipe thoroughly 
7. Apply a generous amount of battery terminal protector to prevent future corrosion

Remember: Clean and corrosion-free golf cart batteries are essential for extending your golf cart batteries lifespan. 

How to Clean Golf Cart Seats?

Cleaning your golf cart seats follows a similar cleaning process as outlined above. The only area that requires closer attention is the material the seats or seat covers are made of. The material will dictate the best cleaning solution to use without causing damage. 

For example, while mold and mildew removers are a popular cleaning solution for vinyl seats, remember that these often contain bleach. Although such strong cleaners can be effective, they may also cause the material to deteriorate over time. Insead, using good old water and soap can do the job just fine for the golf cart seats. To be on the safe side, you can refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the most appropriate cleaning recommendations.

Once you’ve determined the proper cleaning solution, apply it to every crevice and corner of the seat and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. For more stubborn stains, use a soft brush to gently scrub the area. Finally, use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the dirt. For “lazy” golf cart owners or those who are not aiming for a “spotless” seat, regularly vacuuming the seats can effectively remove dirt and grime.

Golf Cart Cleaning — Hacks and Tips

Keeping your golf cart clean can be easy and effective with a few helpful hacks and tips.

• Establish a regular cleaning schedule to keep your cart consistently clean.
• Choose a shaded area for cleaning to prevent soap spots caused by direct sunlight
• Promptly dry wet surfaces after cleaning to avoid water spots.
• Apply a protectant after each cleaning to keep your golf cart looking its best.
• Use lukewarm water for washing. Hot water can potentially damage surfaces.
• Avoid using bleach on colored seats. Use only a small amount of bleach on white seats.

View Golf Cart Cleaning as Essential Golf Cart Maintenance

Golf cart cleaning should be viewed as an integral component of your overall maintenance strategy, not just an occasional chore. Regular cleaning not only preserves your cart’s appearance but also contributes significantly to its longevity, performance, and value. 

For more personalized guidance on golf cart cleaning or any other service support, don’t hesitate to contact us at Garrett’s Golf Carts. Whether you need advice on cleaning products, maintenance schedules, or professional servicing, our team of experts is here to help you keep your cart in top condition.