How To Clean Golf Cart Batteries

Golf cart batteries are full of acid that can reach the top of the batteries. They also discharge gasses that can build corrosion and destruction to battery wires and terminals when they charge up.

Any corrosion or damage can diminish the current flow. It can also cause an unexpected loss of power while driving. That is the reason why you should clean the batteries regularly. But how to clean golf cart batteries?

The Preparation

Make sure you work in a safe environment when cleaning and servicing your golf cart batteries. Remove your pieces of jewelry, wear heavy-acid-proof rubber gloves, and shield your eyes with safety goggles.

The Cleaning Process

Try the steps below on how to clean golf cart batteries by effectively removing acid and corrosion from the batteries. 

Step 1. Combine one cup of baking soda on each gallon of water. Spray and spread the mixture evenly across the batteries. Spray on the wiring, racks, the tops as well as the sides of the batteries. One indicator that the acid is neutralizing is the bubbling chemical reaction between the substances.

Keep on rinsing the batteries with water to get rid of the mixture. Be aware that cleaning the acid off the batteries will taint concrete and the ground beneath it. 

Therefore, it is advisable to wash the batteries over rocks or dirt so that the ground underneath will not get stained. After washing the batteries, dry them off with a towel and wipe any remaining dirt.

Step 2. In case that the weather conditions cause the spray to dry quickly, try to spray across the top of the battery using a clean old paintbrush to loosen the dirt and then wash it away with clean water and let them dry with a towel.

Step 3. In case the spray doesn't dry immediately, let the mixture stay on the batteries for about five minutes, then rinse with a low-pressure spray of clean water. High pressure on electrical components is highly discouraged. Dry with a towel.

Step 4. Put a baking soda mixture around the top of the battery with a soft scrub brush if needed. Using baking soda will help decrease gunk and build-up produced by corrosion and dirt.

The Maintenance

Schedule a weekly or monthly cleaning and maintenance on your golf cart batteries. Doing this will improve the batteries' performance and long lastingness for about 4 to 5 years.

Check the water level after washing the batteries. Fill the batteries with distilled water as necessary. This will help lessen the risk of corrosion and battery failure. 

Charge golf cart batteries daily, and between rounds when needed. Careful not to undercharge or overcharge as it can cause severe damage to the batteries.

Conclusion

Cleaning and maintaining your golf cart batteries can be a lot of work. However, this can help prolong the lifespan of the batteries, keep it in a good performance, and help you save money as well.