Golf Cart Cleaning Guide
One thing is certain - when you ride a golf cart, whether it’s at the golf course or while running errands around town, your vehicle will get dirty with time. That’s why at some point, it becomes necessary to remove the dirt and grime to prevent build-up from damaging delicate components and electronics. You also might want your vehicle to be clean ahead of your next game at the course. So, you’ll need to clean your golf cart, and our team here at Mikey's Motors has provided some tips to help you get started with that process. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’ve any questions, be sure to visit our dealership in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The Right Set Up
Safety first, do not not spray directly into the charging port, speaker areas, or any exposed wires. Additionally, if your cart has a run/tow switch, switch to the tow position. This disables the cart’s operating circuit.
Getting set up properly before tearing right into your golf cart cleaning makes a world of difference. Not only will it go faster and more smoothly, you'll likely do a better job when everything is within arm's reach. For an easier focus on the task, take some time to accumulate everything you'll need for a job done right! The entire cleaning process could take a sizable chunk of your afternoon, especially for a full golf cart detailing. Allot some time and don't be in a hurry.
Getting the Right Cleaning Supplies
For the most basic golf cart wash, you'll need, at a minimum: several non-abrasive towels or sponges, a water source, automotive detergent, and some elbow grease. If you get the following additional items, it will go more efficiently and probably result in a better job all around:
- A pressure washer or hose fitting with a focused spray setting.
- Specialty detergents that are made to leave fewer oils and residues behind. Soaps made just for cars are better than dish soap or other generic options because automotive varieties are specially formulated to be gentler on your vehicle's finish. Some car soaps are made with wax for a brighter shine and greater protection.
- Optional: Specialty tire wash solutions that preserve rubber and give it that characteristic sheen.
- Buckets of water. We recommend three: one with suds, one for the tires, and one just for rinse.
Of course, that's just for an overall golf cart cleaning. For deeper golf cart detailing, you'll need several other specialty tools, such as microfiber cloth for the windows, a toothbrush/small scrubber for nooks and crannies, and a dust buster or extendable vacuum hose with a thin nozzle. You might also consider formulas made specifically for dashboards. This is partly for cosmetic purposes but also to protect it from long-term UV and exposure to the elements.
Clearing Out Ahead of Time
Obviously, you don't want suds all over your sunglasses, thermos, and other accessories. But don't also forget to check anything in your glove box, especially if it's been slightly warped from the sun. The only thing not necessary to clear out would be a watertight container, like under certain flip seat designs. Pay special attention to any exposed electronics or other sensitive components, which you should avoid covering with soap or hitting with concentrated water (and if something seems out of place, it may be time for a service call).
Once you've fully prepped your supplies and removed any items, that leaves only one thing – the golf cart itself! If at all possible, place it under a shaded area with good drainage. This will ensure you aren't racing against fast dry times. This can somewhat "bake" the soap into the surface before you've lifted all the dirt and grime, and rubbing dry dirt around could lead to scratches. For that matter, you might want to pick a cooler time or do your golf cart wash earlier in the day.
Wash Away the Grime
Any dirt and grime left on the exterior of your golf cart can cause damage over time, harming the paint job and even causing rust to develop. Before you start cleaning your golf cart, remember to remove all your personal items kept inside. Using a pressure washer is a great way to get rid of the top layer of dirt. This will release water at such a speed that it clears the dirt without damaging the vehicle. If you don’t have a pressure washer, a hose with an adjustable nozzle can also come in handy.
Add Soap and Scrub
The next step involves scrubbing the golf cart after applying a standard automotive detergent. Keep your golf cart wet, and be sure to rinse off the suds as you finish. The next step involves scrubbing the golf cart after applying a standard automotive detergent. Keep your golf cart wet and be sure to rinse off the suds as you finish. This way, the suds won’t dry on and force you to start all over. Use a top-down method to prevent dirtying areas you’ve already cleaned. Don’t forget the corners inside the vehicle. Once you’re all finished, give the exterior of your golf cart one final hose-down.
Dry Your Golf Cart
You can either let your golf cart dry in the sun if the weather is nice, or you can grab some lint-free towels and chamois to wipe it down thoroughly. An air compressor can quickly blast away water, which can be effective in preventing moisture from damaging the electronics and other components,
Polish It
A protective plastic polish sprayed over your golf cart not only gives it a glossy shine but also offers protection from the elements as well as from scratches. Try not to get wax on the seats, as this will make riding a slippery experience.
Choose Mikey's Motors for Servicing Your Golf Cart (Closing)
Your friends at the golf course will know you mean business when you drive up in a freshly cleaned, bright, and shining golf cart! It's also the perfect way to present to any friends or family visiting you when you want to give them a tour of your trusty low-speed cruiser.
There's nothing like a thorough golf cart wash to discover the ins and outs of your golf cart, including any potential issues you wouldn't have noticed otherwise. For any questions or to keep your golf cart tuned up, be sure to visit either of Mikey's Motors' two service departments in Middle Tennessee – and as always, enjoy the ride!
Looking for a new golf cart? Visit our dealership in Murfreesboro, TN, to check what we’ve in stock right now. Mikey's Motors proudly serves all those in Nashville and Franklin.