How to Clean Golf Cart Batteries 2025

Quick Overview:

• Put cart in tow mode, and disconnect all battery wires, remove front seat
• Knock off any large corrosion chunks with wire brush and shop vac (to suck up debris)
• Use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a wire brush to then clean terminals thoroughly
• Wipe off terminals, and reconnect your battery cables

The Best Way to Clean Golf Cart Batteries (and Fastest)

Pre-2025, we have seen tons of incorrect information all copying one another on how to clean golf cart batteries. Well, here at the GCTS, we are actual human golf cart experts that have been in the industry since 2014, helping hundreds of thousands of golf cart owners with their golf cart tires, wheels, batteries, and accessories. And we are certain that this method is the best and quickest way to clean golf cart batteries without making a mess. And you won't see it on any other site (until they copy us, of course)!

Tools You'll Need

• 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (can get on Amazon or at hardware store)
• Assorted Wire Brushes
• Socket wrench to remove battery cables (9/16 or 1/2 are common sizes here)
• Safety gloves and a small towel

Step 1: Remove Front Seat and Place Golf Cart into Tow Mode

Removing the front seat will give you more room to work, and placing the cart into Tow Mode will prevent any unnecessary shocks or damage to cart's electrical system.

• Your golf cart's front seat is on a set of hinges that easily come forward and pop out of place.
• To place the golf cart into tow-mode, flip your run/tow switch into the TOW position

Step 2: Disconnect all Battery Cables from the Terminals

• Take a picture of your cables before removing, just so you don't forget how to reattach them in the correct order
• Begin removing the nuts from terminals, starting with the cleanest and easiest battery connections to get to
• For any large corrosion areas, use a shop vacuum and the plastic handle on your wire brush to knock any large chunks loose
• Remember to remove all accessory cables as well (for things like light kits, or radios)

Step 3: Clean All Terminals and Battery Cable Leads Using Alcohol

Starting with one battery terminal at a time, generously spray the isopropyl alcohol directly onto the terminal and use your brass-bristle brush to begin brushing away at corrosion.

• Spray as much alcohol as needed. It can dry rather quickly, so continue to spray as you brush
• Continue to brush until metal on the terminal looks fresh and new
• Repeat this same process for each battery cable lead, to get them as clean as possible as well
• Dry any remaining dampness using a clean cloth or rag

Step 4: Reattach all Battery Cables and Reinstall Front Install Seat

• With the terminals and cable leads cleaned up, reattach all cables
• Pro Tip: Some Dielectric Grease on the Terminals can help prevent future corrosion

Wrapping it Up

Regularly cleaning your golf cart batteries doesn't take long and can extend their life by multiple years. This will save you money and time in the long-run, and make your cart run better in the short term as well. When your batteries do finally decide to die out, be sure to check out our huge selection of golf cart batteries and lithium golf cart batteries.

And remember, the Expert Team at the Golf Cart Tire Supply is always here to help you with all your golf cart tires and golf cart accessories needs!

Last updated: 3/3/2025

Written by Alex Sturwold

Alex Sturwold is the President of Golf Cart Tire Supply, and founder of the Golf Cart Sellers marketplace. Alex is a lifelong gearhead and vehicle expert, bringing over two decades of practical experience to GCTS including serving major industrial companies, such as Carlisle, during his years as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. A resident of beautiful Arizona, Alex enjoys hitting the trails in side-by-sides, hiking, shooting guns and driving anything with a motor strapped to it. You can find him on LinkedIn