Dirty batteries

[RPatten]

I used my cart for hunting exclusively. It spends a lot of time driving down dusty roads and fields full of straw and seeds. I can take a leaf blower and clean most but a caking or coating of dust is on the battery tops. How can I best remove this?

I don;t want to use a water hose as I don't want to soak the compartment. I have thought about a hand brush and a bucket of water. I have thought about adding baking soda. I would disconnect the battery flow and turn to tow.

Is there something better or is this something I should do in another manner? I am concerned about getting water in batteries.

[scottyb]

I use a battery spray on foaming cleaner from Deka and a water hose. I cover the controller and F&R with grocery type plastic bags & masking tape. Apply the Deka cleaner to the battery tops and terminals, taking care not to force the spray into the battery cap vent holes Wait 5-10 minutes while the Deka solution dissolves corrosion and grime. I use a pistol grip spay to rise, spraying in a direction away from the Controller and F&R. Don't go nuts with the water. Give a quick rinse and get the leaf blower out to remove the water. Remove the plastic coverings and admire the clean battery tops. Wipe the controller off with a soft cloth. Do this on a sunny day twice a year.

[RPatten]

Thank you. Juse what I needed.

As you described, I'm goin to use large garbage bags to cover evert honk but the batteries and then clean. A 52 gallon garbage can liner may be it.

[scottyb]

Generally speaking the electronics can take a little spritz or incidental spraying without worries. Just blow off the water when done. People I have spoke to that did damage where the power washing crowd. This forces water into places it should not be.

[tag50]

I've found a 1 gallon weed sprayer gives me more control (rate of flow, pressure and direction) than the hose. It can be used with a baking soda mix or straight water. If you wait for a sale, it can be gotten for 10 bucks or less and used for the cart only.

Also small pieces of duct tape on the cap vents help keep me out of trouble. The tape is already in my hand from covering the electronics with plastic bags. I've found I'm the perfect test subject for how idiot-proof a procedure is.


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[jjance]

When I clean the top of my batteries I borrow my grandsons watering can. It can be used very selectively because of the small spout and size. Here is a suggestion for one from Walmart.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/1-2GAL-Pe...r-Can/38691878

[Golf cart guy]

Water hose with a nozzle is all you need. Nothing crazy and hosing it off is highly advised. No need for extra cleaners of baking soda, I ve done 1000's and never once destroyed a cart.

[mrgolf]

If they are that dirty, I would just pull them out and clean them good, also clean the cart.

[HarryT]

I agree with the Golf Cart Guy. I have been hosing off the batteries in my fleet of Golf Course carts for over five years and have never had a problem. That is a garden hose with a spray nozzle on low pressure. I usually wash them off once a month when I top them off with water. I do the same on my own golf carts.
Harry