Clean your golf cart cover for the best protection.

The first step in keeping your cover clean is to brush off any loose dirt, leaves, branches, and other debris. The more debris that accumulates on top of your golf cart cover, the less protection the cover will be able to provide.

The second step in keeping your golf cart cover clean is to rinse it off with a garden hose. You can either hang the cover up on a clothesline or just wash the cover while it is still on the golf cart. Hose the cover down thoroughly. Use a soft brush to remove any remaining debris, as necessary.

Once the cover is clean, let it air dry completely. Hang it up on the clothesline or allow it to dry while still on the golf cart. Do not fold or roll the cover for storage until the cover is completely dry.

Follow these steps to clean your golf cart and protect the finish.

Step 1    If possible, park your golf cart in the shade and in an area that allows the water to run off onto a permeable surface, such as a gravel driveway, patch of dirt, or grassy area. This prevents any chemical pollutants from running directly into the storm drain, where they make their way untreated into nearby lakes and streams.

Step 2    Remove any equipment from the cart that could be damaged if it gets wet. Take out the floor mats and clean the floorboards with a broom or shop vac. Scrub the floor as needed and rinse with water. Let dry.

Step 3    If you have removable seat covers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wash and dry your covers. Wipe down the vinyl seats with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner if needed. Wipe down the dash, steering wheel, and any interior plastic parts with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.

Step 4    Next comes the body of your cart. Fill two buckets—one with an all-purpose golf cart solution diluted in water and the other with clean water. A soft sponge will do; however, to avoid scratching your cart’s finish, you may want to use a sheepskin wash mitt. This is your best bet to avoid catching dirt or grit and grinding it deeper into your cart’s finish.

Step 5    Rinse the wash mitt in clean water and rinse the cart. Clean your cart in sections to avoid letting the soapy water dry on your finish before rinsing. Dry off the cart with soft, clean towels, such as microfiber or waffle-weave. Apply a fresh coat of wax if needed. Scrub the tires with soapy water and a stiff brush. Detail tires as needed.

Step 6    Take extra care when washing your windshield. There are two basic types of windshield material: acrylic and polycarbonate. Both materials can scratch, but poly scratches more easily. Use mild soapy water and a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to clean your windshield and mirrors. Never use paper towels or glass cleaners such as Windex on your windshield. These could scratch the surface. You can add a bit of automatic dish detergent to prevent spotting. Blot your windshield dry.

Step 7    If your windshield is already scratched, you may be able to rub out surface scratches with a special windshield polish. You can also use a restorer to freshen up fiberglass, plastic, rubber, and other surfaces on your golf cart.

Step 8    Cleaning your golf cart on a regular basis will help keep your cart looking as good as new. You can also keep it clean between washes for longer with a golf cart storage cover that slips on and off easily and includes a zipper for convenient access to the interior.