When talking about cleaning battery terminals, the first and foremost thing that comes to mind is the use of baking soda. What if you don’t have baking soda on hand? Or you don’t want to use it because of its side effects.
Luckily, you’ve found the right blog post since this one focuses exclusively on how to clean battery terminals without baking soda. This blog post will discuss the steps needed to clean battery terminals with vinegar.
Why You Need to Clean Battery Terminals
Battery terminals are electrical contacts that connect the cart to the batteries. During battery operations, the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte produces hydrogen gas as a by-product of chemical reactions. This gas reacts with air, moisture, and salt, creating a white crust around the terminals, known as corrosion.
Top-rated golf cart batteries are immune to this corrosion build-up to some extent because of high-quality electrolytes. However, these batteries may start accumulating this powder over time.
The gradual buildup of this powder interferes with the current flow between the cart and batteries, leading to low power output, charging issues, and, ultimately, reducing the battery lifespan. Therefore, it is important to clean battery terminals regularly to maintain the battery’s overall performance.
Cleaning battery terminals using baking soda is the most common method of removing corrosion. However, some people tend to avoid baking soda for safety concerns. So, we have compiled this guide specifically addressing How to clean battery terminals without baking soda.
Continue reading the next section.
How to clean battery terminals without baking soda: 7 Easy-to-Follow Steps
There are a few alternatives available if you don’t have baking soda at home. Most users consider baking soda a bad choice for cleaning golf cart batteries, as it has some serious effects. Then the best alternative instead of baking soda is vinegar.
Furthermore, vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to clean battery terminals without baking soda.
Pre- Requisite Of Cleaning Battery Terminal Without Baking Soda
There are some supplies you’ll need to clean your cart’s batteries with vinegar, which are listed below:
- Vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Hot water
- Wire brush or toothbrush
- Protective Gloves
- Clean cloth
- Goggles for eye protection
- Bowl or container
Step 1: Shut Down The Engine
Before cleaning your golf cart battery terminals, you should shut down the engine first because it will lead to any spark or shock if it is still on. You should also remove the keys from the ignition while shutting down the engine.
Step 2: Unplug The Battery
After shutting down the engine, locate the batteries. Use a wrench to remove battery cables from the terminal. Make sure to remove the negative terminals’ cable first, then the positive terminal cable. Usually, the black cable connected with the terminal is a negative terminal, and the red is a positive terminal cable.
If you don’t have much understanding regarding cables, batteries, and terminals, you should consult with a cart expert first.
Step 3: Make The Vinegar Solution
After unplugging the battery cables, you need to prepare the vinegar solution. Take a small bowl or container and mix equal quantities of hot water and vinegar (lemon juice optional). Now cover the terminals into the solution.
Step 4: Scrub The Terminals
Now dip the toothbrush into the solution and apply it to the battery terminals. Scrub the terminals gently and make sure to remove all the dirt and battery corrosion from them. Be careful, and ensure the solution doesn’t interact with other parts of the battery or engine.
Step 5: Thoroughly Rinse
After scrubbing the terminals, rinse them thoroughly with high water pressure in order to remove the remaining vinegar solution.
Step 6: Dry The Terminals
After thoroughly rinsing, dry the terminals with a clean cloth and keep them aside for extra dryness.
Step 7: Reconnect The Battery Terminals
Check that all the terminals are dry, then reconnect the battery terminals. Keep it in mind to connect positive cables first, then the negative cables.
How to clean battery terminals without baking soda: Alternatives of Vinegar
There are other substitutes available that you can use instead of vinegar and baking soda. You can use battery terminal protector spray specifically designed for cleaning purposes. It can be a good alternative for this.
But users’ most emerging question is whether they can use coca cola or Coke to remove dirt and corrosion. The simple answer is yes; you can use Coke as a cleaning liquid as it has less acidity and will not react with battery acid.
Final Thought
Cleaning battery terminals is an important maintenance task that helps you improve the performance and lifespan of a battery. You can effectively clean your golf cart’s battery terminals using vinegar as an alternative to baking soda. In this “How to clean battery terminals without baking soda,” we have outlined the simple steps to help you eliminate corrosion. Vinegar is a great option, as it has fewer side effects and is readily available in households.
