How to Clean Golf Cart Batteries With Epsom Salt

Golf carts rely on simple lead-acid batteries in which sulfuric acid reacts with the lead plates of the battery case to produce electricity. While a battery can be recharged many times using an electric battery charger, an older battery or a battery that has been stored for a long time often resists recharging. This happens because sulfur deposits have developed on the lead plates. Adding Epsom salt and distilled water to an older or weakened battery cleans the lead plates of the excess deposits and allows you to recharge the battery once again.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • Full eye and facial protection
  • Screwdriver or wrench
  • 1 cup Epsom salt
  • 1 quart distilled water
  • Microwave oven
  • 1 1/2 quart microwave-safe bowl
  • Battery fluid level tester
  • Funnel
  • Hand drill
  • Acid-safe plastic plugs
  • Siphon or turkey baster
  • Glass jar
  • Electric battery charger
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on safety goggles, rubber gloves and a face mask. Remove the battery from your golf cart by using an open-end wrench or screwdriver to disconnect the cables.

    • 2

      Pour a quart or so of distilled water into a microwave-safe bowl or pan that holds at least 1 1/2 quarts. Heat the water in a microwave for about three minutes, depending on the setting. The water should reach a temperature of about 150 degrees Fahrenheit, or be just hot enough to still be safe to touch.

    • 3

      Dissolve a cup -- 8 oz. -- of Epsom salt in the water and stir the solution.

    • 4

      Open the filling plugs of your golf-cart battery if it is not sealed. Locate plugs or depressions along the top of the battery and drill into them using a hand drill with a bit the same width as your plastic hole plugs.

    • 5

      Check the level of fluid in each cell with a battery fluid tester. Use a siphon or turkey baster to remove some fluid from any cell with a fluid level more than three-quarters full and transfer this fluid to a glass or plastic jar. Seal the jar immediately after you are finished transferring the fluid. Note that most older and weaker batteries will not have a fluid level of much more than three-quarters full.

    • 6

      Insert a funnel into the first cell that you want to refill. Pour enough Epsom salt solution through the funnel so that the cell is full but not overflowing. Cap or plug the cell and repeat the process for all remaining cells.

    • 7

      Charge the battery for eight to 10 hours with a trickle or "smart" battery charger if possible. You can also use a faster charger if that is all you have available. Reinstall the battery once the charge is complete and start your golf cart. If it does not start, dispose of the battery and replace it with a new one. If it does start, use the battery temporarily until you have a chance to replace it with a new one.