How to Clean Golf Cart Seats

We love our golf cart. It’s a blast to zip around in, and makes getting from point A to point B a breeze. From the golf course to the trails or even our own backyards, these little motorized carts are as useful as they are enjoyable.

Although most of us are up to speed on the basic maintenance, one area that is prone to both dirt, stains and wear often goes neglected: golf cart seats.

Your seats are exposed to the elements in use and in storage, with its material often making it prone to gathering and collecting dirt, grime, pollen and more. As such, it's important that you take time to clean and maintain them in order to improve appearance and longevity.

This guide will take you through the ins and out of how to maintain a clean golf seat cover. Let’s dive right in…

The Culprits

Dirt and Dust

From the trails to the links and everywhere in-between, dirt, dust and grime have a way of finding their way onto any golf cart seat. Failing to clean them before each use often exacerbates this issue, grinding in surface area dirt into fabric, causing deep saturation of debris or grinding in stains.

Mold and Mildew

It doesn’t take much for mold spores and mildew to take hold. No matter the weather conditions where you live, one day of humidity is enough to start the festering of damaging and difficult to irradiate mold and mildew. This is especially a concern for those of us that store our golf carts outdoors.

What You’ll Need to Clean Golf Cart Seats or Seat Covers

First up, make sure you have everything you need to clean golf seat covers with ease.

1. Safety Goggles: We know, its not sexy, but depending on the type of solutions needed to scrub things down you really don’t want to get any splashed into your eyes. Trust us on this one.

2. Double Down on Buckets: You’ll want one bucket for the solution/soap, and one for a rinse bucket. 

3. Wash Rags and Sponges: Use for application of the cleaning solution, scrubbing out dirt or stains, and wiping/rinsing off surfaces.

4. Cleaning Solution: The right cleaning solution will be dependent on the material of your seat and/or seat covers. Remember, some types of cleaning solutions are potent and aromatic. You don’t want to be breathing all of that in, so always clean your cart outdoors if possible (or use fans and open windows for adequate ventilation). We suggest you follow the manufacturer’s advice on the type of solution that will effectively clean without damaging the seat material.

The Cleaning Process

1. Remove Large Debris: Leaves, dirt clumps, or other large debris should be removed by hand and/or gently brushing off without grinding it into the seat material. A fine-tooth soft brush is also a favored tool for this job. 

2. Application of Cleaning Solution: Pour your cleaning solution into the first bucket for ease of access. Soak your rag and/sponge for a moment before use. Be sure to wear waterproof gloves (such as dishwashing gloves). 

3. Apply Solution to Seat Material: Using your sponge, apply the cleaning solution to the golf seat and/or golf seat covers. You may need to use a little elbow grease here to get things clean. For porous materials, you may need to add additional solution so as to soak through and rinse out deeply ground in dirt and grime. 

4. Wipe Down Areas Proximal to the Seat: Seat edges, the backrest, and other spaces in close proximity to the seat can harbor dirt and grime that can be easily transferred to the seat when in use. Be certain to give these areas a quick wipe down as well.

5. Rinse off/Wipe Off the Cleaner: Fill your second bucket with warm water and use a new sponge and/or washcloth to wipe away the solution from the now cleaned areas.

6. Dry the Area: Patting the area down and allowing it to air dry is often an optimal strategy. However, you may also use a fan to expedite the process. Do not use a hairdryer as excessive heat can cause damage to some materials.

Dealing with Tough Stains

Some stains just won’t go away no matter how hard you scrub. 

Options to Explore:

• Rubbing alcohol on a white paper towel or cloth (must be white). Gently rub on the stain only until gone.

• Magic Eraser from “Mr. Clean”. Highly effective in removing stains from many types of materials. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. 

Tips to Avoid Discoloration 

• Only use bleach solutions on white surfaces 
• Skip the harsh detergents 
• Use lukewarm NOT hot water
• Skip powdered detergents that might not properly dissolve 
• Always rinse and wipe down the material immediately after cleaning 

How to Effectively Deal with Mildew and Mold

Mold and mildew are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and prone to spreading if you don’t get a handle on it fast. A dry nylon brush is your first weapon of choice. Be sure to brush away any loose or excess buildup that you can. Next, mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Wipe the area down with a rag or sponge but be sure not to rub too hard. Repeat as necessary, then wipe clean using a standard cleaning solution and thoroughly dry.

How Often Should You Clean Golf Cart Seats?

The frequency of how often you should clean your golf cart seat covers will vary based on how often you use the cart, where it is stored, and the weather/environment its used in. Heavily used carts may need weekly cleaning, whereas others can get by with monthly or quarterly cleanings.

Easy Golf Cart Seat Cover Maintenance

Seats and golf cart seat cushion covers are a key component of your cart. They provide comfort and accent the cart’s aesthetics. By maintaining a simple cleaning schedule, you can keep seat covers in tip top shape, helping them look like new for longer and increasing their longevity.