# How to clean a golf trolley after a wet round Source: https://pinandyard.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-a-golf-trolley Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Pin and Yard **In short:** Remove the bag and battery, take the wheels off if they are quick release, then brush off mud and wipe the frame and wheels with a damp cloth. Dry the axles, joints and brakes, and leave the trolley to air dry unfolded before folding it away. On electric trolleys, keep water away from the handle controls, motor and battery connectors. A wet UK round leaves a trolley caked in mud, grass and grit. Left to dry, it hardens in the wheel hubs and folding joints, makes the fold stiff and can lead to squeaks, corrosion and brake problems. Cleaning takes about ten minutes, less if you do it before the mud dries. This guide covers push and electric trolleys, with a simple routine, the parts that need extra care and what to avoid. ## Before you start Clean the trolley soon after the round if you can, because wet mud brushes off far more easily than dried mud. Many clubs have a trolley or shoe cleaning area with brushes and an air line. - A stiff brush for wheels and tyres. - A soft cloth and a bucket of warm water. - A mild washing up liquid for greasy marks. - A dry towel for joints and axles. - For electric trolleys: nothing more than a damp cloth near the electrics. ## The routine step by step Work from the dirtiest parts to the cleanest, so you do not spread mud back over the frame. 1. Remove the bag. On electric trolleys, switch off and remove the battery. 2. Take off quick release wheels if your trolley has them. 3. Brush mud and grass from the tyres and wheel hubs. 4. Wipe the axles and the area where the wheels fit. 5. Wipe the frame, handle and bag clamps with a damp cloth. 6. Dry everything with a towel, paying attention to joints and axles. 7. Refit the wheels and leave the trolley unfolded to air dry. ## Electric trolleys: extra care Electric trolleys have a motor, cabling, a handle unit and a battery connector. These are designed to cope with rain but not with direct jets of water. Never use a hose or pressure washer on them. Wipe the handle unit with a barely damp cloth and dry it. Check the battery connector for mud and moisture, and let it dry before reconnecting. If your trolley stops working after a wet round, the connector or handle may have taken on water. Our [electric golf trolley not working](https://pinandyard.co.uk/blog/electric-golf-trolley-not-working) guide covers what to check. Note: Always remove the battery before cleaning an electric trolley, and do not reconnect it until the connector and terminals are dry. ## Wheels, brakes and moving parts Grit in the wheel hubs and brake parts is the main cause of stiff wheels and weak brakes. Brush around the brake on push trolleys and check that the brake lever or foot brake engages fully after cleaning. If a brake feels weak, [push trolley brake not working](https://pinandyard.co.uk/blog/push-trolley-brake-not-working) has fixes. A light spray of a silicone lubricant on folding joints can help them move freely, but keep it off brake surfaces, tyres and handle grips. Check the maker's manual before lubricating anything on an electric trolley. ## Can you use a trolley in the rain? Yes. Push trolleys and modern electric trolleys are designed for UK weather, and many electric models have splash resistant electronics. Heavy rain is not a problem in itself; what causes trouble is mud and water left on the trolley after the round. Some owners fit a rain cover over the bag and handle unit. In very wet conditions, some courses ban trolleys to protect the turf, so check before you go. ## Bags, covers and accessories The bag itself needs attention after a wet round. Take it off the trolley, open the pockets and let it dry indoors, otherwise water drips back onto the frame and towels inside start to smell. Wipe the base of the bag, which sits in mud on the lower bag rest, and check that the bag clamps or straps are not holding grit that will scratch the bag next time. Accessories such as umbrella holders and scorecard holders trap water where they clamp to the frame. Every few weeks, loosen them, dry underneath and refit them firmly. Phone holders and GPS mounts should be dried so that moisture does not reach your devices. If your trolley has a cup holder, empty and rinse it; old drinks attract insects in a warm garage. ## Drying and storing Leave the trolley unfolded to dry in a garage or utility room before folding it. Folding a wet trolley traps water in the joints. Store it off the floor if the floor is damp, and keep the battery indoors. For the off season, see [how to store a golf trolley over winter](https://pinandyard.co.uk/blog/how-to-store-a-golf-trolley-over-winter). [See push trolleys compared](https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-push-golf-trolleys) ## Frequently asked questions **Can I hose down my push trolley?** A gentle rinse of the wheels is usually fine on a push trolley. Avoid high pressure and dry the joints afterwards. **How do I clean an electric trolley handle?** Use a barely damp cloth and dry it straight away. Never spray water on the handle electrics. **How often should I clean my trolley?** After every muddy or wet round, and a quick wipe after dry rounds. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-push-golf-trolleys - https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-electric-golf-trolleys - https://pinandyard.co.uk/best/best-compact-push-golf-trolleys ## Sources - [Motocaddy](https://www.motocaddy.com/) - [PowaKaddy](https://www.powakaddy.com/)