Cleaning your UTV

Now that you’re probably not using your UTV as often, it’s time to think about catching up on some of the maintenance you’ve been overlooking. Maybe all of your “deep cleans” really only scratched the surface. But now that you have some spare time on the weekends and in the evenings, it’s time to go deeper. Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports has provided some tips for cleaning your UTV and making sure it not only looks spotless, but free of any corrosive materials and grime. If you’re looking for UTVs in Garner, North Carolina, near Raleigh, then stop by our location and let our friendly staff know how we can help you. We serve Clayton and Cary.

Where to Clean and What to Use

Start by making sure you have enough space to do the job right. In the winter, you might be tempted to do it in the garage, and with enough space, this can work. However, garages can sometimes not provide you with the elbow room you need, so consider waiting for a dry, relatively warm day so you can do it in your yard or driveway. If you do this in your yard, make sure you’re careful about introducing new grass, dirt, and weeds to your side by side.

Next you need to gather the supplies. As tough as your UTV might be, you want to use a product that’s strong enough to get the grime off without damaging the finishings. There are UTV cleaning kits you can buy, but detergent made for dirt bikes is also just as effective. Also consider getting a pressure washer, scraper, and soft rags to get the job done.

Pre-Soak and Scrape Off Mud

It’s a good idea to start with the big stuff so you’re not trying to scrub off too much at one time. Scrape off some of the bigger mud chunks, then rinse the muddy areas so they’re easier to clean. Simply spraying it with your hose can also get chunks of mud off, but it might take longer.

Pressure Wash Off Grime

If you’re still having trouble, or if there’s grime that just won’t come off, consider pulling out the pressure washer to get more of the big stuff off. Just be very careful. The water comes out at such a high pressure that you can actually damage your side by side as you’re trying to clean it. Keep your distance and don’t hold the nozzle in one spot for an extended period of time. Also keep in mind that gas pressure washers are going to be more powerful than electric ones, which can be helpful for cleaning purposes but also require more caution on your part.

Add Soap and Scrub

Now that we’ve got the big stuff off, it’s time to use that detergent to scrub a dub dub. This is going to take time and patience, but it’s going to be worth it in the long run. Consider washing in smaller sections, since letting soap dry can force you to start all over again. Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies so there’s no dirt sitting in crevices and if you run into an oily section, pick up some degreaser to get it off cleanly. Always rinse thoroughly to get excess dirt and soap off.

Dry and Polish

Now it’s time to wait. Let it air dry completely before moving on or use a lint-free towel to pat it dry. Every once in a while, you’ll want to polish your UTV as well. Watch out for areas that shouldn’t be polished, like the seats, but this extra step will provide a protective layer around your side by side. 

Cleaning your UTV is an important part of regular maintenance and upkeep, but first you’re going to need the right machine! Check out UTVs near Raleigh, North Carolina, in Garner at Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports, whether you’re from Clayton or Cary.