Forklift Battery Washing Services

Keeping batteries clean is not typically a minor maintenance task. In many operations, it plays a direct role in uptime, safety, and long-term equipment condition. Voss Equipment provides industrial battery washing and battery-related support for businesses that rely on electric forklifts and material handling equipment every day.  

Our team supports customers from Harvey, IL, and across Greater Chicagoland with practical service designed to reduce corrosion, improve performance, and help protect both batteries and lift trucks. 

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Industrial Battery Washing Services for Optimal Performance


A general indicator as to whether the battery needs cleaning is if the top looks dirty or damp. This could occur as often as every two weeks or as sporadic as every six months.

It is well documented that a clean battery dramatically improves lift truck performance by reducing voltage drops, ground tracking, and corrosion to both the battery and lift truck, as well as providing increased safety for both operators and maintenance personnel. Some of the benefits of washing batteries include longer battery life, better battery performance, and improved performance of fork truck fleets. Regular battery washing should be a part of your forklift fleet management strategy to keep your warehouse performing its best.

Our industrial battery washing services include cleaning; checking for problems that need to be addressed; and reporting on the condition of the cables, connectors, and watering systems.

Our mobile wash unit can be brought on site. During washing, the battery cleaner we use neutralizes and removes acid. The formula also has a detergent and degreaser to clean dirt as well as eliminate grease from the batteries. All water used is contained & wastewater & neutralized acid is removed from your site for proper EPA disposal.

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Forklift Batteries?


Forklift battery manufacturers recommend washing batteries regularly to remove corrosive electrolyte, dirt, and pollutants that can detract from battery performance. Failing to wash lift truck batteries can result in several costly problems, including:

  • Increasing self-discharge rate
  • Shorter operating life.
  • Weakening of battery cases through corrosion.
  • Voltage leaks during operation.
  • Increased exposure to electrolyte for battery handling staff.
  • Eliminate grounds & shorts. 

Benefits Of Washing Your Batteries

Longer Battery Life


In the course of their use, industrial batteries leak electrolyte, especially when they are overwatered. This acidic mixture builds up on the top of the batteries and can drip down the sides and onto equipment and floors. If this acid remains on the batteries, it acts as a conductor and will discharge the battery over time even while it sits in the charging stand. One study measured voltages of this power trickle between 14 and 34 volts across the tops of batteries. This same study measured a drop to just 2.3 volts after the batteries were washed.

It is well established that high temperature is a key inhibitor of battery life. One study showed that washing batteries reduced battery temperature by an average of 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower battery temperature leads to longer battery life.

Finally, acid on the batteries corrodes the terminals and reduces their effective lives. It is estimated that regular battery washing may increase the useful lives of your battery fleet by 50%. One study showed that regular battery washing reduced the need to replace contact tips by 40%. This same study recorded that regular washing added an average of 2 years to the lives of the batteries in their fleet. In the studied fleet, 75% of downtime incidents were due to corrosion issues.

Protect Your Fork Trucks


Batteries used while they exhibit external corrosion from acid build-up can damage forklift electronics. Directly, transference of dried battery acid can cause shorts in the truck’s electrical systems. Indirectly, tarnished terminals prevent batteries from fully charging, and undercharged batteries can damage fork truck components and electrical systems.

One study showed that regular battery washing reduced forklift maintenance issues due to battery acid corrosion to “almost zero.” Regular battery washing can not only prevent costly maintenance issues but also ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your forklift fleet.

Protect Your Warehouse Workers


The dried electrolyte on the surface of batteries can cause chemical burns to bare skin. Regularly washing batteries will limit this surface electrolyte, keeping your workers safer.

Protect your investment, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency by scheduling a regularly recurring forklift battery wash appointment with us today.

Schedule Your Battery Wash Today


At Voss Equipment, we understand that the battery is the heart of the forklift, and keeping it in good condition is essential. Our industrial battery wash services can help you avoid costly problems like increasing self-discharge rate, shorter operating life, and weakened battery cases due to corrosion. By regularly washing your batteries, you can extend their useful life, improve your fleet’s performance, and ensure the safety of your workers. Our mobile wash unit can be brought on site, and we use a formula that neutralizes and removes acid, as well as a detergent and degreaser to clean dirt and eliminate grease from the batteries. Don’t let dirty or corroded batteries damage your investment, reduce downtime, and hinder efficiency. Contact us today to schedule a regularly recurring forklift battery wash appointment.

 


To schedule a battery wash, call today at (708) 596-7000 . Or, find us at one of our two Chicagoland locations.

Why Forklift Battery Cleaning is Crucial 

Battery contamination builds over time. Dirt, moisture, grease, and electrolyte residue can collect on the top and sides of industrial batteries, especially in busy warehouse and manufacturing environments. When that buildup is left in place, it can contribute to performance issues and create avoidable maintenance problems. 

Regular forklift battery cleaning can help address issues such as:  

  • Voltage drops 
  • Ground tracking 
  • Corrosion on batteries and lift trucks 
  • Reduced battery performance 
  • Increased staff exposure to electrolytes 

A battery that looks dirty or damp may already be signaling the need for service. We’ve found that washing frequency can vary widely depending on operating conditions, with some batteries needing attention as often as every two weeks and others much less often. 

What Is Included in Battery Wash Service? 

Our battery wash service is built around cleaning the battery and checking for visible issues that may need further attention. We also provide reporting on battery condition, including cables, connectors, and watering systems. 

Our service includes: 

  • Battery cleaning to remove acid residue, dirt, and grease 
  • Use of a cleaner that neutralizes acid 
  • Visual checks for issues that need to be addressed 
  • Review of cables, connectors, and watering systems 
  • Containment of wash water during service 
  • Removal of wastewater and neutralized acid from your site for proper EPA disposal 

This approach helps facilities maintain a cleaner battery area, take a more proactive approach to maintenance, and reduce unexpected issues. 

On-Site Industrial Battery Washing 

One of the advantages we offer is our mobile wash unit, which allows us to perform industrial battery washing directly at your facility. This helps eliminate the need to move batteries off-site and reduces disruption to your operation. 

For many warehouses and industrial sites, on-site service helps: 

  • Reduce interruption to daily operations 
  • Allow batteries to be cleaned where they are used 
  • Support recurring maintenance schedules 
  • Keep your internal team focused on other priorities 

We designed this service to be practical and efficient for real-world operations. 

What Happens If Batteries Are Not Washed? 

Dirty batteries do not just look neglected. When forklift batteries are not cleaned regularly, they can lead to several costly and avoidable issues. 

These may include:

  • Increasing self-discharge rate 
  • Shorter operating life 
  • Weakening of battery cases through corrosion 
  • Voltage leaks during operation 
  • Greater staff exposure to electrolytes 
  • Grounds and shorts that impact performance 

Across larger fleets, these problems can compound quickly. A consistent battery wash service helps support cleaner equipment and more reliable performance. 

Support for Batteries, Chargers, and PM Needs 

In addition to washing services, we also provide battery and charger PM services. Battery care is most effective when it is part of a broader preventive maintenance strategy. 

With ongoing support, you can:  

  • Identify issues earlier 
  • Monitor wear on connectors and cables 
  • Maintain cleaner charging areas 
  • Reduce corrosion-related service calls 
  • Support long-term equipment performance 

For businesses across Greater Chicagoland, including Harvey, Hillside, and Joliet, this type of support helps keep operations running smoothly. 

A Practical Service for Operations 

At Voss Equipment, we’ve built our service approach around supporting the full lifecycle of your material handling equipment. Our forklift battery washing service is one part of that commitment. 

For facilities looking for forklift battery cleaning that is practical, on-site, and aligned with real operational needs, we provide a straightforward solution designed to support your team and your equipment. 

Schedule Battery Wash Service 

If your batteries are showing dirt, moisture, corrosion, or acid buildup, it may be time to establish a more consistent cleaning plan. We provide industrial battery washing and battery wash service for customers in Harvey, IL, Greater Chicagoland, Hillside, and Joliet. 

Contact us today to schedule service or to learn more about ongoing forklift battery cleaning and battery maintenance support. 

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