How to Clean Battery Corrosion

How to Clean Alkaline Battery Corrosion

Alkaline batteries—AAA, AA, C, D—are the most commonly used non-rechargeable batteries in toys, household gadgets, and flashlights.

1. Remove the Batteries

   Wearing gloves, remove the batteries from the device. Do not attempt to clean the batteries and dispose of all of the batteries and even those that don't look corroded. Since batteries can cause soil contamination, place them in a plastic bag and dispose of them following the waste guidelines in your community.

2. Neutralize the Battery Corrosion

   Pour about one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar or fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Dip a cotton swab or old toothbrush into the solution and saturate the corroded areas of the battery case.

3. Scrub Away the Corrosion

   Depending on the level of corrosion, use a cotton swab or small brush to scrub away corrosion residue from the corners and contact points in the battery case.

4. Dry the Battery Case

   Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the battery case and contact points.

5. Polish the Contact Points

   If any corrosion remains on the battery contact points of the device, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water, lemon juice or vinegar in a small bowl. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and rub the contact points. Move to a new cotton tip as any rusty residue is transferred. When no more residue is transferred, carefully wipe the contact points with a clean cloth to remove any traces of the baking soda.

   The contact points can also be polished with a pencil eraser to remove traces of corrosion residue.

6. Insert New Batteries

   Once you are certain that the battery case is completely dry, insert new batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries.

How to Clean Nickel Cadmium Battery Corrosion

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad or Ni-Cd) batteries like those from EBL are rechargeable. While less prone to leakage than alkaline batteries, they are more corrosive and the clean-up is handled differently.

1. Remove and Dispose of Batteries

   Remove the batteries and dispose of them following waste guidelines in your community. Do not attempt to recharge batteries that have leaked.

2. Clean the Battery Case and Contact Terminals

   Sprinkle the inside of the battery case with dry baking soda to neutralize the potassium hydroxide in the corrosion. Empty the powder into a trash can for disposal.

3. Make a Baking Soda Paste

   To remove any remaining corrosion on the battery contact points of the device, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water, lemon juice or vinegar in a small bowl. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and rub the contact points. When no more residue is transferred, carefully dry the contact points with a paper towel.

4. Insert New Batteries

   Insert new batteries into the device and charge, if necessary.

How to Clean Lithium Battery Corrosion

It is very unusual for lithium batteries used in cell phones and laptop computers to leak. But when it happens, it is very dangerous and highly combustible. Do not attempt to clean lithium battery corrosion. Consult a hazardous waste professional for the proper disposal of lithium batteries.

Tips to Prevent Battery Corrosion

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place.
• Do not attempt to use expired batteries, and do not mix old and new batteries in devices.
• Remove batteries from devices that will not be used regularly.
  
• For items you know you use rarely, take the battery out and tape it to the outside of the device with painter's tape. If a battery is not in the device, it is not being constantly strained, and it will be easy to pop it back in when need be.