Corrosion and dirt on the battery terminals can prevent your car from starting or your digital camera from turning on to take a photo at that very special moment. No matter what type of battery you use, the terminals can corrode and become poor conductors of electricity. Read on for tips on cleaning them.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: How to Clean Accumulations of Dirt and Corrosion in the Car Battery
Step 1. Disconnect the battery cables from the terminals
Loosen the nut on each cable clamp. Remove the clamp from the negative terminal (indicated by a "-") and then remove the clamp from the positive terminal (indicated by a "+"). Follow the opposite procedure when putting them back in place later.
Cables can be a little hard to unplug. You may have to wiggle them and pull them up until the clamp comes off the terminal. If there is a lot of corrosion, you may also need a pair of pliers
Step 2. Check the level of wear and corrosion of cables and clamps
If they are quite damaged, it is time to change them.
Step 3. Check that the terminals are not deteriorated and that the battery has no cracks
If either of these is damaged, replace the battery.
Step 4. Secure loose wires so they don't accidentally land on the terminals
Step 5. Put baking soda directly on the terminals
Step 6. Use a damp or wet toothbrush to scrub the baking soda on the terminal poles and cable clamps
Step 7. If this doesn't work very well, use the steel brush to clean the battery terminals and poles
You can also use a steel wool to clean even in the corners.
Step 8. Wipe everything dry with a clean cloth
Step 9. Apply some grease or petrolatum to the poles
This will slow down the formation of corrosive deposits.
Step 10. Replace the clamps on the terminals, first the positive and then the negative
Use a suitable wrench to tighten them well.
Step 11. Replace the rubber or plastic shroud covering the terminal
If you don't have one, they should have one at any local auto parts store.
Method 2 of 2: Alkaline batteries
Step 1. Check the corrosion level and follow the corresponding directions
- Mild Corrosion: On traditional shiny poles, this looks like a dark, dull patch.
- Buildup: In extreme cases, you may see a deposit crust. If the build-up is considerable, the solution can be a little more complicated.
Mild Corrosion in Alkaline Batteries
Step 1. Prepare the necessary materials:
vinegar, an applicator (brush or cloth) and grit sandpaper.
Step 2. Lightly wet the applicator in the vinegar
Step 3. Gently blot or scrub the pole with the applicator
Don't be alarmed if it starts to bubble, it's perfectly normal.
Step 4. Rub slightly harder with a little more vinegar if corrosion appears to persist
If that doesn't work, you can gently wipe the fine-grit sandpaper over the pole to remove the corroded layers before trying again with the vinegar.
Step 5. Enjoy the return to life of your batteries and remember to remove them from your camera before putting them away next time
Accumulation in Alkaline Batteries
Step 1. Prepare the necessary materials:
distilled water, baking soda, rubber gloves, and a lint-free cloth.
Step 2. Do not touch the deposit crust with your bare hands
That's battery acid leaking from a small crack in the battery and can burn your skin.
If you accidentally touch it, rinse your hands vigorously with warm soapy water before touching your eyes or any mucous membranes. Open the stream to nearly full and let the water run hard, as the acid will likely begin to react as it comes into contact with the water. A quick jet will help rinse it off before it starts burning the skin
Step 3. Try removing the battery and immersing it in water or a diluted solution of baking soda
This procedure should be used in the best possible case.
Step 4. Gently wipe off the deposit with a damp cloth while wearing rubber gloves
Try to take away as much of it as possible this way
Step 5. Use a diluted solution of baking soda on a tea towel to remove any remaining deposit
The buildup will almost certainly begin to bubble and hiss and water and salts will form. If the battery casing is not water resistant (generally it isn't), it is best to do this step over a sink with the affected area facing down, so that all the water and salts generated end up in the sink.
Step 6. Clean the corners and inside with a damp, lint-free cloth
Distilled water is the best choice for preventing long-term deposit formation, but tap water will not be a major problem in this situation.
Step 7. Gently dry the poles with another cloth
Make sure every spot is dry before putting the batteries back. If necessary, leave the batteries to dry in a ventilated place overnight to let the remaining water evaporate.
Advice
- If the battery has not been used for a long time, carefully examine the surface for cracks and leaks.
- While the idea of using a base such as baking soda to remove acid (the crust on battery leak) sounds brilliant, acid-base reactions are highly exothermic and can generate considerable amounts of heat. The elements involved in these reactions are weak acids and bases, but it is best to play it safe and proceed slowly, so use these substances precisely and in moderation to avoid generating too much heat.
Warnings
- Battery acid is caustic! Any discoloration or solid build-up should be regarded as a crystallized acid deposit and therefore cleaned with adequate precautions. These include eye and hand protection, although wearing gloves and not too vigorous cleaning is sufficient in most situations.
- If acid gets on your eyes or any mucous membranes (such as those in your nose, mouth or throat), immediately wash the affected area under a stream of water. Rinse continuously under hot water for at least 15 minutes.
- Using baking soda will lead to the formation of water and salt. Both of these reaction products can cause a short circuit if they are allowed to remain inside the battery compartment or in contact with any electronic part. Make sure you clean and dry all affected parts carefully after you are done. Do not immerse the device in the solution unless you can completely detach the battery holder from the rest of the device before doing so. This may mean having to unsolder and resolder parts of the device and unscrew and replace a few screws.
- In the event that the mixture of baking soda and vinegar gets on the electronics, it is best to open the case and immediately clean all traces, or reassemble the device and take it to a professional.
- As with anything that involves tinkering with delicate circuits, using water, acids, and bases can cause damage to the device, but by cleaning carefully and with due caution, the risk of causing trouble is quite low.
