Dirt can cause power loss and shorten battery life. Keeping the battery connectors clean will not only extend their life but will save you money. Read on to learn how to clean the terminals of the different batteries.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Lead / Acid Battery or Car Battery
Step 1. Access the battery compartment and check it
It is not necessary to remove it to clean and check it. Open the hood and locate the battery. Check the general conditions. If the casing is broken, you must replace it. If it looks fine, continue with the next steps.
Step 2. Evaluate corrosion
Lift and slide the plastic / rubber tape covering the top of the battery to one side. This will allow you to see the terminals / clamps. Check if the cables and terminals are too frayed or corroded. Corrosion appears as white ash around one or both poles of the battery. If the damage is extensive it is best to replace the cables and terminals to avoid future problems. If, on the other hand, they still seem in good condition and need only a little maintenance, follow the next instructions to clean them.
Step 3. Disconnect the battery
You must do this before starting any work. To do this, loosen the nuts of the connectors with a wrench. First remove the negative pole connector marked with a "-". Following this order is very important. Only after removing the negative pole does it switch to the positive one, marked with a "+".
Connectors can be difficult to remove, especially if there is a lot of corrosion. Pliers may be needed. If you have to use metal tools, such as pliers, be careful not to touch the car chassis (or anything metal) at the same time as the battery. It could short-circuit the battery
Step 4. Make your own cleanser
Combine 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with about a tablespoon of water. Stir to get a paste.
Step 5. Apply the mixture
Put it on the connectors. Be careful, although baking soda is generally a safe product, try not to let it come into contact with other car components or with your skin. The bicarbonate applied to the connectors begins to react with corrosion by forming bubbles and a foam.
How to apply the paste is up to you. You can scrub with an old toothbrush, with a damp rag or with your hands (with gloves!)
Step 6. Scrape off the deposits
If there are any residues, remove them. An old butter knife will do. When you have removed most of it, use a metal brush or steel wool to finish the job.
- There are special brushes on the market for the "terminals" and "terminals" of the batteries, but they are not necessary. A normal steel brush will do its duty.
- It is best if you wear vinyl gloves when cleaning the terminals, especially when using steel wool, since you will come into contact with potentially caustic agents.
Step 7. Rinse
Do this when the foam stops "bubbling" and there are no more corrosion residues. Use a little water. Be careful not to let baking soda get into the battery vent as baking soda can neutralize the acids it contains and damage it.
Step 8. Dry
Wipe the terminals with a dry cloth.
Step 9. Prevent future corrosion
Put in a hydrophobic substance, such as petroleum jelly or grease and then clean the terminals. Helps slow down the corrosion process.
Step 10. Replace the cables
Put the positive pole first and then the negative one. Use the wrench to tighten the nuts. When all is done, replace the plastic / rubber tape covering the terminals.
Step 11. Done
Method 2 of 2: Alkaline Battery or Regular Home Battery
Step 1. Access the battery compartment and check them
How to do this depends on the device using the batteries. You usually have to open or remove a lid. Remove the old batteries, check if they are damaged or if there are any leaks. The liquid is usually potassium hydroxide, a strong base. If you see liquid, move carefully and be sure to protect your skin and eyes as potassium hydroxide is caustic.
You should never try to clean a leaking battery with the following methods. Baking soda is only used around the terminals
Step 2. Check for corrosion
Check the empty battery compartment and check for signs of corrosion. It should look like white ash on one or both of the connectors. If you see corrosion follow these instructions.
Step 3. Clean with water
Use a clean, damp cloth or cotton swab to remove most of the deposits. Wear vinyl gloves while doing this.
- In some lucky cases, the battery housing can be entirely removed from the electronic device. In this case, immerse it in water or a solution with baking soda. However, most of the time you will have to patiently scrub away the corrosion with a cotton swab.
- Be careful not to touch the encrustations with your bare hands because they are caustic.
- Be careful not to get water into the electronic device.
Step 4. Clean with baking soda
Combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of water and make a paste. Apply to the connectors with a cotton swab or a small piece of cloth. Bicarbonate reacts with corrosion by forming bubbles and foam.
Be careful, even if baking soda is generally a safe product, try not to let it come into contact with the rest of the appliance and with your skin
Step 5. Rinse
Do this when the foam stops "bubbling" and there is no more residue to remove. Use a cotton swab dipped in water. Be careful not to get water into the device.
Step 6. Dry
Use a clean, dry cloth.
Step 7. Prevent future corrosion
Put something hydrophobic like petroleum jelly or grease and then clean the terminals. Helps to slow down the formation of corrosion.
Step 8. Put everything back
Insert the new batteries in the clean housing and close the lid.
Step 9. Done
Warnings
- Car batteries are dangerous. They release hydrogen when charging and discharging and can even explode. Keep them away from flames and avoid sparks when working on the battery.
- Batteries contain strong acids or strong bases, both of which can burn eyes and skin. Never try to open a battery.
- Corrosion around the battery terminals should be considered caustic (it can burn you), be careful. Use gloves and protect your eyes.
- Be careful when using water on electrical appliances. If you feel like you can't clean the terminals without getting them wet, take the battery to a professional.
