Corrosion and deposits on the battery terminals can prevent the car from starting, or damage the digital camera while capturing precious moments. Regardless of the type, corroded battery terminals will not conduct electricity properly. Read this article to learn how to properly clean the battery.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning Corrosion and Deposits on Car Batteries
Step 1. Disconnect the battery cable from its terminal
Loosen the bolts in each cable clamp. Remove the cable clamp from the negative terminal (marked with a "-" symbol), followed by the clamp on the positive terminal (marked with a "+" symbol). Perform the procedure in reverse order when reinstalling it.
The cable may be difficult to remove so you will need to wiggle and lift the cable until the clamp releases from the terminal. If the corrosion is too much, you may need the help of pliers
Step 2. Check battery cables and clamps for excess corrosion
If you find too much corrosion, it means they both need to be replaced.
Step 3. Check for cracks in the battery case and terminals
If you find it, replace the battery immediately.
Step 4. Tighten any loose wires so they don't slip off the terminals accidentally
Step 5. Pour the baking soda directly on the terminal
Step 6. Use a damp toothbrush to scrub the baking soda on the terminals and cable clamps
Step 7. Use a terminal cleaning brush, if a toothbrush alone is not enough
You can also use regular coir pads to polish the inside.
Step 8. Dry everything with a clean rag
Step 9. Lubricate the post with petrolatum oil or jelly
This lubricant will slow down the formation of corrosion deposits.
Step 10. Replace the positive clamp, and continue with the negative clamp
Use an appropriately sized wrench to secure the clamps.
Step 11. Replace the rubber boots and the plastic shield covering the plastic terminals
If you don't have one, buy it at a repair shop or hardware store.
Method 2 of 2: Alkaline Batteries
Step 1. Check for corrosion and follow the instructions below
- Light corrosion: This corrosion usually appears as a dull, dark spot on a glossy, traditional terminal.
- Precipitation corrosion: In extreme cases, you may see crusty deposits. If there is a large amount of sediment, cleaning will be a little more difficult.
Mild Corrosion in Alkaline Batteries
Step 1. Prepare the necessary equipment
You'll need vinegar, a wiping tool, and fine-rough sandpaper.
Step 2. Wet your swab with vinegar
Step 3. Rub a swab soaked in vinegar on the terminal
Don't be surprised if there is a reaction as this is normal.
Step 4. Rub in more vinegar if the corrosion doesn't go away
If the corrosion persists, rub the area with sandpaper to remove some of the corrosion before trying to apply the vinegar again.
Step 5. Reuse the battery
Don't forget to remove the battery before storing your camera.
Precipitation Corrosion in Alkaline Batteries
Step 1. Prepare the necessary equipment
You will need vinegar, rubber gloves, and a lint-free cloth.
Step 2. Make sure you don't touch crusty white deposits with bare hands! Leaked battery fluid residue can burn your skin.
- If you touch it accidentally, rinse it thoroughly with soapy water before it gets to your eyes or mucous membranes. Let the water run fast because the acid or base will activate when you're hydrated, and the rushing water will wash the acid away before it can burn the skin.
- Be aware that although alkaline battery charge is called an “acid”, it is actually a caustic (chemically reactive) base, hence the name “alkaline”.
Step 3. Try to open the battery case and wet it with water or vinegar
This method should be used in the best scenario.
Step 4. Rub a soft towel on the sediment gently while wearing rubber gloves
Clean up as much sediment as possible.
Step 5. Wet a towel with vinegar to remove any remaining deposits
You will see a hiss and foam reaction and the formation of salt and water. If the battery is not waterproof (usually batteries are not) you may need to do this in the sink with the battery case facing down so that the water and salt that build up drips off.
Step 6. Wipe the inside of the case with a non-lint cloth
It's best to use distilled water as it prevents long-term deposits, although tap water can also be used.
Step 7. Dry the terminals with another non-lint cloth
Make sure everything is dry before you re-insert the battery. If necessary, leave the battery overnight to dry completely.
Tips
- If the battery has not been used for a long time, carefully inspect the surface for leaks.
- Vinegar is a mild acid and can neutralize alkaline battery leaks, but not car battery leaks.
- People often refer to battery fluid as “acidic,” but alkaline batteries, which are commonly used in home appliances, do not contain acid. Alkaline batteries contain a caustic base called potassium hydroxide.
- When using baking soda or vinegar on a leaking battery, be aware that an acid-based reaction is exothermic (related to the release of heat during a chemical reaction) and can generate high heat. The acids and bases in the battery are still mild, but it's a good idea to stay alert and ensure safety. Use materials accurately and sparingly to prevent heat build-up.
- Because it's alkaline-based, baking soda will neutralize pH leaks from acidic batteries, such as car batteries. Baking soda does not react with or neutralize leaks from alkaline batteries.
Warning
- As with handling any other electrical device, water, acids and bases can damage the device. So, be careful when cleaning and take precautions to reduce the risk of damage.
- If the baking soda/vinegar mixture gets into the electrical compartment, it's best to open the case and wipe the mixture completely clean, or have a professional have it repaired.
- Using baking soda (in acid batteries) or vinegar (in alkaline batteries) will produce water and salt. Both of these substances can cause a short circuit if the battery is left in its compartment or in an electrical device. Be sure to wipe and dry all affected areas. Do not immerse the device in a solution unless the battery compartment can be completely removed from the device. You may need to mark and solder the lead and remove some screws.
- Do not try to use an acid or base to neutralize the pH of any battery fluid that comes into contact with your eyes. The acid-base reaction is exothermic so the heat generated can exacerbate the burning sensation.
- Battery fluid is caustic! Any discoloration or powder deposition should be considered as crystallized battery fluid and should be handled with care and care. This includes wearing eye and hand protection and not rubbing too hard to keep yourself safe.
- If any battery fluid gets into your eyes or mucous membranes, including your nose, clean the affected area immediately under tap water. Continue to rinse with warm water for at least 15 minutes.
