How to Clean Corroded Battery Terminals: 15 Steps

2025 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-23 12:04

Many drivers have experienced difficulty starting their vehicles. Sometimes, the fault lies with the main body of the vehicle, but often this is due to deposits on the car battery terminals. Learn how to clean a car battery that has corroded below to save on repair costs and get rid of your worries.

Step

Method 1 of 2: Cleaning with Baking Soda

Step 1. Make sure the car is off

This is done to prevent the risk of being electrocuted.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 2

Step 2. Determine the battery configuration

There are two types of configuration on the battery.

If the battery terminals are on the sides, you will need an 8 mm wrench to loosen the two cable nuts.
If the terminal is above the car battery, you will need a 100mm or 13mm wrench.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 3

Step 3. Loosen the nut on the negative (-) cable clamp

Remove the cable from the post.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 3Bullet1

Step 4. Do the same with the positive (+) cable

If you have trouble removing the cable, try twisting and pulling the cable at the same time.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 4

Step 5. Check if the battery is cracked and emitting acid

If you find a leak, the battery must be replaced.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 5

Step 6. Check for tears in the cables and clamps of the car battery

If you find a large tear, this part should be replaced.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 6

Step 7. Mix one tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda with 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water

Dip an old toothbrush in the solution and scrub the top of the car battery to remove corrosion deposits.

You can even dip the ends of the battery cables to dissolve the corrosion on the wires

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 7

Step 8. Use a toothbrush to check the clamps and posts of the car battery

Remember, wet your toothbrush with as much baking soda as needed.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 8

Step 9. Rinse the battery and cables with cold water

Make sure all the baking soda and corrosion are washed off. Dry the car battery and the tongs with a clean cloth.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 9

Step 10. Lubricate any visible metal on the car battery terminals, posts, and clamps

Use petroleum jelly or an over-the-counter battery terminal spray.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 10

Step 11. Reattach the positive cable clamp to the appropriate terminal

Tighten the nut with a wrench.

Repeat with negative (-) staples. Try turning the terminal with one hand to make sure it is firmly seated.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 10Bullet1

Method 2 of 2: Emergency Cleaning

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 11

Step 1. Keep gloves and wrenches of various sizes in your car

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 12

Step 2. Loosen each terminal with a wrench

Do not disconnect all cables completely.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 13

Step 3. Pour the cola drink from the center of the battery and then move it outwards in one direction

Repeat this pose in the opposite direction.

Clean Corroded Car Battery Terminals Step 14

Step 4. Leave the car battery wet for two minutes, then rinse with water

Tighten the battery terminals again and try to start the car again.

Tips

You can buy a car battery cleaning spray. Some of these sprays have an acid detecting formula. Usually, these products are more practical, but you must follow the directions on the packaging because each brand has a different way of using it.
You can use a battery terminal brush or sandpaper if the deposits are too heavy for a toothbrush.

Warning

The negative wire MUST be disconnected first and installed last to prevent a short circuit.
Remove all your jewelry and accessories before working. Rings or bracelets can conduct electricity and get caught in the engine.
Always wear safety clothing.

Recommended:

How to Make a Potato Battery: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

Have you ever thought about using vegetables as batteries? Batteries generate electricity by moving electrons back and forth between two metal plates. What if you don't have batteries, but have a large supply of potatoes? Potatoes contain phosphoric acid, which can serve as a chemical solution needed to transport electrons back and forth between metal plates.

How to Make a Battery from a Lemon: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

Batteries are an important part that cannot be separated from our daily lives. Batteries allow us to carry and operate electronic devices without the hassle of looking for a power outlet. Batteries are capable of generating electricity by passing electrons between two dissimilar metals (one positively charged and the other negatively charged).

How to Clean Battery Terminals: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

When you work with car batteries or regular household batteries (including 9 V batteries), they tend to accumulate dirt and sometimes corrode. Battery debris can cause acid leakage in the battery and also reduce its useful life. Clean the battery by washing and scraping dirt and corrosion from the connection points.

How to Clean Clean after Bedwetting: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is the involuntary release of urine during sleep. Although usually done by children, bedwetting can also occur in adults. Sometimes, bed-wetting is a symptom of another disorder, especially in adults.

How to Clean Up a Battery Liquid Spill: 10 Steps

Liquid or residue from a leaking battery can be a very serious hazard. You should clean the leaking battery fluid carefully. You must determine the type of battery before attempting to clean it, otherwise you could create a dangerous chemical reaction.