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. If the battery leaks while in use in an appliance, you will also need to clean or repair the electrical connections of the appliance.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Determining the Battery Type
Step 1. Protect your hands and face
The liquid that leaks from the battery can contain caustic chemicals that can cause irritation to the skin, lungs, and eyes. Always wear rubber, nitrile, or latex gloves before handling a leaking battery or spilled battery fluid. For car batteries or lithium batteries, it is highly recommended to wear safety glasses or face shields. Work in a place with good ventilation and with the wind blowing away from your face.
- If you feel a burning sensation in your eyes or skin or if you are exposed to a spill of battery liquid, leave the area where you handled the spill and remove the affected clothing. Rinse with warm running water for 30 minutes.
- Acid leaks that usually come from car batteries are more dangerous than alkaline battery leaks.
Step 2. Wrap the battery in double plastic wrap
For small batteries, use transparent plastic so you can determine the type of battery. For car batteries and other large batteries, put them in two plastic bins. This plastic waste is ideally made of polyethylene with a thickness of more than 6 mm. Immediately tie or seal the plastic you are using.
Step 3. Determine the battery type
Car batteries and other motor vehicle batteries are almost certainly lead acid batteries. Small batteries that can be inserted into electronic devices are of a wider variety; You have to check the label first. Common types of small batteries are alkaline, lithium, nickel cadmium, and finally lead acid batteries.
Observing the size and shape of the battery is not a way to determine a reliable battery type
Step 4. Guess the battery type based on its voltage
If the only label available is the number of voltages (V), you can make an informed guess. Alkaline battery voltages are usually multiples of 1.5. Lithium battery voltages can vary, but are often written in multiples of 3 to 3. 7. Nickel cadmium battery voltages are multiples of 1, 2, and lead acid battery voltages are multiples of 2.
Step 5. Proceed to the next section
Make sure you follow only the instructions for your battery type. Cleaning up a spilled battery with the wrong chemicals can cause it to explode.
See the end of the next section for information on how to dispose of the battery and clean the electrical connections
Part 2 of 2: Cleaning Spills
Step 1. Use baking soda to neutralize lead acid or nickel cadmium battery spills
This type of battery can leak strong acids that can penetrate clothes, carpets, and even metal. Put on gloves and a face shield, then cover the spill with plenty of baking soda, until the newly added baking soda doesn't fizz and foam. Wipe off the residue with a thick mixture of baking soda and water.
Also pour baking soda into the plastic waste containing the battery
Step 2. Clean up spilled alkaline batteries with an acid commonly used for household purposes
For alkaline batteries, dip an earplug in vinegar or lemon juice, then wipe the spill with the earplug to neutralize the alkaline. Dip an unused toothbrush in the same acid, then use it to clean up dry spills. Wet a tissue with a little water and use it to wipe off any remaining acid. Use as little water as possible, as this can make rust worse. Repeat until clean, then allow your electronics to dry for a few hours.
Step 3. Clean up the lithium spill with water
Immediately place the plastic containing the lithium battery, commonly used in cell phone or watch batteries, in a strong and sealed storage container, as these types of batteries may catch fire or explode. Electronic devices exposed to lithium leaks are no longer safe to use. Dispose of electronic equipment that is exposed to leaks, then clean up spills only with water.
Step 4. Discard the battery
In some countries, you may dispose of alkaline batteries in the regular trash, but most batteries must be recycled. Some battery manufacturers can offer you replacement batteries for free or at a discount.
If you are using a Toshiba laptop, you can join the Toshiba Voluntary Recycling Program
Step 5. If necessary, clean the electrical connections
If a battery is being used in an appliance when it leaks, you may have to clean the electrical connections of the appliance before you can use it safely. Scrape off any residue that may have stuck with a plastic or wooden stick, then wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Throw away the tissue you use immediately. If the electrical connections are rusty, speckled, or discolored, you can use sandpaper or an iron file. Note that the electrical connection may need to be replaced.
Tips
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To avoid problems in the future, pay attention to the following:
- Do not mix different battery brands in one appliance.
- Remove the battery from the appliance that is being stored and not in use.
- Make sure the electronics you are using are completely dry before inserting a new battery.
