Don’t Let Battery Corrosion Ruin Your Devices. Here’s How to Clean It Safely at Home

Batteries are an essential in every home. They power our toys, TV remote controls, smoke alarms, flashlights, and so much more. However, batteries are susceptible to leaks when exposed to moisture or heat, which alters their chemistry and creates corrosion. You've probably seen corrosion around the batteries on your remote or in a kid's toy—it's white, crusty, and stops the device from functioning properly. That’s when knowing how to clean battery corrosion can come in handy. The good news is, just like cleaning frequently used appliances like your oven or fridge water dispenser, you can take care of battery corrosion safely and effectively with a few basic household products you probably already have laying around. 

How to Clean Battery Corrosion

Whether your TV remote control or alarm clock or other battery-powered device is the victim of battery corrosion, we’ve got you covered with the supplies you need and steps you need to take to clean battery corrosion. 

First things first, if the batteries have corroded, dispose of them according to your local waste authority guidelines, or you can drop them off at your local Home Depot store’s recycling bin. Whatever you do, don’t throw them in the trash can. 

Supplies 

• Vinegar 
• 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton swabs 
• Three microfiber cloths
• Goggles 
• Latex or rubber gloves 
• Small flat screwdriver 
• Respiratory mask

Steps 

1. Get your protective gear on. You'll need gloves, goggles, and a respiratory mask. The chemicals used in batteries, such as potassium hydroxide, are caustic agents, meaning they can burn or irritate your skin. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself. 
2. In an open, ventilated area, place a medium-sized microfiber cloth on a table or flat surface and put the electronics you are going to clean on top. 
3. Power off the device, grab your screwdriver, and remove the batteries one at a time and place them in a Ziploc bag (to dispose of them later). 
4. Apply a few drops of vinegar to a microfiber cloth and start wiping the corrosion off of the device and terminals. Repeat this step as needed. The acidity of the vinegar will work to neutralize the chemical reaction. 
5. Dip the cotton swabs into the alcohol and scrub all around the battery terminals (the small compartments with springs where batteries get inserted in devices) and in the nooks and crannies. Repeat this step as needed. 
6. Grab a microfiber cloth and dampen it with isopropyl alcohol and clean the rest of the device thoroughly. 
7. Let it air dry for a few minutes and you are done.  

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

Car batteries tend to corrode around the terminals due to hydrogen gas, overheating, wear and tear, or a leak. This is a natural part of the car battery lifecycle. However, it is important to remove corrosion when there’s buildup. The good news: Unlike household batteries, you don’t have to get rid of your car battery if it has corrosion on the terminals. 

There are two ways to clean car battery corrosion:

1. Using a store-bought product from your local auto parts retailer
2. Using baking soda

Note: Before you put your hands on the battery, read your vehicle’s manual. 

Supplies

• A wire brush or a battery terminal brush 
• Old toothbrush
• Small dust pan
• Baking soda 
• Water 
• Microfiber cloth
• Goggles
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Respiratory mask 
• Small container

Steps

1. Ensure your car is completely turned off and remove the key from the ignition. 
2. Be safe. Put your personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, and mask) on to avoid direct contact with the corroded batteries. The corrosion contains acids that can be harmful to your skin and eyes. 
3. Disconnect the car battery’s negative prong terminal and place it to the side. Make sure it doesn’t come into contact with any metal. Then, proceed to remove the positive right terminal. 
4. Scrub any corrosion buildup on the terminals and cable clamps using the wire brush. 
5. Clean the areas around the battery using the toothbrush and sweep debris into a dust pan. 
6. Make a baking soda paste. Grab a small container that you can dispose of and fill with a mixture of 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/8 cup of water. 
7. Apply a little bit of the paste using a wire brush and begin scrubbing the corrosion away. Clean the battery terminal clamps as well. 
8. Using a damp microfiber cloth, clean and remove any remaining residue. 
9. Dry the terminal and cable clamps with a clean microfiber cloth.
10. Reconnect the battery to the terminal cable clamps. First, secure the positive terminal and then the negative. You’re done. 
11. Start the car to ensure the battery is connected correctly. 

Note: If you are using a battery cleaner, skip step six and seven and follow the manufacturer's application instructions.

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Can battery corrosion be harmful?

Yes, battery corrosion can be harmful. Household batteries are made with a mix of chemicals, such as potassium hydroxide. When batteries leak, they can expose you to different chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. 

Can battery corrosion ruin devices?

Absolutely, battery corrosion can ruin devices. When corrosion occurs, it can lead to a white and greenish buildup that can damage the battery terminal, which transfers power to the electronics. In addition, the corrosion can be so severe that it can damage other parts of the hardware and damage the device completely. 

Can lithium-ion batteries corrode?

Yes, lithium-ion batteries can corrode. When there’s an imbalance in the temperature or humidity in the device, it can cause a chemical reaction, leading the batteries to corrode, affecting the power storage capabilities and eventually preventing the device from working altogether. 

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What causes battery corrosion?

The main cause of household battery corrosion is aging and exposure to temperature fluctuations. When there’s excess heat, this can cause potassium hydroxide to leak from the batteries. The same issue can happen when a battery is exposed to humidity or moisture.  

How can I prevent battery corrosion?

You can prevent battery corrosion by: 

• Storing batteries and devices in a cool and dry place, where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate drastically. 
• Removing the batteries when you’re not planning to use a toy or electronic device for an extended period of time.
• Replace batteries from your devices at least once a year. 

Does white vinegar remove battery corrosion?

Yes, vinegar is an effective way to remove battery corrosion. The acidity helps isolate and stop the reaction causing the corrosion.

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Can I use alcohol to clean off battery corrosion?

Yes, you can use alcohol to clean off battery corrosion. It is important that you use isopropyl alcohol with at least 70 percent concentration for best results. And yes, alcohol is also safe to use on electronics. 

Will WD-40 clean battery corrosion?

Yes, WD-40 is a multipurpose product that can be used to clean and prevent metal corrosion. However, for best results and optimal cleaning it is recommended to use WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner along with a wire brush.