To clean car battery terminals, follow these steps for safe and effective cleaning:
- Safety first: Wear gloves and eye protection to guard against battery acid. Make sure the engine is off.
- Disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative terminal (usually black) first, then the positive (usually red).
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water.
- Apply the baking soda solution to the battery terminals and allow it to bubble and neutralize corrosion.
- Use a battery brush, wire brush, or stiff toothbrush to scrub the terminals and cable clamps thoroughly.
- Rinse the terminals with clean water and dry them completely with a rag or towel.
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or terminal protectant to the terminals to help prevent future corrosion.
- Reconnect the battery terminals, positive first, then negative.
These steps clean corrosion and dirt from terminals, improve battery connection, and extend battery life.
