To clean corroded battery terminals, the most common and effective method involves using a baking soda and water mixture to neutralize the corrosion and then scrubbing it off gently. The basic steps are:
- Wear safety gear like gloves and eye protection and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Disconnect the battery, starting with the negative terminal.
- Mix baking soda with water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the corroded terminals and let it neutralize the corrosion.
- Use a wire brush, old toothbrush, or cloth to scrub away the corrosion carefully.
- Rinse with clean water or wipe with a damp cloth and dry fully.
- Reconnect the battery terminals (positive first).
Other tips include avoiding letting the cleaning mixture get into the battery vents. After cleaning, applying a corrosion preventive spray or dielectric grease can help protect the terminals longer. Some also suggest alternatives like white vinegar or lemon juice as mild acids to clean corrosion. This method works well for car batteries as well as smaller electronics with corroded battery compartments. Proper disposal of old, corroded batteries is also important. This information is summarized from several reliable sources on car and electronic battery corrosion cleaning.
