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Battery acid and corrosion — Parallax Forums

Battery acid and corrosion

UghaUgha Posts: 543
edited 2009-01-26 23:09 in General Discussion
Anyone know what's good (and safe) to clean battery acid and corrosion with?

I have a few pieces of old electronic hand-me-downs that I want to scrap, but people left the batteries in them for years and
the predictable result happened... spilled acid and corrosion all over the place.
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Comments

  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2009-01-26 12:52
    Sodium bicarbonate.

    Leon

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  • Brian218Brian218 Posts: 92
    edited 2009-01-26 20:42
    What kind of batteries?

    For lead-acid batteries, Leon's suggestion is a good one.

    If they're alkaline batteries, they leak potassium hydroxide, AKA Lye. In this case a weak acid such as vinegar and water would probably be best.

    Try searching battery disposal for the specific battery type.

    B-

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  • UghaUgha Posts: 543
    edited 2009-01-26 21:02
    Thanks guys...
    They are normal AAs... I think energizer brand.

    I'll try the vinegar solution and get back to you...

    Would rubbing alchohol be bad to use?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2009-01-26 21:22
    Rubbing alcohol won't do anything, and includes oil of wintergreen which will make things a bit messy.

    Leon

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  • Brian218Brian218 Posts: 92
    edited 2009-01-26 21:28
    I'm not sure about alcohol, make sure you do it in a well ventilated location.
    Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline, and vinegar is an acid, so the vinegar should help neutralize the alkaline.

    I should also state I am not an expert on battery disposal.

    Here's a link to Duracell's web page; they have some info on battery disposal.
    http://www.duracell.com/home.asp

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    Post Edited (Brian218) : 1/26/2009 9:36:38 PM GMT
  • Brian218Brian218 Posts: 92
    edited 2009-01-26 21:40
    Hi Ugha,

    I just found this link on battery cleanup:
    http://www.ehow.com/how_2341688_clean-battery-leakage.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

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  • UghaUgha Posts: 543
    edited 2009-01-26 23:09
    That's perfect, thanks Brian!

    Now to wait til next week to get some vinegar *sigh*
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