It’s also a good idea to wear clothing that covers your skin well, such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Wear old clothes, since you’ll probably get greasy and dirty during the cleaning process. [3] X Research source
Never smoke while working on a car battery. Make sure the ignition is off, since having your car on can also increase the risk of sparks or explosions.
Car batteries are typically easy to spot. They are rectangular boxes, often black, and usually with a red cap over one of the terminals. Many of them feature prominent yellow or white warning labels. While most car batteries are located under the hood, some models have them in other locations, such as in the trunk or under the back seat. If you can’t find your battery easily, consult the owner’s manual for your car. [5] X Research source It’s a good idea to let your vehicle cool down before you do this—if the engine’s been running recently, you could burn yourself if you touch something hot. Also, if the battery is hot, there could be a buildup of gas, and that could potentially cause an explosion. [6] X Expert Source Duston MaynesAutomotive Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 10 June 2021.
If there’s a lot of corrosive buildup, it might take some effort to work the cable connecter loose after you loosen the bolt. It can be helpful to pry it loose with a flathead screwdriver or prying tool. [8] X Research source Always disconnect the negative cable, or ground clamp, first. This will prevent a dangerous short circuit. [9] X Research source
Move the disconnected cable terminals out of the way so they won’t touch the battery posts while you work.
You can also purchase commercial battery cleaners for this purpose. These typically come in the form of a spray-on foam. Look for them in a local auto parts store or in the automotive section of a department store. [12] X Research source Alternatively, you can clean off the corrosion by pouring a small amount of cola over it!
If there’s a lot of corrosive buildup, let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes before you try to scrub it off. Some automotive experts recommend dipping a brush into the baking soda mixture and using that to scrub the battery, rather than pouring the mixture directly onto the battery. [14] X Expert Source Duston MaynesAutomotive Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 10 June 2021. Alternatively, you can remove the battery before cleaning it. This will allow you to clean up any corrosion that’s gotten onto other parts of the battery or into the battery box. [15] X Research source You can also take this opportunity to inspect your battery for signs of damage, such as cracks or bulges in the casing.
You can also use a wire brush to clean off the residue.
Focus on the parts of the terminals that make direct contact with the battery posts. [19] X Research source
Make sure the terminals and posts are completely dry before you attempt to reconnect your battery. You’re not likely to get a severe electric shock from handling a wet car battery, but it’s best to use caution.
You can get petroleum jelly at most drug stores.
Make sure that you’ve removed all tools and cleaning supplies from the area around the battery before you close the hood.
It’s also a good idea to protect your workspace by spreading out some newspapers or a plastic tablecloth.
If you live in the U. S. , you can use the Earth911 Recycling Locator to find facilities near you that will accept alkaline batteries for recycling. [27] X Research source
You can also use a small toothbrush. Take care not to oversaturate the swab so that you don’t get liquid inside the electrical components of your device. It should be damp but not dripping wet. You can always squeeze the swab to remove any excess.
Make sure to get inside the springs.
Do this lightly so you don’t scratch up the contacts too much!
Look for silicone grease in your local hardware store. You can also get petroleum jelly in most drug stores.
If the battery terminals are too badly corroded to save, you may be able to replace them with new ones. You can buy replacement terminals online or from an electronics store, or scavenge some from another electronic device.
