Cleaning Alkaline Battery Leak

Have you ever found yourself cleaning alkaline battery leak material that resembles limestone crystals?

View a slideshow of great cleaning tips using vinegar.

The material that leaks from alkaline batteries is potassium hydroxide which is the electrolyte of the battery’s make-up. Its job is to carry the current through the battery. The potassium hydroxide, a base, is mixed with water inside the battery making a paste like substance.

Under certain conditions, such as extreme heat, the potassium hydroxide paste inside the battery expands. When this occurs, the chemicals are pushed out of the seals at the top and bottom of the battery or sometimes through a side seam. Once the potassium hydroxide reaches the metal terminals or connectors, it causes them to corrode producing a powder that is a greenish blue color. Over time as the leakage continues, the buildup grows and hardens resembling feathery limestone crystals.

There are several methods that effectively clean up after an alkaline battery leaks. Since potassium hydroxide is a base, an acid must be used to clean the leakage. Two effective acids are lemon juice or simple household vinegar.

The following steps are usually effective for smaller battery leaks.

• Mix either them lemon juice or vinegar into water making the mixture slightly acidic (approximately 1 part acid to 3 parts water). Some people prefer to use the acidic liquid full strength.
• Soak a Q-tip in the solution.
• Gently rub the area of the battery leak until the build-up dissolves.

For alkaline battery leak build-ups that are larger follow the same steps using a toothbrush instead of a Q-tip.

The potassium hydroxide that leaks from batteries is a corrosive material that is highly toxic. The caustic material can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes. It can also cause respiratory problems. Always take the following precautions.

• Avoid contact with your skin. Make sure to wear rubber or latex gloves.
• Keep your eyes safe by wearing safety glasses.
• Make sure the area is well ventilated.
• If the potassium hydroxide makes contact with your skin, flush the area well with water.

Although alkaline batteries do have leakage at times, they typically do not leak with normal usage and storage conditions. The following conditions increase the possibility of potential leakage:

• Leaving batteries in a device for an extended period of time without it being used
• Installing and using fresh batteries and used batteries at the same time
• Charging of the batteries
• Being left in extremely high temperatures for a long time
• Being left in a humid area for extended periods
• Mixing standard batteries with alkaline batteries

• Check with the company that manufactured the batteries that are leaking. Many battery manufacturers offer a guarantee of their product’s performance that offers protection against battery defects. These companies may replace or repair the electronic device that was damaged by defective batteries.
• Make it a practice to remove the batteries from electronic equipment that is not being used for an extended period of time.
• Make sure to check and change the batteries in your electronic equipment and flashlights on a regular basis.
• When cleaning a battery leak always be careful to prevent liquids from getting on the electrical connectors or into an electronic device.
• If your battery is an acid-based battery and there is a leakage, clean it using baking soda (a base) mixed with a small amount of water. Rub the area using either a Q-tip or a toothbrush depending on the size of the leak. Make certain to never pour water directly onto the acid.
• Make sure that flashlights or electronic devices are completely dry before reinstalling new batteries.
• Using a product such as a DeoxIT Pen after the initial cleaning will improve conductivity in addition to cleaning, lubricating and protecting the contacts and connectors. Other DeoxIT products include a spray contact cleaner and a DeoxIT needle solution dispenser.
• Find out if your community has a battery recycling or disposal policy.

The next time you find yourself cleaning alkaline battery leak material from the inside of your flashlight or electronic equipment, always remember to take safety precautions.

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• How Do I Clean Up After an Alkaline Battery Leaks