This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes. Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere.
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Liquid or residue from leaking batteries can cause serious harm, so approach the cleanup task with caution. Identifying the type of battery before clean-up is extremely important, or you could risk a dangerous chemical reaction. If the battery was powering a device while it was damaged, you may need to clean the electrical contacts as well, or have them replaced.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionIs rubbing alcohol okay for alkaline battery spills? A tech friend once advised this.Community AnswerIt's better to use vinegar or lemon juice; you want a mild acid to neutralize the alkaline substance.
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QuestionI have an old battery box from an electric forklift that is very corroded from the old batteries. Can I clean this and use in an a pot for a flower garden or vegetables?Community AnswerIs not a good idea, because the box can still contain some pollutant leaked by the battery. Any kind of vegetables you put in can absorb those pollutants.
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QuestionHow do I clean acid battery from a golf cart?Community AnswerYou can either get some battery acid cleaner at an auto parts store or mix some baking soda and water to use to clean the acid. Wash away the residue with water.
Warnings
- Large spills involving many liters (several gallons) of liquid or more should be handled by the fire department. Call an emergency number and keep everyone away from the area.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://ehs.stonybrook.edu/programs/healthcare-safety/Spill%20Response%20Procedures%20using%20XSorb.pdf
- ↑ http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/sulfuric_acid.html
- ↑ https://ehs.ucsc.edu/programs/waste-management/recycling-disposal/batteries-faq.html#7
- ↑ http://batterycouncil.org/?page=lead_acid_batteries
- ↑ http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_appfaqe.html
- ↑ https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/garages/batteries.html
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-battery-corrosion/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw
- ↑ http://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Clean_Leaking_AA_Batteries
About This Article
To clean up battery acid spills, first put on a pair of rubber gloves as well as a safety mask or goggles. Place the battery in 2 plastic bags, seal the bags tightly, and inspect the battery label to see what type it is. For an alkaline battery, clean up the spill using a mild acid like vinegar or lemon juice. If the batter is a lithium battery, wipe up the spill with a paper towel soaked in water. Be sure to dispose of the batteries as soon as the spill is cleaned. For tips on cleaning up other battery acid spills, such as lead or nickel-cadmium, scroll down!