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.

1

Protect your hands and face.

  1. Battery leaks can contain caustic chemicals that irritate the skin, lungs, and eyes. Always wear rubber, nitrile, or latex gloves before you handle the leaking battery or the leaked material. Wearing safety goggles or a face mask is highly recommended when handling car batteries or lithium batteries. Work in an area with good ventilation, blowing away from your face.[1]
    • If you feel a burning sensation in your eyes or on your skin, or if the spill gets on you, leave the area and remove affected clothing. Rinse in lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes.[2]
    • Acid leaks, typically from a car battery, are much more dangerous than alkaline battery leaks.
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3

Determine the battery type

5

Use baking soda to neutralize lead-acid or nickel cadmium spills

  1. These types of battery can leak a strong acid, which eats through clothing, carpet, or in some cases even metal. Approach it with protective gloves and face shield, and cover liberally with baking soda, until newly added baking soda does not cause additional fizzing or bubbling. Clean up remaining residue using a thick paste made from baking soda and water.[6]
    • Also pour baking soda into the trash bag containing the damaged battery.
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6

Clean up alkaline spills with mild household acid

  1. For alkaline batteries, dip a cotton swab in vinegar or lemon juice, and swab the spill to neutralize the basic leak.[7] Use an old toothbrush dipped in the same material to scrub at a spill that has dried. Water can cause further corrosion, so wet a paper towel as lightly as possible and use that to wipe up the acid.[8] Repeat until clean, then let the device dry for several hours.
9

Clean the electrical contacts (optional)

  1. If the battery was connected to a device when it leaked, the device's electrical contacts may need to be cleaned before the device can be safely used. Scrape off any residue using a plastic or wooden stick, and use a slightly damp paper towel to wipe it off, throwing the towel away immediately. If the contacts themselves are corroded, pitted, or discolored, file them down using sandpaper or a metal file, but be aware that they may need replacement.[11]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Is rubbing alcohol okay for alkaline battery spills? A tech friend once advised this.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's better to use vinegar or lemon juice; you want a mild acid to neutralize the alkaline substance.
  • Question
    I 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 Answer
    Community Answer
    Is 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.
  • Question
    How do I clean acid battery from a golf cart?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You 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.
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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.
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About This Article

Duston Maynes
Co-authored by:
Automotive Repair Specialist
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. This article has been viewed 693,925 times.
3 votes - 67%
Co-authors: 31
Updated: January 5, 2023
Views: 693,925
Article SummaryX

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!

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