How do i clean battery corrosion from electronic devices

  • Green

The next time you face a sticky situation caused by a battery leak, follow these steps to clean up the mess safely and effectively.

How do i clean battery corrosion from electronic devices

Photo: istockphoto.com

All batteries—particularly the alkaline variety—leak over time, whether drawing a current or not. So even if you heed the expiration date listed on the package, you can end finding your batteries corroded, if not within the battery compartments of home electronics, then in the junk drawer where you like store extras. With alkaline batteries, leaks usually manifest near the contacts as a white and flaky substance. To clean battery corrosion like this, follow these easy guidelines.

How do i clean battery corrosion from electronic devices

Photo: fotosearch.com

How to Clean Battery Corrosion

STEP 1: Protect yourself and your work surface.

First, set up a safe place to do the job. Spread newspaper over the surface where you plan to work, and since there are chemicals involved, it’s recommended that you wear protective gear.

STEP 2: Clean battery corrosion with a household acid, like vinegar.

Alkaline batteries leak, not acid, but a chemical that registers as a base on the pH scale. For that reason, it’s wise to clean a battery leak with a mild household acid like vinegar or lemon juice. Both liquids work to neutralize the alkaline discharge. Place a drop of vinegar or lemon juice onto the corroded area, then wait a minute or two for the neutralizing effect to take place.

STEP 3: Use a Q-tip to wipe up the corrosion.

Having dipped a Q-tip or toothbrush dipped into your chosen acidic liquid, gently wipe away the crystalline white residue from the battery itself and wherever the leak may have spread. Double-check the drawer where you store them and the compartment in battery-powered device so that you don’t miss any of the residue. Again, be careful not to get the chemical on your skin or in your eyes.

STEP 4: Pick out the last of the crystalized leak with a toothpick.

Address lingering residue with a toothpick or, even better, a pencil eraser. If you’re cleaning the contacts within the battery compartment, sandpaper or a file may prove handy for the purpose.

Now, what do you do with the batteries that have corroded? Some municipalities allow you to throw in alkaline batteries with your regular trash. Other counties and states enforce more stringent regulations. Check with your local sanitation department for the appropriate disposal method.

How do i clean battery corrosion from electronic devices

Photo: fotosearch.com

3 Tips for Preventing Battery Corrosion

Going forward, there are few simple things you can do to prevent alkaline battery leaks:

  • First, don’t use expired batteries.
  • Second, don’t mix old and new batteries; when replacing one battery in a bay, go ahead and replace them all. Even mixing battery brands commonly causes problems and should be avoided if at all possible.
  • Finally, know that batteries are highly sensitive to heat and must be stored at or below room temperature.

Written by Grove Collaborative

Last Updated: November 18, 2021

Battery corrosion can be dangerous to you and your favorite gadgets. Learn how to actually clean up battery corrosion safely and naturally.

Ever opened the battery compartment of a device — the TV remote, the kids’ talking toys, the smoke alarm — only to find everything covered in crusty battery acid? No fun — but no need to panic!

Battery corrosion and leakage are quite common, and you don’t have to toss out your gadgets that get slimed with it — yet. Here’s how to clean battery corrosion safely — and without equally gross chemicals.

While you’re at it … learn about other safe and effective green cleaning methods to keep your home spic ‘n span the nontoxic way.

Battery acid is a highly corrosive substance that can ruin whatever device it leaks into. It also contaminates soil, burns your skin, and harms your eyes.

Leaky alkaline batteries emit a fluid that turns into a white, powdery crust.

Lithium-ion batteries might just suddenly quit working or, in rare cases, catch on fire or explode (yikes)!

Is battery corrosion dangerous?

Battery acid — and the corrosion that occurs when it leaks — is highly toxic and caustic. Alkaline batteries leak potassium hydroxide, a substance that can cause serious eye damage and respiratory and skin irritation.

So, how do you clean off battery acid safely? Well, the most important safety precaution to take when you’re dealing with battery corrosion is to wear gloves, a face mask, and eye protection. Keep scrolling for more specific tips on how to clean it up from various types of products.

Wondering what type of cleaning product will work? Will baking soda and vinegar clean battery corrosion? Yes, in fact, this power couple is one of the best ways to banish battery corrosion for good.

Baking soda neutralizes the battery acid, and a little vinegar (or lemon juice) reacts with the baking soda to break it down.

Here’s everything you’ll need to remove corrosion in the battery compartment:


  • White vinegar or lemon juice
  • Baking soda
  • Gloves
  • Eye goggles
  • Cotton swabs or a toothbrush

Shop for natural products you need from Grove.

Become a Grove member

Wondering who Grove is, what types of products we offer, and how to get a free gift set when you sign up? Learn more about flexible monthly shipments, customizing your shipment, and joining millions of happy households — no monthly fees or commitments required.

Learn more

3 steps to safely clean up battery corrosion

Grove Tip

Baking soda and vinegar: The dynamic duo

There’s not much baking soda and/or vinegar can’t clean, and they both do it 100 percent naturally. Intrigued?

Read up on how it went when Grove writer Phoenix tried cleaning vinegar on her pots and pans, windows, and shower door — and see what happened when Grove writer Kristen tried baking soda on some pretty hardcore household messes!

Shop for natural vinegar & baking soda products from Grove.

Battery acid in your kids’ favorite toys is no laughing matter. But before you send ‘em to the Island of Misfit Toys, watch below to see just how easy it is to clean battery corrosion in toys.

The best way to avoid having to clean up battery corrosion is to follow a few simple tips and tricks to prevent them from leaking in the first place.

Browse Grove bestsellers before you go.

Read more from Grove

Join thousands of happy customers creating a healthier home. Get started to select your free welcome set!

Claim My Offer

Can you use electronics after battery corrosion?

4 Steps for Cleaning Battery Corrosion in Electronics Battery corrosion doesn't mean your favorite electronics are broken. After a thorough cleaning, your device should work like new. But what removes battery corrosion from electronics? All you need is an acid and a base.

How do you clean corroded battery terminals electronics?

To neutralize the acid, you need to add a baking soda paste to the terminals. Either coat the terminals in baking soda, then spritz water on them or mix the paste beforehand and apply it to the terminals. Let it sit and bubble for a while to neutralize the corrosion, then wipe the terminals clean with a paper towel.

Does battery corrosion ruin electronics?

Battery leakage can critically damage an electronic device. The acid released is highly corrosive and wrecks the battery compartment, including the contacts. Left longer, the corrosion can spread into the electronics.

How do you remove corrosion from electronics?

Use cotton swabs and a cleaning solution such as isopropyl alcohol, baking soda and water, or even vinegar to clean it. Gently apply the solution to the affected area and wipe back and forth until the corrosion is removed. If necessary, leave some of the solution on the corroded area and wipe it off later.