AA Alkaline Battery Leakage Damage

Nov 09, 2022 Last reply: 3 years ago 10 Replies

Had a bad bunch of AA alkaline batteries that leaked and put white powdery and generally scuzzy corrosion deposits on the spring terminals of several AA-using devices. I got a lot of it off and the devices work again-- but the plating on the steel springs is gone.



Wondering if that fix is only short term because the terminals will rust or crud up somehow...or the devices will be OK.


Would something like this do you any good?

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Were those Duracell? I have had three different sizes of Duracell batteries start leaking, some even while still in the package unused. All were years within the "10 year warranty." So I contacted Duracell. They sent me a coupon for some free batteries. Why would I want more from them?

To your question... I used baking soda mixed with water to remove the acid from the affected contacts in the devices. Then I used a very small file to polish the ends of those contacts. This seems to be working OK.

-dan z-

Using a baking soda solution neutralizes the acid from the leaked batteries.

As long as the acid did not touch any circuit boards, you should be ok.

Andy

Google sez:

"The best way to remove alkaline leakage from the device is to neutralize by carefully dabbing with a few drops of a mild acid like white vinegar or lemon juice. For stubborn leaks, an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar or lemon juice gets the job done."

Leaks I have had, I just brushed off with no problem.

This guy seems to get 'er done quite nicely with vinegar and a swab :

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John T.

Since the batteries arer "alkaline" what leaks is NOT ACID, and the proper way to neutralize is VINEGAR - a mild acid. Generally I find just washing with hot water gets the terminals clean and a light rub with 600 or 1000 grit abrasive paper makes them shine again. A drop of Stabilant ensures an excellent connection. That said, I have VERY FEW alkaline batteries leak on me - maybe 3 or

4 in the last 10 years.

That's one of those high school words, and I'm glad to say, We're not in high school any more, so it doens't matter any more what it means. It's just scientific mumbo jumbo. Nothing to be concerned about. Best to stick to words we all know.

Um. Lookup the difference between acid and alkaline.

The best solution (pun intended) is mild acetic acid (viz. vinegar) followed by a H2O rinse.

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