How to clean Mag-Lite flashlight when Duracell March 2013 alkaline batteries leaked

SF Man · 2011-07-01T06:40:46+00:00

Do you know what chemical can clean an anodized aluminum Mag-Liteflashlight when Duracell March 2013 alkaline batteries leaked.The flashlight itself seems to be black anodized aluminum. The bottomDuracell March 2013 D-cell battery leaked and started corroding the steelspring in the bottom end cap. It left a gunky grayish white gritty goop onthe spring.Likewise, the grayish gritty goop expanded the battery such that it wasstuck inside the 3-D-cell flashlight. After about 10 minutes of bangingupside down, I was able to extricate the three D-Cell Duracell batteries. I generally use vinnegar to clean up scale in brass water faucets. Do youknow what chemical I can use on aluminum & steel flashlights to dissolvethe grayish gritty goop from a leaked alkaline battery?What is that goop made up of anyway?