How to Clean After Alkaline Battery Leak?
If a disposable alkaline battery leaks into personal electronic components, the leakage device may ruin it. Most cylindrical batteries, including AAA, AA, C, and D cells, are alkaline like most button-type batteries that fit watches and hearing aids. The alkali chemical in these batteries is potassium hydroxide. This chemical is toxic and irritating, but you can neutralize it with an acid and clean it without causing much trouble. Caution: In alkaline battery leaks, you are using a different substance than you would in acid battery leaks. There is a possibility that your leaking battery may contain acid electrolyte. If so, the safe will show it and you should not use an acid to neutralize it.
Wear chemicals in alkaline batteries can destroy electronic equipment.
Step 1
Remove the leaking battery from the device. Potassium hydroxide does not burn your skin, but it can irritate and damage your eyes, so wear rubber gloves and goggles.
Step 2
Put vinegar or lemon juice in a spray bottle. Both are weak acids that will neutralize the corrosive chemical in the leaking battery and their use is dangerous.
Step 3
Spray debris leaking from the battery and rub with a toothbrush. Use a paper towel to remove loose deposits, and to clean excess vinegar or lemon juice after cleaning.
Step 4
Repeat the process as many times as necessary to remove any battery build-up. Clean with a slightly moistened paper towel, then allow the cleaned device to dry for several hours.
Step 5
Use a similar procedure to clear the leak from the floor or desktop. Neutralize potassium hydroxide with vinegar or lemon juice, then rub with a toothbrush from the surface. When you are finished, wipe the area with a damp paper towel.
36Axx
Panasonic BK-3MCCA16FA eneloop AA 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, (package includes 16AA blue or 16AA white)