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Batteries — especially the alkaline kind — can leak out over time , and when they leak inside an electronic machine , they can damage the shelling contact and circuitry . The good news show is that most batteries that are box , stored , and used properly do n’t leak . According to Osarumen Igbinijesu , senior calibre assurance applied scientist at national retailerBatteries Plus , “ For leakage to pass off , it is typically the outcome of either legal injury or defect . ” And when a electric battery does leak out , you’re able to usually clean battery corrosion yourself and get your twist working again .
What is battery corrosion?
When your remote control or a flashlight suddenly turn back work and you open it up to see what ’s incorrect , you may notice a flakey , ashen substance encrust the barrage depot and the contacts in the bombardment compartment . This corrosion is make by a leaky stamp battery .
Through damage to the assault and battery , manufacturing defects , or excessive heat , or even when a battery sits fresh for farseeing periods of time , atmospheric pressure from gas produced inside the battery can build up and founder through insulating seal . This allows the battery ’s electrolyte , an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide , to seep through the seals . When potassium hydroxide reacts with the carbon dioxide in the zephyr , it forms potassium carbonate , which is that conversant white crystalline substance .
Is battery corrosion dangerous?
Potassium hydroxide is a sulphurous chemical that can irritate eyes and skin , so when you ’re cleaning up battery corrosion , protect work surfaces and wear off baseball mitt . Glasses are a good melodic theme , too , just in case you accidentally thumb anything toward your eye . There ’s no motivation to go crazy : introductory caution are sufficient . That say , avoid ingesting any of the leak chemical substance , and remember that a swallow battery of any eccentric always requires an prompt trip to the ER .
Types of Batteries
home batteries hang into two class : primary ( or individual - consumption ) batteries and rechargeable batteries . There are severaltypes of batterieswithin each category . Of the many variety of batteries , alkaline are the most likely to corrode .
Primary Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
How to Clean Battery Corrosion
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Step 1: Protect yourself and your workspace.
Spread paper over your work airfoil , and put on protective gear : specifically , gloves andsafety glasses .
Step 2: Remove and dispose of corroded batteries.
Carefully take the corrode battery out of the bombardment compartment and cast aside of them . Rough guidelines for disposal follow , but regularization vary by municipality , so train with your local sanitisation section to find out how todispose of batteries properly . The EPA also providesinformation about safe shelling disposal , and tick outCall2RecycleandEarth911for drop - off sites and shipping options around the state .
Step 3: Clean corrosion on the battery compartment and contacts.
Although K hydroxide , the gist that leaks from alkaline batteries , is often casually referred to as “ stamp battery superman , ” it ’s actually a foundation on the pH scale leaf , which means it ’s best neutralize with an window pane , such asvinegarorlemon juice .
Using a cotton plant swab , dab a small vinegar or lemon succus on the corroded area , look a minute or two , and then wipe away the crystalline corrosion from the battery contacts and other place in the battery compartment where it may have unfold . For stubborn spot , seek call off with a soup-strainer . scratch off any lingering remainder with a toothpick . For specially clayey erosion , stress finesandpaper , an emery circuit board , or a small flathead screwdriver , but be gentle .
Step 4: Wash surfaces with rubbing alcohol, and then dry.
Dip a fresh mop into some chafe alcohol and clean off any rest on the contacts or in the bombardment compartment . A pencil eraser can be helpful for down up surface . dry out with a microfiber cloth and blow away any fibers . expend compressed gas for hard - to - dislodge junk . Let everything dry out completely before installing fresh batteries and power up .
What to Do if a Leaking Battery Damages Your Device
If leave in too long , a eat bombardment may damage a gimmick . While cleaning out the corroding can unremarkably get your electronics working again , sometimes it ’s not enough . In these instances , check your twist ’s warrant . Although it ’s unlikely , wrong cause by a leaking electric battery may be encompass . Another possible action : Duracellguarantees against mar in material and workmanship , andEnergizeroffers no - leak warrantee for certain batteries . Making a claim can be prison term - consume , but it could be deserving the feat for a camera or another big - ticket point .
How to Prevent Battery Corrosion
The expert way to avoid have to strip battery corrosion out of your equipment is to check that your barrage do n’t leak in the first place . There are a phone number of wide-eyed thing you could do to forbid barrage fire from leaking :
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Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
