Home : Handyman and DIY : Car care : Cleaning Car Batteries

Clean Car Batteries and neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars

Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda) can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc. , because it is a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part water, apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and re-connecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery--they contain a strong acid.

You can also use Coke or Pepsi to clean the posts on your car battery. Simply pour on and it will clean them almost like magic.

If you inadvertently spill battery acid on any of your clothing then you could risk holes appearing in your clothes. Wash any clothes that have been affected in a strong solution of baking soda and water. The solution will neutralize the acid preventing damage.

Visitors comments

much needed advice Comments By: Anon We were transporting a car battery in our van and saw that it leaked and the acid ate the carpet. This article helped us figure out what to use to clean up the spill to reduce additional damage.   thanks! Comments By: Michelle answered my question exactly...   Clothes Comments By: Otto Can you please tell me the solution of bi-carb and water to stop holes in clothes? TipKing says: Speed is the key to this tip. I would say that a solution would be 1 tablespoon to a cup of warm water   all your advice helped out alot. Comments By: Michele I was wondering ,if the damage is done, could battery acid stains on a counter top (from brown-2-white) be fixed without having to change the whole counter . I think its too late for the baking soda. Much mahalo...~a worried renter   Clean car battery Comments By: Anon Do you rinse the car battery after you put the coke on it? Thanks! TipKing says. Yes and you can apply some grease to the terminals to prevent further build up.   Leaking Auto Battery Acid on carpet Comments By: Elisa Thank you!!! I was also transporting an automotive battery in the back of my van and the acid leaked onto the carpet and turned it green. Thank you for your help!!!!   Just what I needed Comments By: Cathy My husband had leakage from the battery in his tractor and wanted to know the mixing ratio for baking soda to be effective. Thanks!   Disconnect??? Comments By: According to Me The build up is so much that I can't disconnect the terminal from the battery post. Can I still just pour Coke on the connected battery post? TipKing says: I would but if you are in any doubt consult a mechanic   STEPS TO FOLLOW? Comments By: Kelly 1. Do disconnect the battery cable (positive) before pouring coke on the corrosion? 2. Then how do I rinse with water? 3. Follow with jelly before reconnecting or after connecting the cable to battery? Please advise. Thanks   IF Floor Tiles Damaged can be cleaned with Coke or Pepsi or any other Compound? Comments By: Vinayak Medhi IF tile floor can be cleaned with pepsi or any other compound?   Important Question about car battery corrosian. Comments By: Anon We recently had a battery replaced by AAA and the tech placed the old battery on my concrete walk way. Two days later I noticed the white powder corrosian in an area about the diameter of a football and I'm very worried that this powder was tracked inside my home by my wife, kids or dog. How would I know? Please.....this is a totally honest and serious question. I have a big phobia about toxic chemicals so needless to say this is making me a nervous wreck. I can't tell you how much I would apprieciate any answers or advice anybody has regarding question. Thanks so much.