It's a good idea to approach the clean up task with caution because liquid from leaking batteries can cause harm.If you don't know the type of battery, you could end up with a dangerous chemical reaction.If the battery was used while the device was damaged, you may need to replace it or clean the electrical contacts.
Step 1: Protect your face and hands.
Caustic chemicals can cause irritation to the skin, lungs, and eyes.Before handling the leaking battery or the leaked material, you should wear rubber, nitrile, or latex gloves.It's highly recommended that you wear safety goggles or a face mask when handling car batteries.It's a good idea to work in an area with good air flow.If you feel a burning sensation in your eyes, or if the spill gets on you, leave the area and remove affected clothing.For at least 30 minutes, rinse in water.Acid leaks from a car battery are more dangerous than alkaline leaks.
Step 2: The battery needs to be double-baged.
If you want to identify the type of battery before you continue, use transparent plastic.For car batteries and other large batteries, put them inside two trash bags.The bag should be sealed immediately.
Step 3: Determine the type of battery.
Lead-acid batteries are used in cars and other motor vehicles.If you want to find the type of battery, look at the label.Lead-acid is the most common type for small batteries.Size and shape are not reliable identification methods.
Step 4: Guess at the type of battery.
An educated guess is that alkaline batteries have voltages that are multiples of 1.5.Multiples of 3 to 3.7 are written for the battery voltages.The lead-acid batteries have multiples of 2.
Step 5: Continue until you reach the next section.
Follow the instructions for your battery.The wrong chemical could cause an explosion.Information on battery disposal and cleaning electrical contacts can be found at the end of the next section.
Step 6: Baking soda can be used to counteract lead-acid or nickel spills.
The batteries can leak a strong acid, which can be found in clothing, carpets, and even metal.Approach it with protective gloves and face shield, and cover liberally with baking soda until it doesn't cause additional bubbling or bubbling.Baking soda and water are used to make a thick paste.Baking soda should be put in the trash bag with the damaged battery.
Step 7: Mild household acid can be used to clean up spills.
If you want to prevent a basic leak in alkaline batteries, you need to dip a cotton swab in a liquid.An old toothbrush dipped in the same material can be used to scrub a spill.It's a good idea to wet a paper towel lightly and use that to wipe up the acid from the water.Allow the device to dry for several hours.
Step 8: The spills should be wiped up with water.
Place the bag in a sealed container as it could cause a fire or explode.The electric device exposed to the leak is no longer safe to use.Clean spills with water and nothing else if the device is thrown away.
Step 9: The batteries should be thrown away.
Most batteries are required by law to be recycled in some states and countries.You can use the online tool to find a hardware store that will recycle your battery.A free or reduced-price replacement battery may be offered by some battery manufacturers.
Step 10: It is possible to clean the electrical contacts.
The device's electrical contacts may need to be cleaned if the battery was connected to it when it leaked.If you want to wipe it off, use a damp paper towel and throw the towel away.If the contacts are discolored or corroded, file them down using a metal file, but be aware that they may need to be replaced.