Is your electronic equipment turning off at random? Does it still have a charge? Battery corrosion could be the culprit. Fortunately, a thorough cleaning can restore your devices to working order. Here’s all you need to know about battery corrosion management and prevention.
The Real Cause of Battery Corrosion
What causes battery corrosion in the first place? This white, crusty residue indicates battery deterioration, which can occur with even the greatest batteries over time. Alkaline batteries (used in the majority of consumer electronics) are notorious for leaking. When leaks appear, rust quickly follows.
What is the root cause of battery corrosion? This white, crusty residue shows battery degeneration, which also can occur over time with even the best batteries. Alkaline batteries (often used in consumer gadgets) are notorious for leaking. When leaks emerge, corrosion appears quickly.
Potassium hydroxide is highly hazardous and has been linked to skin and eye discomfort. When working with corroded batteries, always wear gloves.
Cleaning Battery Corrosion in Electronics: 4 Steps
Accordingly battery rust does not imply that your beloved electronics are faulty. Your equipment should be as good as new after a thorough cleaning. But how can you get battery corrosion out of electronics? You only need an acid and a base.
Gather the following basic materials:
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
- Baking powder
- Swabs made of cotton
- Gloves for protection
- Cloth without lint (optional)
It’s now time to clean up any remaining corrosion.
Step 1: Dissolve the Discharge
Surprisingly, battery corrosion has a pH of zero. You can neutralize it with a common household acid. Lemon juice and vinegar are both excellent choices. Put on some protective gloves first. The batteries should then be removed and left away. Apply a small amount of your selected acid straight to the corrosion on the electronic equipment with a cotton swab. The residue should finally start dissolving. To eliminate residue, gently wipe with a cotton swab.
Step 2: Scrub with Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent. Although it has abrasive qualities, it is mild on electronics. To eliminate persistent residues of corrosion, apply a small amount to the afflicted regions of your gadget and rub it in. Then, using cotton swabs or a slightly moist, lint-free cloth, wipe off the surfaces.
Step 3: Allow Time to Dry
After removing the corrosion, allow your gadget to dry completely before adding fresh batteries. To expedite the process, wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Step 4: Dispose of Corroded Batteries
Batteries that have corroded are worthless. You must properly dispose of them after removing them from your equipment. While some local waste management policies allow consumers to dispose of alkaline batteries in ordinary trash, others have recycling programs in place. Recycling is beneficial to the environment. This online tool can help you identify battery recycling drop-off locations near you.
Ways to Prevent Battery Corrosion
While you may not always be able to prevent a leaking battery, there are certain safeguards you may take. To begin, never use expired batteries. It’s also not a good idea to combine old and fresh batteries. If you replace one battery in a bay, you should replace the others as well. Keep your electronics at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
To the Rescue: Professional Electronics Restoration
You may not be able to prevent battery corrosion and other sorts of harm to your gadgets, but you may still fix the problem. Prism Specialties can restore your gadgets that have been damaged by corrosion, water, or fire. For quick assistance, contact Prism Specialties online or call 888-826-9429.
