corroded battery terminals...

[chrisatpsu]

a family member has a small toy like device that's an antique that batteries were left in for quite awhile.  needless to say the batteries leaked, and since were removed.

but there's a buildup of material left in the battery compartment. 
what's the best way to clean this stuff up?  is there a cleaner for this?

[inzeos]

Diluted white vinegar and the appropriate gloves and eye wear.  Go at it with an old rag or paper towels.

[chrisatpsu]

thanks, i'll give that a try...

[t.jo13]

another option is coke if it sealed enough then just dump some in and let it sit . also if its not sealed then use baking soda. in a paste form .get where you need it an wet it down a little (works good)

[combustionmark]

I use distilled vinegar to neutralize the acid. then alcohol to remove the vinegar and clean parts. The battery contact points will probably have to be replaced.

You can also make a baking soda and water paste to neutralize the acid.

With vinegar: soak parts a couple of hours to overnight, rinse with isoprene alcohol.

With baking soda: scrub past into parts let stand a couple hours, rinse with distilled water.

Good luck

[nvizzini]

Hi

You can get the small brushes used for acid flux or other chem from harbor fright tool the work
well for getting into tight places. Vinegar is a mild acid so I would rinse with  baking soda then rinse with water.

If you need to replace the contacts you my salvage them from another toy or battery holder from radio shack and
get the parts out of that if they fit.

have fun
Nicholas

[chrisatpsu]

it's been a busy weekend for me so far, and i haven't gone the baking soda, or vinegar route yet.  but i did have a chance to scrape some of the material off using a blade. The nice thing to know so far, is the metal still looks very shiny.  i might have lucked out with some stainless steel here.     i dont see any blemishes either, so hopefully the solution will just remove the dry crusty caked on crud.

[combustionmark]

You should neutralize the acid, or the problem will come back. It is amazing what it will get into.

Good luck

[rdebolt]

CRC makes a battery cleaner that works very well. It will clean and neutalize the acid. It will change to a red color when it contacts acid so you can see where there is active acid.