How to Clean Battery Acid Stains

Corroding batteries can leave major stains on clothing and carpets if tracked in.

The acid inside a battery causes the reaction that creates the electrical charge. The casing of a battery is usually thick to prevent battery acid from spilling out. When a battery is punctured or has deteriorated, the acid may leak from the battery casing. Battery acid is highly corrosive and will not only stain fabrics and other materials, it may corrode it as well. To clean a battery acid stain also means neutralizing it for your safety.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Baking soda
• Laundry or washing detergent.

Instructions

1. Clean the exposed area with water if it is a hard surface such as metal.

2. Mix together 6 ounces of baking soda to one gallon of fresh water in a bucket.

3. Apply the baking soda and water solution to the acid stain. Allow it to bubble and stand for 5 to 6 minutes. Use monobasic sodium phosphate for nickel-cadmium batteries instead of baking soda.

4. Sponge the area with clean water to remove the baking soda.

5. Wipe the area with laundry detergent or dish washing detergent to remove the stain.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective gloves when cleaning up battery acid to prevent contact with the skin.

References

• Sky Master: Basic Corrosion Removal Techniques
• How to Clean Stuff: How to Remove Battery Acid Stains from Fabric