How to Remove Battery Fluid From Fabric
Most batteries that are used around the home contain sulfuric acid, known commonly as battery acid or battery fluid. This fluid is quite caustic, and can cause damage and burns to skin and eyes, in addition to staining, if not ruining clothing. If battery acid has spilled or leaked slightly onto a piece of fabric, there is a technique that you can use to try to neutralize it and restore it to a clean state. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Put on chemical protective gloves. Failing to wear proper personal protective equipment can result in injury to your skin.
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Pour baking soda onto the battery fluid stain so that the baking soda covers the stain in a thin layer.
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Fill a small bowl with 1/4 cup ammonia and 1/4 cup water.
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Dip a sponge into the mixture, then lightly dab at the baking soda with the sponge. Sponge the area until all of the baking soda has been dabbed by the sponge. You may need to re-wet the sponge several times in the ammonia and water mixture.
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Rinse the fabric in cool, clean water.
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Launder the fabric in your washing machine if it is an item of clothing or other fabric safe for washing. Add oxygen bleach to the washing machine and launder the item on the hottest setting safe for the fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
Only try to remove battery fluid from fabric if the fluid has caused a small stain and the stain has set or dried. Never try to remove battery fluid from fabric if the battery fluid has spilled in a large volume or has soaked the fabric. Do not touch the fabric without chemical protective gloves and eyewear. For fabrics stained by large amounts of battery fluid, carefully remove and discard the fabric in a waste receptacle safe for holding and transporting hazardous home waste.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
