| Did you ever go to jumpstart your car, and notice | | | | or may not need to be performed. Sometimes, to |
| that you can barely see your battery underneath all | | | | thoroughly remove severe corrosion and dirt, you |
| the gunk? This 'gunk' is actually battery corrosion, | | | | may even need to remove the battery from the |
| which is formed by acid condensation. Since this is | | | | vehicle.First, scrape off any white or greenish |
| formed by acid, a basic chemical solution will do the | | | | corrosion deposits with the stiff-bristled brush or |
| cleaning trick. Battery acid is actually very easy to | | | | small metal or plastic scraper. Next, use the solution |
| clean away with a common household item- baking | | | | of baking soda mixed with water, approximately one |
| soda! But still, precautions must be followed. This | | | | heaping tablespoon to each pint of water. Carefully |
| article will inform you step by step how to clean the | | | | apply it to the outside of the battery and its cable |
| battery while keeping safe.First, you will need to | | | | connections with the turkey baster or small funnel. |
| gather supplies for this project. Most of these items | | | | Then, you can use your brush to work the baking |
| you may already have in your home.Safety glasses | | | | soda solution into the heavily corroded areas. If you |
| or gogglesBox of baking sodaAdjustable pliers with | | | | find that the cable clamps or terminals are badly |
| insulated handlesScrewdrivers with insulated handlesA | | | | corroded at the battery, you can disconnect them |
| small, stiff-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will work | | | | for easier cleaning. For this, you may need to use |
| just fine!)Assorted small open-end and box | | | | pliers, assorted wrenches and a small battery cable |
| wrenchesSmall metal or plastic scraperSpecial battery | | | | puller to disconnect them. You should disconnect the |
| tools, including a cable puller and cable terminal | | | | negative first, followed by the positive.Then, use |
| cleaning brushesA turkey baster or small | | | | your battery cable scrapers or brush to remove the |
| funnelAll-purpose household cleaner in a spray | | | | corrosion from the terminals, battery posts and hold |
| bottleSponges or clean clothsA source of ample clean | | | | down clamps and brackets. Flush these parts with |
| water such as a garden hose or a large bucket and | | | | your baking soda solution to rid them of any trace of |
| spongeRubber gloves for protecting your handsThere | | | | corrosion. After this, wash the outside of the |
| are a few safety tips to keep in mind when getting | | | | battery, the cable ends and the hold down parts with |
| ready to clean the battery. First of all, you safety | | | | a liquid cleaner in a spray bottle. After that, use a |
| glasses and gloves must be worn to protect your | | | | sponge or rag to get off any remaining dirt or |
| eyes and skin from sulfuric acid that can linger in the | | | | grease. After everything is clean, dry off the battery |
| corrosion deposits. Also, this material can eat away at | | | | and all its parts with a dry rag or cloth.The final step |
| your car's paint, so keep it away from that as | | | | is just reinstalling any part that was removed and |
| well.Because the amount of dirt and corrosion on | | | | tightening everything so it is secure. Reconnect the |
| batteries may differ from one another, battery | | | | battery, positive cable first. You're done! You're |
| cleaning will vary, so some of the steps below may | | | | battery is now safe and clean. |