What neutralizes battery acid?

Vinegar or lemon juice neutralizes alkaline battery corrosion. Baking soda neutralizes acid leaks from car batteries.

Can a corroded device be saved?

Often yes. Clean the contacts thoroughly with vinegar or lemon juice and let dry before installing fresh batteries.

Remove batteries from devices not in use, use quality batteries, and replace before they fully drain.

Yes. The phosphoric acid in cola dissolves corrosion. Apply, let sit, then rinse and dry.

Household

A clean battery corrosion makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

1
Remove batteries safely
Wear rubber gloves. Carefully remove the corroded batteries. Avoid touching the white powder -- it is caustic.
2
Apply vinegar or lemon juice
Dip a cotton swab in white vinegar or lemon juice. The acid neutralizes the alkaline corrosion.
3
Scrub the contacts
Gently scrub the battery contacts with the cotton swab and an old toothbrush. The corrosion should dissolve.
4
Apply baking soda paste for stubborn spots
If corrosion remains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply, let sit 5 minutes, then scrub.
5
Dry thoroughly
Wipe everything dry with paper towels. Make sure no moisture remains before installing fresh batteries.

TIPRemove batteries from devices that aren't used regularly to prevent corrosion.
TIPLeaking alkaline batteries should be disposed of as hazardous waste at a recycling center.
TIPTest devices with a battery tester before assuming they're broken -- corrosion may just need cleaning.

XTouching battery corrosion with bare skin, which can cause irritation and burns.
XUsing water on electronics, which can short circuit components.
XReusing leaky batteries, which damages devices.

Yes. The white powder is potassium hydroxide, which is caustic. Wear gloves and avoid skin contact.