Battery Cleaning

[Gadget Man]

Anyone that uses flooded cell batteries as house batteries, knows the importantance of battery maintenance. Keeping the cells topped off and the terminals clean is key to battery/battery cable life.

I came across a product at my local Wal Mart that does not only a good job of cleaning the battery terminals, but it lets you know if there is any acid present, which of course leads to corrosion. The product is called Acid Detector. It sprays a yellow foam. If there is any acid present, the foam instantly turns pink as visual indicator. It then neutralizes the acid while cleaning the batteries at the same time.

I’ve been using it for about a year now and I really like it. It alerted me to a leaking cell cap that I would have been unaware of otherwise. It’s much more user friendly than baking soda. I’ve only been able to find it at Wal Mart.

Craig

[paz]

I have used the same product. It worked well, but DO NOT get it on your clothes. When it turns pink, it WILL stain. Fortunately, I had the foresight to wear old clothes for the cleaning job.

[Gadget Man]

Originally Posted by paz

I have used the same product. It worked well, but DO NOT get it on your clothes. When it turns pink, it WILL stain. Fortunately, I had the foresight to wear old clothes for the cleaning job.

That's a good point. In fact it will stain when it's yellow as well.

I also forgot to mention how inexpensive it is. I picked up a replacement can at Wal Mart today for only $2.77. The last can lasted almost an entire year.

Craig

[wa8yxm]

Baking soda is a powder, you can get a box of it (I think half a pound, perhaps a pound) at the dollar store for the advertised (Store name) price, You can often find it for less in other stores.

You can either sprinkle it on the battery or mix with water (Anywhere from think paste to thick paste) and sprinkle pour or spread it on the battery.. This product (Sodium bicarbonate) Is enviormental friendly by the way not a "Dangerous" or "harmful" chemical.

IF it encounters acid it instantly foams up Neutralizing the acid.

How save is this stuff... Well.. I also use it to make bread.

[gauto5150]

Originally Posted by paz

I have used the same product. It worked well, but DO NOT get it on your clothes. When it turns pink, it WILL stain. Fortunately, I had the foresight to wear old clothes for the cleaning job.

Well I'm safe, I only own OLD clothes.
Check that, my kids bought me a Mickey Mouse shirt at Disneyworld this last vacation.

[Gadget Man]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Baking soda is a powder, you can get a box of it (I think half a pound, perhaps a pound) at the dollar store for the advertised (Store name) price.

To each his own....been there done that with baking soda. While it does neutralize the acid, it does nothing as far as cleaning is concerned, in fact it leaves a mess once it dries. If you only want to use something that is safe enough to consume, then baking is probably your only option. The price difference is minute to say the least.

[Jim28730]

Originally Posted by Craig P.

I've only been able to find it at Wal Mart.

Craig

You can pick up a can of terminal cleaner at most any auto parts store. While there, pick up a companion can of termial protector. Sprays on red and will help inhibit future corrosion.

[Blaster 22]

Plain Coke will clean battery terminals just fine.

[Pairajays]

Originally Posted by Blaster 22

Plain Coke will clean battery terminals just fine.

So diet coke want work?

[Jim28730]

Diet Coke makes the battery cables skinny and they won't carry as many amps.

[RVNeophytes2]

Originally Posted by Craig P.

I came across a product at my local Wal Mart...called Acid Detector.

You can also count the times you've cleaned the batteries, from the number of pink circles on the driveway

[Bushman512003]

soada water works great then hose the mess down a shot of oil and done for a year again cost? The Wife not Me it was her dry cow box I took from the fridge about 4 table spoons to a 1/2 gallon of water and a old paint brush in 5 min.done and only 3 beers yep need to keep My pipes clean as well..Bushman and no pink circles...

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by Craig P.

To each his own....been there done that with baking soda. While it does neutralize the acid, it does nothing as far as cleaning is concerned, in fact it leaves a mess once it dries. If you only want to use something that is safe enough to consume, then baking is probably your only option. The price difference is minute to say the least.

Well, I rinse well and thus have never noticed that "Mess" you cite.

And as I said, I do use it on those occasions when I make Quick Bread so having it around is handy.

That said, Baking soda is indeed a cleaning agent.