Wearing household gloves and glasses, take the leaking batteries out, clean the contacts with a cotton swab or toothbrush, and let the device dry before fitting new ones. These are Duracell’s steps for alkaline, NiMH and NiCd batteries.
Duracell’s cleanup steps
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear household gloves and glasses.
- Take out the batteries, handling them only as much as you need to.
- Clean the leakage off the contacts with a toothbrush or cotton swab. For alkaline, NiCd and NiMH leaks, Duracell names one tablespoon of boric acid in a gallon of water, or diluted vinegar or lemon juice mixed half and half with water.
- Let the device dry completely before you put in a new battery.
If it gets on skin or in the eyes
Duracell says most battery chemicals won’t harm skin but should be treated like any chemical. Wash any skin or clothing it touched with soap and water. If it gets in the eyes, flush them with running water for at least 15 minutes and get medical help straight away; see a doctor too if any is swallowed.
Why batteries leak, and how to stop it
| Cause | The makers’ advice |
|---|---|
| Flat batteries left in a device that keeps drawing power | Take them out as soon as they run down |
| A device stored for months | Take the batteries out first; Duracell says many devices don’t switch off completely |
| Old and new, or different brands and types, mixed | Change the whole set at once, with one size and type |
| Hot places and big temperature swings | Store at normal room temperature |
| Charging a battery not marked rechargeable | Never do it: it could rupture or leak |
| A NiMH cell left in a device for long storage | Take it out, or tape over the positive end |
From Duracell’s FAQ and Energizer’s handbooks and care page. Energizer also suggests checking battery compartments every few months for leaks.
Afterwards, keep the contacts clean: Energizer and Duracell both suggest rubbing them with a clean pencil eraser or cloth when you change batteries.
What to do with the leaked battery
The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) says a corroded or leaking alkaline battery doesn’t count as damaged and can still be recycled. A lithium-ion battery that is swollen, leaking, overheating or punctured does count as damaged: it needs special packing and can’t go in with other batteries at a drop-off. EPA says to contact the battery or device maker for how to handle a damaged lithium-ion battery, and Molicel says not to use or charge one.