Cleaning up Battery Acid

[Zac]

My Car battery cracked and some of the acid leaked onto the battery tray.

I bought a new battery that I will install tomorrow morning.

How do I clean up the acid? Should I pour some baking soda and water on the acid? I thought this is what we used in high school Chemistry, but I really can't remember.

Btw, this isn't on my Syclone, but i figured that it would be good info for others that may have the same problem with their daily driven trucks.

Thanks for any help.

Zac

 

[Hu Ryde]

Reg Coke

 

[GM TURBO]

Yep - it is about the only thing Coke is good for. Sure as hell wouldn't drink it

 

[ed hess]

coke will destroy the exterior paint as i recall. just be neat about it.

ed

 

[BillC]

Reg Coke

Coca Cola is acidic, as are most sodas. It will NOT neutralize the acid in your truck, and may make the situation worse.

The best thing would be to just flush it all out with plenty of water (get a hose....). Be careful not to splash anything into your eyes or onto your skin. If you do, wash the affected area with plenty of water.

If you're worried about neutralizing the acid, mix up a solution of baking soda and water, and sprinkle that on the acid. Then, flush everything out afterward.

Once it's all clean, you should think about spraying some paint on the affected areas to prevent rust.

 

[Zac]

Thanks for the replies guys!

Zac

 

[THEMADTYPH00N]

I've used baking soda before and it worked fairly well. Just use lots of water.

 

[Hu Ryde]

Coca Cola is acidic, as are most sodas. It will NOT neutralize the acid in your truck

That's the point. It liquifies battery acids and the sugar in the coke acts as a base and the coke is easily washed away unlike the battery acid. It will not do anything to paint if washed off asap. Now to nuetralize it use baking soda because it is also a base.

Ultimately, the best solution is to buy a spray can of battery cleaner and acid neutralizer from Wal-Mart. I don't remember the brand but it was next to the batteries. The stuff came out as a bright yellow foam, and turned bright pink when it hit acid. You let it soak for a few minutes and then wash it off with water. Then repeat until the foam no longer turns pink anywhere.

http://www.tipking.com/Tips/publish/tip_325.shtml

 

[4C FED]

Here is a tip to keep your battery terminals clean.

Get some vaseline and some baking soda. Mix the 2 together and apply to the terminals & connectors.

Your terminals will stay clean a lot longer now.

 

[Hu Ryde]

I have heard of that too.