Dry Cell leakage

[cliveharlow]

When I accidentally leave a dry cell battery (eg a "pen cell") in a piece of equipment for too long, it leaks goopy stuff that corrodes the contacts and as much else as it can reach. Can anyone tell me what this is, and what is the best way to clean and neutralise it?

 

[Trevethan]

The goop is the acid paste that forms the electrolyte in the batteries I think. Its acid and really tough to get rid of. A bit of dry wire wool can clean off battery contacts, but if its made its way to the internal gubbins, its hard to remove.

A lot of batteries carry no leak guarantees. Give the battery maker a call if its a major - Duracell for example and see what they are willing to do. Hope you haven't tossed the cells yet!

I try and change dry cell batteries every six months or so and always buy good quality cells. Less chance of leaking and more chance of redress if they do.