Best stuff for cleaning battery terminals?

[va_life]

I am wondering what the best stuff to clean up battery terminals is that is just spray on and requires little to no scrubbing. Want something that removes rust and battery acid.

I have been through a few brands and some seem like gimmics. Deoxit and Kroil seem to work well but they are expensive.

Was just wondering what your experiences are. I would rather try and save my battery terminals and associated wires where possible instead of replacing them where possible based on experiences.

Thanks.

 

[dubber09]

Vinegar.

 

[BurntMusic]

In the past I've made a paste of baking soda and water, pour it on and let it fizzle. That'll get a bulk of it off. Then use a post cleaner and that should take you the rest of the way.

They also make sprays too. I used one but it made more of a mess than just a baking soda + water paste.

 

[oil pan 4]

Water, baking soda and a wire brush.

 

[spasm3]

Baking soda, but you need to scrub some.

 

[AKhan87]

I just remove (unbolt) the positive terminal (usually the one with corrosion on Toyotas) and leave it in a solution of baking soda dissolved in hot water.

 

[oldhp]

Heard about it before. Here it is.

 

[Slick3914]

Heard about it before. Here it is.

That is absolute genius!

 

[Wolfshead]

Pour some Very hot/ Boiling water over the corrosion. Watch it disappear.

 

[oil pan 4]

If they're corroded and water isn't leaking on them from the top then that means acid is leaking up from underneath.

Thread 'Any way to fix leaky battery post?'

Saturday at 3:30 PM

Usually I just replace the leaker with an AGM, problem solved -$200 or more.
Usually when they leak this bad they're near end of their useful life any....
I've got a flooded group 65 (bigger and expensiver) battery in my ford that tests pretty good but it just leaks. I can probably get another year or 2 out of it aside from the leaking.
As far as achieving the means to an end I'm not afraid of electricity, battery acid or melting lead, more afraid of spending $269 not including tax to replace a serviceable but messy battery with a sweet AGM.
The way I figure it I'm probably in it for a...

• oil pan 4
• Replies: 23
• Forum: Automotive Electrical