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?'

Jul 19, 2025

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: 24
• Forum: Automotive Electrical

 

[Donald]

The basic baking soda and water, keep adding more every minute until no more bubbling. Then pour a bucket of water on the battery or hose.

You can try felt washers.

If your charging system is in good shape and the battery is not a "leaker" I don't see why there would be corrosion building up. It's been awhile since I had corrosion on a battery terminal. I have 6 batteries for 2 vehicles and a boat. Three are AGM. No corrosion among the 6 batteries.

 

[va_life]

Thanks. I only run AGM batteries yet this is still happening. Points taken on the remedies though.

 

[f355spider]

Thanks. I only run AGM batteries yet this is still happening. Points taken on the remedies though.

Which brand? I have only experienced this with flooded batteries. I've had great luck with AGMs. The only leakers were three Optima Redtop 34R AGMs in a row...but they leaked out the top vents, not near the terminals. I quit buying Optima.

 

[va_life]

Which brand? I have only experienced this with flooded batteries. I've had great luck with AGMs. The only leakers were three Optima Redtop 34R AGMs in a row...but they leaked out the top vents, not near the terminals. I quit buying Optima.

Costco Interstate. I have them in 2 other vehicles and don't have this issue either.

 

[4WD]

That is absolute genius!

Nice - Up until he used the paper towel and no water …
Then a squirt of WD40 to displace water …

 

[4WD]

Freshen up with your favorite spray as needed

https://www.autozone.com/wash-clean...R0QCDsZEAQYASABEgItY_D_BwE&new_store_set=true

 

[va_life]

Freshen up with your favorite spray as needed

https://www.autozone.com/wash-cleaners-and-exterior-care-products/battery-terminal-protector-washer/p/duralast-anti-corrosion-washer/8170_0_0?spps.s=1469&cmpid=LIA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:GEN:22350391884&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22356757832&gbraid=0AAAAADkcoVsBkAajbG-k2w5o4rs23IXbO&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgIT8ud-CjwMVwynUAR0QCDsZEAQYASABEgItY_D_BwE&new_store_set=true

I buy those in bulk as needed. I did know about spraying them. Cool.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Baking soda / water / brass toothbrush wire brush / rags . Same to terminals. Follow up with Battery washers &" NOCO no corrode" ,,,,in the bottle with the brush. Always check battery if it's an FLA. Add distilled water if needed. If adding water, put on tender for 6 hours to convert water to acid.

 

[RitcheyRch]

I buy those in bulk as needed. I did know about spraying them. Cool.

Same here and only 99 cents a pair at Walmart.

 

[KrisZ]

Clean it with whatever was mentioned above and then spray with wd40, or some other light lubricant and you will never have the corrosion issue again.