Brass Cal Zephyr - Need advice on cleaning battery corrosion!

[ryan_wilkerson]

I purchased this car used after seeing some low resolution photos so didn't realize that it was from a leaking battery that the previous owner had installed for lighting. Any tips on cleaning it without damaging the finish?

This is a metal car and I'm assuming is painted this beautiful silver.

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[SD452XR]

I would think vinegar should work.

[nickelplate759]

I don't think that's painted.  I think that's the color of the metal (possibly plated), and it's likely got a clear coat on it.     There's a good chance you'll lose some of the lettering when you clean it, but you can replace them with decals.

[thomasjmdavis]

I would start with baking soda mixed in a little water, and a soft toothbrush (like getting the corrosion off a car battery terminal).  The baking soda will neutralize any acid left by the battery, and act as a very mild abrasive to help clean off the crud.  Then make a paste of vinegar and baking soda to use as a polishing agent.  End with a rinse of baking soda in water (for any possible remaining acid from the battery or the vinegar) and then rinse with plain water.

Hopefully, you got to it before the battery acid pitted the chrome or nickel silver finish.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Thank you for all the advice, I'll give it a try.

[jjb62556]

we use Coke Cola to clean batteries also.

[robert3985]

Before you go scrubbing with baking soda in water, just try hot tap water, which will get most or all of it off.  Vinegar is a definite no-no, but hot water with a some dissolved baking soda would be a good idea to neutralize any acidic remnants that the hot water soak doesn't remove.  If it needs some "scrubbing", put on a pair of Nitrile gloves and gently wipe the areas with the most battery goop with water running on where you're gently rubbing...then, a soft, new toothbrush if necessary.

EDIT -  Comments here led me to do a bit of research, and part of my conclusions were in error.  Unless the battery used was a "lead-acid" battery (most likely NOT), the residue is crystalline potassium hydroxide, a strong alkaline (base) chemical very common in alkaline batteries (A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, NiCad, NiMH types).  The potassium hydroxide residue is water soluble, so soaking in warm/hot water, and very light scrubbing/wiping with a damp micro-fiber cloth and/or Nitrile gloved fingers will remove it.  A mild acid, such as white vinegar or lemon juice will completely neutralize it...BUT, mild acid will also etch metal and metal plating, soooo...I would use ANY acid neutralizer with exceeding caution.  Frankly, I'd just trust soaking and wiping with plain old water as being effective enough and forget about any acid treatment.

I'd just soak it for half an hour in warm/hot water/baking soda solution to neutralize any acidic residue if just hot water and your gloved fingers and maybe a new soft toothbrush has gotten most of the visible residue off.

The residue should be water soluble, and since the car is plated (not painted) damage may be minimal hopefully.

Good luck!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

EDITED - for typos, spelling and content errors

[Point353]

Besides the gloves, wear eye protection.

[Maletrain]

Um, was it an "alkaline" battery?  If so, then what leaked should be a base rather than an acid.

I have had reasonable luck cleaning alkaline battery leaks with plain water to dissolve most of the residue.

But, there is sometimes surface damage under the residue.

Good luck.

[nkalanaga]

Mixing vinegar and baking soda won't give much of anything, as the acid (vinegar) and alkali (baking soda) will neutralize each other.

[C62-2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_battery#Leaks

[thomasjmdavis]

Mixing vinegar and baking soda won't give much of anything, as the acid (vinegar) and alkali (baking soda) will neutralize each other.

I know.  And that is what I said before I tried it as a cleaning agent.  Seems to work well on grease (like cleaning a pan or stove top), and seems to work better than a mix of baking soda and water as a polishing agent.  I tried it after reading an article  on polishing metal serving ware (silver or brass) that recommended vinegar and baking soda mixed to a paste consistency.  In addition to cleaning some old silverware, it worked very well on old brass car sides that had tarnished. 

[Missaberoad]

The chemical reaction when baking soda and vinegar are combined creates carbon dioxide. the fizzing helps it as a cleaning agent.
Much of the baking soda also remains active (as long as you don't add too much vinegar and make a volcano)

Now there is debate about how effective this is, as there is with anything.

[Sokramiketes]

These cars are hard plated, so you should be OK with an undamaged car itself.  But you're going to lose the clear coat and decals in the process.  (Looks like you already have decal damage, so not a loss.)

In fact, its so hard to keep a clear coat on the plating, that what really needs to happen is a soda blasting and repainting.