Leaking battery: How to rescue a device with battery fluid on it

If throwing out a battery, don't put it in the household waste, but dispose of it in a collection point specifically for old batteries. — dpa

If a battery leaks in an electronic device, it's not just the battery that is unusable – the device may be broken too. Nevertheless, it's worth giving it a clean as long as you're careful.

It's best to wear gloves, according to advice from Germany's Federal Environment Agency (UBA). This is because the leaked substances can be corrosive or irritating to the skin and eyes. This applies whether the residues are liquid or crystallised.

You can clean the battery compartment with a damp cotton swab or cloth. If there's a crust on the device's contacts that should be rubbed off until the metal shines again.

As a rule, electrolytes leak out of the battery – these can be alkaline, salts or acids. If they get on your clothes, then you should wash them thoroughly. Fortunately, electrolytes are water soluble.

If you're putting an electronic device in long term storage or not planning to use it for a while, then you should remove the battery first, experts recommend.

If throwing out a battery, don't put it in the household waste but dispose of it in a collection point specifically for old batteries. – dpa