What is the easiest way to clean battery corrosion without making a huge mess?

I have done baking soda in the past but that always makes a even bigger mess. Don't get me started on coke.

Is there anything I can apply to the battery terminals to prevent corrosion?

 

The circular pads work pretty well. I add CorrosionX oil to the pads. However if the battery is leaking acid around the post, then corrosion will still occur.

I'm not aware of any easy way to remove corrosion buidup, but you might check youtube. I've found solutions for many problems there.

good luck

 

Coke, Pepsi and Root Beer..sorry but they work..


Welcome to the HAF...

 

Take the battery out to avoid a big mess. Microwave an old glass or plastic food container 3/4s filled with water and a couple tablespoons of baking soda. Dip each cable end in the warm solution. Repeat. Watch the green stuff foam away to clean copper or zinc. Pour that same solution over the removed battery then rinse.

Axle grease works pretty well. Grease the posts and cable ends with axle grease then bolt everything back together.

 

Baking soda followed by a trip to a quickie spray wash bay. Preventing corrosion can be achieved by using the spray on stuff for preventing terminal corrosion sold at every auto parts store.

 

Many times corrosion starts from hydrogen leaking from hairline cracks in the plastic case around the battery posts. Possibly caused by over-tightening the clamps.

Yeah, I know that's not REALLY answering your question, but something to think about if you end up buying a new battery.