Battery corrosion question....

shawn474

I have a really old set of otoscopes that i want to clean up and give to my brother (he is a physician). I have polished the outside and they look great. All of thr pieces are intact and operational. The case is as well. However, the person who owned them before had them sitting for a very long time with old batteries. They swelled and burst. I have cleaned a lot of it with a toothbrush and mild soap and water. I dont want to damage the internals or ruin the mirrors, but cant get the remaining residue that is caked on. Any suggestions on what i can use? It is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

BeefJerky

I would normally use a good electronics cleaning spray...but, I could see it ruining the optics. Honestly, I'm not sure there really is a good approach in this case due to the delicate nature of the instrument.

SDA1C

Use a very weak solution of baking soda and water. Soak a cottonball and let it sit on the affected area.

pitdogg2

SDA1C wrote: »

Use a very weak solution of baking soda and water. Soak a cottonball and let it sit on the affected area.

i would use distilled water and baking soda.

SDA1C

That brings up an interesting thought as sometimes the lack of nutrient balance in distilled water reacts differently with some powered metals (I am assuming these are aluminum). Especially when bases and acids are involved. It is certainly a good idea over say...chlorinated city water but if you have a clean well I'm not sure I would worry about it.