How to Clean Battery Cable Connectors?

Cleaning corroded battery cable connectors involves safely removing the corrosion buildup to ensure good electrical contact.

Here's a straightforward method to clean battery cable connectors:

1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal from the battery. This prevents accidental short circuits. Use appropriate tools and wear safety glasses.

2. Visual Inspection: Check the terminals and connectors for signs of corrosion, which usually appears as a white, green, or bluish substance.

3. Preparation: Prepare a cleaning solution. You can use a mixture of baking soda and water (mix until it forms a paste), or a commercial battery terminal cleaner.

4. Application: Apply the cleaning solution to the corroded areas of the terminals and connectors.

5. Scrubbing: Use a wire brush, battery terminal cleaner tool, or even a screwdriver (carefully!) to scrub away the corrosion. The baking soda mixture will bubble and fizz as it reacts with the corrosion. The video reference suggests using a wire brush or screwdriver to remove corrosion after applying cleaner.

6. Rinsing: Rinse the terminals and connectors with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and loosened corrosion. You can use a cloth to wipe them down.

7. Drying: Thoroughly dry the terminals and connectors with a clean cloth.

8. Reconnection: Reconnect the positive (+) terminal first, then the negative (-) terminal to the battery. Ensure the connections are tight and secure.

9. Prevention: To help prevent future corrosion, you can apply a battery terminal protector spray or grease to the terminals after cleaning and reconnection.