Due to the ability of the potassium hydroxide(the stuff that leaks out of Alkaline batteries) to cause caustic burns on skin and in the eyes, it is recommended that you wear neoprene, rubber or latex gloves, as well as wear safety glasses when handling leaking batteries.

Mix water with some vinegar, lemon, or lime juice. The goal is to make the water just a little acidic.

Then use a q-tip dipped in the mixture to carefully and gently clean up the sludge left behind from the leaking alkaline battery.

Let the device thoroughly dry before placing new batteries in, otherwise you could damage the device.

Wash your hands with the mixture and wipe down your work area thoroughly to make sure to neutralize all of the potassium hydroxide.

Be sure not to mix battery types in devices to avoid leakage. Consider setting a reminder on your phone or computer to every so often have a day of checking batteries in devices to help avoid future leaks. Prevention is better than dealing with it after the fact.

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