Cleaning leaked battery (TurboFans)

[LostAgain]

I wear glasses, and finally settled on the Smith turbofans a few years ago (I had to cease contacts a few years ago and yeah I know I know I should get the surgery, but i haven’t and won‘t).
Anyway, I purchased a second set after smith stopped making the Fans and put them on the shelf. Unfortunately they came with batteries installed, and one leaked a little. Just a little, but enough that they don’t work. Any tips for cleaning the battery compartment and hopefully getting them operational again? Q tips and vinegar?

[Cisco Kid]

Answered your own question. Or use a tooth brush

[Obstruction]

I use the same goggles with prescription inserts. Last pair were a bitch to locate. Mine only take a single aaa battery. I think vinegar is probably your best shot and you’re probably not going to get anything bigger than a qtip in there. Maybe a pipe cleaner if they still sell such things. Good luck,

[Flounder]

I’ve had luck cleaning battery terminals with a slurry of water and baking soda.

[gregorys]

I assume these are alkaline batteries?
If so the solution/corrosion is a "base." So to neutralize, you need an acid.
A quick google search shows reliable sources recommending lemon juice or vinegar, and a Q-tip or tooth-brush. (Which is what I've used over the years.)

IME, it's often useful to use bits of sandpaper or a wire brush. (In a Dremel at low speed?)

[El Chupacabra]

I have a set of nearly new turbo fans, with a ruined battery compartment due to leakage. Anyone need these? (if you have a clean battery holder but scratched up goggles, or broken fan, or worn out foam...)

[nickinbc]

Problem with corrosion on the contacts is that even after you have removed it the metal is pitted, any plating is damaged, and they will probably corrode again.

[LostAgain]

Thanks for the replies. I think it was a duracell in there, so alkaline.

[RShea]

All depends on how bad it is. The mild white powder that collects and all but has not pitted or discolored the contacts then the baking soda or vinegar is worth trying. If the contacts are really bad a file or dremel and or sand paper to get it back down to the metal. Then if the battery still does not work right, then sometimes you can break out the soldering iron and recoat the contacts with some solder and let it flow a bit past the corrosion to the usually some sort of coated metal...