Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean up after a battery leak?
Follow these tips to clean up after a battery has leaked: Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear
household gloves and glasses. Using a toothbrush or cotton swab, remove battery leakage from
the electrical contacts. Make sure the electronic device is completely dry before trying a new
battery. To avoid future problems, adopt the following practices:
 Do not mix and match different battery brands in the same device.
 Remove batteries from devices that are being stored.
 To clean any leakage of the following battery types, Alkaline, NiCAD and NiMH
batteries, use either one tablespoon of boric acid in one gallon of water or a mixture of
equal amounts of diluted vinegar or lemon juice with water (50/50 ratio).
 How does a battery work?
 Batteries may seem simple, but the delivery of packaged power is a complicated
electrochemical process. Electric current in the form of electrons begins to flow in the
external circuit when the device—a light bulb for example—is turned on. At that time,
the anode material, zinc, gives up two electrons per atom in a process called oxidation,
leaving unstable zinc ions behind. After the electrons do their work powering the light
bulb, they re-enter the cell at the cathode, where they combine with the active material,
manganese dioxide, in a process called reduction. The combined processes of oxidation
and reduction couldn’t occur in a power cell without an internal way to carry electrons
back to the anode, balancing the external flow of current. This process is accomplished
by the movement of negatively charged hydroxide ions present in the water solution
called the electrolyte. Every electron entering the cathode reacts with the manganese
dioxide to form MnOO-. Then, MnOO- reacts with water from the electrolyte. In that
reaction, the water splits, releasing hydroxide ions into the electrolyte and hydrogen ions
that combine with MnOO- to form MnOOH. The internal circuit is completed when the
hydroxide ions produced in this reaction at the cathode flow to the anode in the form of
ionic current. There, they combine with unstable zinc ions, which were formed at the
anode when the electrons were originally given up to the external circuit. This produces
zinc oxide and water. This completes the circuit (which is necessary to have a constant
flow of electricity) and powers your flashlight.
 How should I dispose of batteries?
All rechargeable batteries should be recycled. Other batteries can and should be recycled
as well. Refer to our Care and Disposal section to get all the details on this topic.
How should I handle batteries that leaked in a device?
Although most batteries contain chemicals that won’t harm exposed skin, they should still be
treated as any chemical would. Always take precautions when handling exposed battery
chemicals. Battery chemicals shouldn’t be placed near the eyes or ingested. Contact a physician
immediately if this should occur.
Is it normal for Duracell NiMH Rechargeable batteries to become warm while charging?
Yes, it is normal for both the cells and charger to become warm while charging.
My battery got wet and now there is a white powdery substance on it. What do I do?