Alkaline Acid Clean Up

Since it seems like this is a small leak, it should be an easy clean. I personally have vinegar in a small spray bottle and I spray the chemicals that spilled out. This will cheaply and effectively neutralize everything. I have read that some people use lemon juice instead of vinegar, but that is up to you. Then I scrub everything off with a firm bristle toothbrush and dry/wipe everything town with a paper towel.   

Bryce

I clean up all the loose stuff first, then use some vinegar on the remainder.  It's how I clean up alkaline battery leakage in various items.

What type of vinegar?  White ? Do you use it full strength or do you dilute it?

I use white vinegar full strength with a toothbrush (not one I'm going to use again), and then rinse with plain water.  Don't leave the vinegar on there long as it'll start oxidizing (aka rust).

FYI, once the hydrogen gas escapes by splitting the cell case open, Potassium Hydroxide leaks out which is very caustic. Do not handle it. The Potassium Hydroxide, however, reacts with the Carbon Dioxide in the air creating Potassium Carbonate. Very stable white crusty substance, but it's harmful to the device as a base on the PH scale, and can be washed away with a mild acid and then water.

I use electrical grade contact cleaner. Spray it on and use a brush if needed. Radio Shack use to have contact cleaner with a brush on the end of the can. Still have a old can with the brush can is empty but still use the brush. Should add contact cleaner is safe on plastic. Bought it at Menards.

@amtrack5899 posted:

What type of vinegar?  White ? Do you use it full strength or do you dilute it?

I second what @gunrunnerjohn has already stated: White vinegar at full strength