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Throw Your Batteries Away Immediately If You Notice This
By NATALIE FRANCISCO
Leaking battery acid is potassium hydroxide, which is poisonous if ingested and can cause respiratory irritation or burn the skin when it comes into contact. If you notice your batteries leaking, it’s best to throw them away immediately.
If your batteries leak while inside a device, clean out the potassium hydroxide with a cotton swab and lemon juice or distilled vinegar. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid the other components in your device while cleaning.
Batteries can short-circuit or spark and cause a fire even if they don't have enough energy to power a device, so recycle them at a local drop-off location rather than throw them in the trash. Alkaline batteries that aren’t rechargeable can be put in the regular trash, but you should tape the ends of the battery or put them back in the original packaging.