Don't Throw Out Your Solar Lights Just Yet.
I thought my solar light batteries needed replaced until I saw the battery compartments were corroded. So I took to the internet and found 2 options, white vinegar or baking soda and water mixture, neither worked. Then I remembered the old remedy I had used to remove tarnish from brass, ketchup. I didn't want to throw them away because they were still in great shape and I didn't want to have to buy more, so what did I have to lose but a little ketchup.
I slathered the ketchup on the contacts and the springs with a Qtip. Then let them sit for quite a bit of time.
I cleaned them with a Qtip and water. Some were more corroded than others so I reapplied more ketchup. Cleaned them again and let them all dry.
After letting them dry, I placed a ( regular ) battery in the compartments to test them. They now work !
Read this guide on how to clean the battery corrosion for more tips!
Comments
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I'm going to try this as I have a lot of solar that stops working because of rust!
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This is a good idea...gotta upcycle...think most of us just get tired when stuff like this stops working...but it was $¢ spent, anything decorative is landfill stuff and should be prevented. I will attempt the 'cleaning.'. Throwing out stuff is going out of style, fixing is in.
Eliza🌹
Frequently asked questions
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there is water and rust build up rechargable battery coroded can i replace the whole compartment
What is the little switch and plug in my pic.