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Battery safety question, serious answers only please: I've just received this sealed, new-in-box Ouya controller off eBay, and it looks like the alkaline AAs it came with have had a spicy party. The entire inside of the box and outside of the controller is covered in this dry white dust - would it be safe to just thoroughly clean/brush it all off, install different new batteries and start using it? (Edit: please read existing thread/replies before commenting further) #retrocomputing
@timixretroplays After initial cleaning, you need to neutralise the alkaline leakage with white vinegar. It's only metal parts that are at risk so get the vinegar on battery connectors etc. and anywhere there looks like corrosion on PCBs (if applicable). After neutralising, thoroughly clean with IPA. If necessary, recoat affected parts of PCBs with solder/etch resist (nail polish will do).
Obviously, you're going to have to dismantle the controller to get full access.
@Yoss1960 @timixretroplays agree with overall process ~but note that vinegar won't neutralize another acid.~ [EDIT these are alkaline batteries, it is indeed alkaline powder and not battery acid, my bad.] Any part you can rinse with water after disassembling, rinse plenty! The powder is very concentrated stuff, and a tiny bit of powder dissolved in your sweat and sitting against your hands will make itself known if you let it. Anywhere you can't rinse with water, give several rounds of cleaning with IPA, and in all cases (water or not), repeat until a pH test isn't alarming when tested on a misting of water at a previously dry joint or seam where powder could accumulate. Good luck!
@iris @timixretroplays You're right that vinegar won't neutralise acid (only makes matters worse, of course).
However, when I wrote acid, I used the wrong term. I /should/ have written alkali, since those Duracells are alkaline batteries.......
Mea Culpa.