I was given an infant swing which I really want to use because I am sure it would be a life saver for me and my 9 weeks old daughter. It was stored with batteries which leaked and there was a good amount of rusty mess where the batteries go. I attempted to clean it with a baking soda paste but it still seems rusty and there is some baking soda that won't come out of the small spaces. I am wondering if it would be dangerous to use it.
It should be just fine as long as the battery compartment is not where baby can touch it. I have had this happen lots and have just cleaned it up and put in new batteries ... have never had a problem.
as long as she isn't going to eat the battery compartment, or touch the battery compartment, she's fine. that's potassium chloride, and it will sting if it gets in your eyes or in a cut. it's corrosive and toxic (not poisonous), and should be cleaned with vinegar or lemon juice (but make sure the swing is positioned so the liquid doesn't leak into the wiring).
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_clean-battery-leakag...
Don't sweat it honey. As long as the icky stuff in iside the battery container, it should be fine. Just make sure in the future you check and change the batteries as needed. And of course don't store anything with the batteries in it.
The only danger would be from contact with the acid or rust. The batteries will be fine.
After doing electronics for 20 years you could always clean it with rubbing alcohol and q-tips, you can apply as much as you want, it doesn't hurt the components and the excess will evaporate. It will flush the baking soda out as well. Anything rust left will be perfectly safe from acid. Just make sure you have a rag underneath the catch the drips if any.
I agree with the other posters about cleaning it with alcohol, etc. Then, when you have put new batteries in it and use it for a while, double-check the new batteries to make sure they are fine.
It seems like a waste to throw it out if it still works, when a little clean up and early-on monitoring could ease your fears!
We popped our daughter in the swing the first week home from the hospital and it was such a blessing! Best wishes.
E.,
I throw out anything that has even the slightest sign of corrosion. Corrosion is not good.
I'd probably use it, but get some packing tape and plastic to cover the battery pack. When she's big enough to get to the compartment, I'd definately take it away so there's no chance for her to get in contact with the corrosion.
Dear E.,
It isn't so dangerous as it is just icky.. do you have a nail file or emery board?? that will clean out the battery connections and take care of most the goop..good luck!!
Take an old tooth brush, place a paper towel underneath the battery compartment and brush it out. The baking soda should come loose as well as any corrosion. Now put the new batteries in and close it up. Turn it on, if it works, YEAH! you have a swing. Some folks forget they have to take the batteries out of things when they store them, ie holiday decorations, so the batteries will leak out. It the corrosion got to the the support beam and/or legs of the swing, make sure that it did not corrode and weaken the metal, and you'll be able to see that with a thinning of the metal or holes in it. Hand me downs are great, saves us money, saves the environment from throw-aways and manufacturing of something new using energy and resources that are in short supply. Enjoy!!!
