Battery acid damage

[DRBC43AMG]

My battery leaves white acid dust around the metal support (battery in the boot). I cleaned the support and surrounding area last year and painted the damaged metalwork around. Checked the battery a couple of days ago and found the same acid damage. I pulled out the battery and discovered that both ventilation vents on the side of the battery was open. Normally only one is used with a piece of plastic piping through the bottom and out to open air. Now I understand the cause of the acid damage. I blocked and glued the hole permanently, so that should solve the leaking.
My question now is how do I clean all the white muck and make sure it stops it's eating away of metal. When clean, I will repair with a coat of primer and paint.
Any recommendations or tips?

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

Baking soda/Bicarbonate of Soda will neutralize battery acid. No comment on blocking the breather pipe. Acid splash could be a sign of over charging.

 

[DRBC43AMG]

OK and I understand the use of baking powder, but as a noob how do you apply it? Dilute it in water, wash and rinse? Tks

 

[silver_star]

It may be worthwhile once you have cleaned it all up installing a battery mat.

 

[Ted]

Hot water is all you need. Not boiling, but hotter than you can touch.

 

[BEJ]

+ 1 Hot Water.

 

[DRBC43AMG]

Tthanks for the tips. Will try this.

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

You need an alkali to neutralize acid. Water (hot or cold)will increase the PH by dilution but it will still be acidic.
Have a read on the internet, How to neutralize battery acid and make your own mind up.

 

[Ted]

Trust me hot water is the way to do it. Remember this isnt acid Its the result of a reaction to the acid - i think its some form of sulphate, and it's already ph neutral ( or as near as dammit)
If is was acid I would agree

Hot water will make it just disappear and the surface will be ready for priming.