On Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:58:09 -0700, Wilbur H. wrote:
I have no idea what chemical will clean the flashlight (maybe others know
that) but I do know that you can get a free flashlight for the price of the
postage.

I had already seen the Duracell so-called "guarantee":
http://www1.duracell.com/care_disposal/care.asp

All DURACELL Batteries are guaranteed against defects in material and
workmanship. Should any device be damaged by these batteries due to such
defect, Duracell will repair or replace it (at Duracell's option) if it is
sent with the batteries, postage prepaid to:
Duracell
Berkshire Corporate Park
Bethel, CT, 06801 U.S.A.
Att: Consumer Dept.
Phone: 1-800-551-2355, 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time

However, it's just a $25 flashlight so I don't think the postage to send it
to Duracell will be worth the price of a new flashlight.

I just want to clean it up.

Googling, I find this forum says to use isopropyl alcohol to clean the
flashlight after batteries leaked:
http://tinyurl.com/5so7t4g
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...line-batteries

However, this forum says hydrogen peroxide is what we're supposed to use:
http://tinyurl.com/6jtwtbj
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...cell-Batteries

Yet, this site says "baking soda" is what to use:
http://tinyurl.com/yk33gtw
http://gofishingforum.net/maglite-fl...osion-t96.html

And this site says to use vinnegar:
http://tinyurl.com/5sfeuh4
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...-in-3D-Maglite

This one even suggests "Coke Classic" (i.e., phosphoric acid):
http://tinyurl.com/6jmgpvq
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...oded-batteries

It seems strange that these (very different) chemicals are suggested:
- alcohol
- hydrogen peroxide
- baking soda
- vinnegar
- phosphoric acid

Does anyone actually 'know' what chemicals will dissolve the grayish gritty
goopy crud from a leaked alkaline battery?