CRC Battery Cleaner with Acid Indicator (11 oz)
Priced as of May 17, 2026
4.7(2,264 ratings)Buy on AmazonSaved to your guest loadout. Sign up to also save to your Cabinet (consumables) or Kit (tools you own).
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Prices may varyFrom the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2021-06-08)GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.
EyesSituationalMfr. SDS §8SkinSituationalMfr. SDS §8LungsSituationalMfr. SDS §8Ventilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“No eye H-code at mixture level (H319 absent from SDS §2 — health hazards explicitly Not classified). Aerosol form factor at face height creates mist drift during spray application — the aerosol delivery mechanism produces situational minimum per category rubric.”
— CRC
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“No skin H-code at mixture level (H315 absent from SDS §2). The wipe-down step after spray application creates direct hand contact with dissolved corrosion slurry containing lead sulfate and lead oxide — SDS §8 notes skin protection where slurry contact is likely, independent of cleaner chemistry alone.”
— CRC
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“No inhalation H-codes at mixture level (H335 absent from SDS §2). Aerosol delivery in a semi-enclosed battery bay warrants minimum situational tier per category rubric for aerosol products without chemistry-specific inhalation codes.”
— CRC
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
No PPE specified in published sources for ventilation. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 18, 2026
TL;DR Dissolves light-to-moderate battery terminal corrosion — the yellow foam turns pink on contact with acid, confirming neutralization. 4.7 stars across 2,264 reviews backs the label claims. Carries a Prop 65 warning from trace impurities.
What it is and how it performs
Water-based aerosol that neutralizes the white-blue lead sulfate crust on battery posts and cable clamps. Spray on, wait for the yellow-to-pink color shift, then rinse or wipe dry. The straw applicator provides adequate control; some product contacting the battery housing is normal at pH 8.5. Community confirms the indicator works reliably on routine maintenance-level buildup. Heavy multi-year deposits may still need a wire brush.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
The right buy for routine maintenance — light-to-moderate corrosion on a battery in regular service. The color-change indicator takes the guesswork out of the reaction. Skip it for thick, heavily corroded terminals from a neglected battery; that needs mechanical cleaning regardless of the cleaner.
Safety and environmental impact
Signal word WARNING is from the pressurized can (H280) — not the chemistry. SDS §2 explicitly states health hazards are "Not classified." Eyes and lungs are situational due to aerosol delivery; use outdoors or with the garage door open. Skin protection is situational during the wipe-down step given the dissolved corrosion slurry. Prop 65 warning: trace 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide from 2-butoxyethanol production. No aquatic toxicity classification, no PFAS.
The corrosion dissolved from battery terminals contains lead sulfate and lead oxide. Wash hands after handling the slurry, and avoid rinsing waste water into storm drains.
Frequently asked questions
What does the color change mean on CRC Battery Cleaner?▾
The yellow foam turns pink when it contacts battery acid. The indicator dye reacts with sulfuric acid residue on the terminals — the color shift signals active neutralization is occurring. When the foam stays yellow or rinses clear, the acid has been neutralized.
Does CRC Battery Cleaner contain baking soda?▾
The SDS does not name sodium bicarbonate in Section 3 — that chemistry is listed as a trade secret. The alkaline chemistry (pH 8.5) and the product's neutralization behavior are consistent with a buffered alkaline formula, but the exact active cannot be confirmed from the SDS.
Is CRC 05023 Battery Cleaner safe for all battery types?▾
The SDS does not address battery-type compatibility (flooded, AGM, gel cell). Check your battery manufacturer's guidelines before applying any spray cleaner near vent areas on sealed AGM or gel-cell batteries.
Why does the CRC Battery Cleaner carry a Prop 65 warning?▾
SDS §15 identifies trace 1,4-dioxane (carcinogen) and ethylene oxide (carcinogen and reproductive toxin) — synthetic byproducts present below the GHS mixture-level classification threshold. California Prop 65 requires a warning at any detectable level.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from CRC, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •Fleet and Vehicle Maintenance
- •Manufacturer: Crc
- •Made in: United States
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Manufacturer specifications
- Brand
- CRC
- Item Form
- Aerosol
- Scent
- Unscented
- Specific Uses For Product
- Automotive Exterior
- Material Feature
- Liquid
- Surface Recommendation
- Metal
- Special Features
- Residue Free
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
- Material Features
- Liquid
- Item Volume
- 11 Fluid Ounces
- Unit Count
- 11.0 Ounce
- Number of Items
- 1
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Top Amazon review
↗External — Amazon's most-helpful review for context.
Best cleaner!
worked just fine . I have used this spray cleaner for years