With the exception of lead-acid batteries (Portable, PB 100), battery electrolytes are alkaline ... (Duh.) Certainly that of the NiMH batts in the PB500s is so. ABS is not a porous plastic, although its surface can be coloured/stained by chemical agents in suitable solvents.
What this adds up to is: immerse and soak the case parts in a gallon or so of water containing a little neutral detergent (eg, a few drops of dishwasher detergent) and a teaspoon of white vinegar, for a couple of days. Rinse well with clean water, and air-dry the parts. Don't scrub at the conductive silver and/or copper-coloured paint. Don't use petrol, turpentine, benzene or other solvents on those paints or the exterior footpads. If a concentrated detergent does not, swabbing with mineral turpentine will remove hand-grease from the outsideof of the case.
Take good care of the case scews, almost all of the small ones of which are unique to the PB 500 series. A few larger screws are shared with PB 100s. If you inadvertently misplace screws (tch! tch!), there is at least one seller who may still have complete screw sets available.
The circuit-boards can be similarly washed, if necessary, but the force of a hand-operated spray bottle is more useful than passive soaking. Then spray the boards well with clean water, and allow a good several days in a dry, ventilated location for the water to dry off completely.
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What this adds up to is: immerse and soak the case parts in a gallon or so of water containing a little neutral detergent (eg, a few drops of dishwasher detergent) and a teaspoon of white vinegar, for a couple of days. Rinse well with clean water, and air-dry the parts. Don't scrub at the conductive silver and/or copper-coloured paint. Don't use petrol, turpentine, benzene or other solvents on those paints or the exterior footpads. If a concentrated detergent does not, swabbing with mineral turpentine will remove hand-grease from the outsideof of the case.
Take good care of the case scews, almost all of the small ones of which are unique to the PB 500 series. A few larger screws are shared with PB 100s. If you inadvertently misplace screws (tch! tch!), there is at least one seller who may still have complete screw sets available.
The circuit-boards can be similarly washed, if necessary, but the force of a hand-operated spray bottle is more useful than passive soaking. Then spray the boards well with clean water, and allow a good several days in a dry, ventilated location for the water to dry off completely.
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