First what tools do you need to clean a car battery?  The tools and items are: Locking pliers, water, baking soda, toothbrush, wrench, grease or petroleum jelly, and cloth.  Most of those things can be found in your house or just a quick trip to your local hardware shop.

1. Loosen the nut on the cable clamps which will then remove the batery cables from the battery terminals.
2. Check the cables and clamps of the batteries for corrosion or wear.  If there is corrosion or wear, replace them to avoid problems from happening in the future.
3. Check battery case for cracks and if any appear, replace the battery.
4. Tighten the loose cables so they don’t slip and come back and hit you.
5. Pour a little baking soda directly onto the battery ports.
6. Before starting this step, make sure you are wearing skin and eye protection.  Dip the toothbrush in the water and scrub the terminals and cable clamps.
7. Dry everything off with a clean rag.
8. Rub grease or petroleum jelly on the posts to slow down the formation of corrosive deposits.
9. Replace the positive side, then the negative side.  Tighten them down with the proper size wrench.
10. Put back on the rubber boots or plastic shields that cover the terminals.

With those 10 easy steps you can easily clean your car battery.  Next time your battery is dirty and needs cleaning save the money and clean it on your own!