HELOISE Idea sheds light on corroded battery

Dear Heloise: I am a single woman in my 20s, and I travel in my car quite a lot for work. An essential tool in my vehicle is a large metal flashlight that I carry in my glove box. At the risk of sounding barbaric or paranoid, it is my intention to have it as not only a light source, but also as a weapon if the situation should ever arise.
Here is my question: I've recently found the batteries to be corroded. How can I clean and restore it to working order? Can I leave one of the batteries turned backward to avoid a connection? Does that keep them from corroding? J.R., New Cumberland, W.Va.
No, turning one battery backward will not prevent corrosion.
After removing the batteries, make a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and a little water -- just enough to form a paste. Apply this to the flashlight terminals, and the corrosion should bubble away. Follow by wiping all the affected areas with a clean, damp cloth, then dry everything well. Note: Moisture hastens corrosion.
To keep batteries from corroding, remove them from seldom-used items and store them nearby in a self-sealing bag. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I know this seems obvious, but it bears repeating every now and then: No airline passenger is immune to having his or her luggage lost! So, for this reason, it's important to pack a change of clothing and your prescriptions, etc., in your carry-on. R.S., via e-mail
It's always best to be prepared, even if your luggage is just delayed. Purchase a lightweight garment in a fabric that doesn't wrinkle easily and keep this as your "carry-on" garment! And, as always, a change of shirt/blouse and a scarf for women can work wonders. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I recently had to have my ignition replaced in my truck and previously in my first car. The reason: too many keys on my key rings. My mechanic reminded me that too much weight hanging from your ignition key can eventually cause the tumblers to fail.
I purchased a clip so that I can slide off the keys for the particular vehicle I'm driving, limiting any additional weight. The new ignition was $100 -- fortunately, my friend installed it for free! Cristina, Deale, Md.
Dear Heloise: I refinished my husband's antique roll-top desk, but after years of sitting in storage, the top kept sticking when we tried to open it. I was told by an employee of a cabinet company to rub beeswax in the grooves. The top opens effortlessly now. Glenna Felty, Jonestown, Pa.
Dear Heloise: Another easy way to tell which cord belongs to the light and which to the fan:
I bought initial key rings: "L" for the light control and "F" for the fan control. Just secure the cords or chains to the key rings, and voil & aacute;! Southern Belle, Tupelo, Miss.
King Features Syndicate