Cleaning battery posts and cables?

Yes.

Assuming that you want to know the preferred way to clean battery posts and clamps, go to an auto parts store and get a battery post and clamp cleaner and a set of safety goggles. Always wear goggles when working on the battery and battery posts and clamps. The cleaner is basically a wire brush that fits over the battery posts and you twist back and forth to clean up the post. The cleaner comes apart to reveal a brush to clean the inside of battery clamps.

If there is an acid crusty flourish buildup on the posts and clamps, you can purchase a cleaner at the auto parts store made for this purpose or you can make a poultice of baking soda and water that you can apply with an old tooth brush. After you get the crusty stuff loose, make sure you flush away with a gentle (not full-force) stream from a hose.

When everything is clean, apply a thin coating of battery clamp protector (available at auto parts stores) or lithium grease to prevent the crust from reappearing.

Be careful not to get any crusty stuff (or water that might contain dissolved acid) on the car's paint. Finishing up by using the hose on the fender, grille, and/or bumper area adjacent to the battery, depending on where in the engine bay the battery is located, would be a good idea.

There are also circular felt pads available, impregnated with some sort of alkaline chemical, that can be slipped over the battery posts in order to block acid fumes that seep out from around the bases of the posts. They're color-coded red and green for negative and positive. If you get some, be sure they're the right size for your battery; they come with different-sized holes. I've used these and have had good luck with them. They last a long time.

Geoff

Good clarification!

I am not a fan of gimmicky accessories, but I agree that those felt pads are very effective.