I recently bought a Sony boombox at a local thrift store. It had a little light battery corrosion inside the battery compartment.  A couple of the batteries were burst. I just took out the old batteries and wiped it out, but there is a little residue on one of the springs that holds the D-cells in place and more importantly closes the circuit.

Is there a recommended way to clean out that corrosion residue?

baking soda mixed in water brushed out with a tooth-brush, then dish soap and water and a rag following through with or -

Best way is to take it all apart to clean it and then re-paint all that is needed and then replace all parts needed while you are in there.

You know that basic way you clean anything

Hi Gator.

The info above is great advice. If you find that the corrosion is too excessive you could try visiting the local thrift shop and find another battery operated audio device and swap the springs. I always have a "Frankenstein" box handy....sometimes just to practice soldering on, but mostly as a quick part-swap

Thanks for all the great advice.  Fortunately, the corrosion isn't too bad.  I had a little dried residue to sweep out of the battery bay, but the plastic parts all look good.  I've just got a little corrosion on the spring and a little piece of the battery end stuck to the spring.  I suspect that it will clean right out.  If not, I'll do that spring swap.  That's a great idea!