Mix the baking soda with boiling hot water. The hotter you get the water, the more the baking soda mix will react with any spilled electrolyte.
You can also make a baking soda paste and allow it to sit on the metal. Over time it will react with the acid residue but the paste needs to remain wet to work.
For repainting, I use a phosphate substitute to clean the metal, rinse, dry, and apply a primer. Sherwin Williams Industrial DTM primer is a good 'un and easily available to the consumer. Top coat with your choice of finish paint. Por 15 and bedcoat liner are both good choices. You want a finish paint that won't scratch through and allow acid to reach the metal.
Good luck with your project!