How to Properly Store Household Batteries: Alkaline, Lithium, and More
- by Joe Weber - updated on 9/19/2024
Household batteries, like alkaline and lithium types, are essential for powering everyday devices, from TV remotes to flashlights. However, proper storage is key to ensuring their longevity and safety. Improper storage can lead to battery leakage, reduced lifespan, or even hazardous situations. In this blog, we'll cover the best practices for storing common household batteries like alkaline and lithium AA, AAA, C, D, and more.
Why Proper Battery Storage Matters
Batteries can be temperamental. If stored incorrectly, they can lose their charge faster, corrode, or even overheat. Taking simple precautions can help you get the most out of your batteries while keeping your home safe.
Tips for Storing Alkaline and Lithium Batteries
1. Store Batteries in a Cool, Dry Place
Extreme temperatures are one of the biggest factors affecting battery life. Ideally, batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place where temperatures remain relatively stable.
- Avoid Heat: Heat speeds up the chemical reactions inside batteries, causing them to drain faster and even leak.
- Avoid Freezing Temperatures: Freezing can also be detrimental. While lithium batteries tend to perform better in cold weather than alkaline ones, extreme cold can still affect their overall performance and cause damage.
A good rule of thumb is to store batteries at room temperature, ideally between 60-77°F (15-25°C). A drawer in your home office or kitchen could be a suitable spot, as long as it's away from heat sources like radiators or stoves.
2. Keep Batteries in Their Original Packaging
If possible, keep batteries in their original packaging until you're ready to use them. This not only prevents their terminals from touching and causing short circuits but also helps you easily identify the battery type and expiration date.
For loose batteries, it's important to store them in a way that ensures the positive and negative terminals don't come into contact with each other or other metal objects. You can use plastic battery organizers like the Battery Daddy for this purpose.
The Battery Daddy features custom-cut sections to securely place each of your batteries so they stay in place, all while holding 180 batteries in a convenient storage container.
3. Separate Different Types of Batteries
If you are not using a storage container like the Battery Daddy that separates each battery, storing different types of batteries together, like mixing lithium and alkaline, can lead to poor performance or even leakage. It's best to store batteries by type and label your storage container so you don't accidentally mix them.
Similarly, avoid mixing new and used batteries in a device or in storage. Used batteries can drain new ones, and in some cases, cause leaking or overheating.
4. Remove Batteries from Devices Not in Use
If you have devices you won't be using for a while, remove the batteries to prevent leakage. Devices like flashlights, holiday decorations, or remote controls that sit idle for extended periods are prime candidates for battery leakage, which can corrode and damage your devices.
5. Use the First-In, First-Out Method
Batteries have an expiration date, and over time, they can lose their charge even when not in use. To avoid having dead batteries when you need them most, adopt the first-in, first-out method. This means using the oldest batteries first and placing newer ones at the back of your storage.
6. Keep Batteries Away from Flammable Objects
Although it's rare, batteries can overheat or short-circuit, particularly lithium ones. To minimize any potential risk, it's wise to store batteries away from flammable materials like paper or cloth.
7. Check Battery Expiration Dates
Most household batteries have an expiration date printed on their packaging. Alkaline batteries typically last 5 to 10 years, while lithium batteries can last even longer. However, it's still a good idea to check the expiration date before using them, as expired batteries are more prone to leakage or poor performance.
Special Considerations for Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion (Li-ion), have specific storage needs:
- Partially Charge Before Storing: Rechargeable batteries should be stored with a charge of around 40-60%. Storing them completely drained or fully charged can reduce their overall lifespan.
- Store in a Battery-Specific Container: Like disposable batteries, rechargeable ones should also be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Use battery-specific containers or cases to prevent accidental short-circuiting.
Signs Your Batteries Aren't Properly Stored
Even with the best storage practices, it's important to know the signs that your batteries may need attention:
- Leaking or Corroded Batteries: If you notice any white or crusty substance on your batteries, they've started to leak. Dispose of them properly and clean the device immediately.
- Bulging or Swelling: Batteries that have started to swell or bulge are unsafe and should be disposed of promptly.
- Overheating: If your stored batteries feel warm to the touch, they may be reacting with something in their environment. Move them to a safer location.
Disposal of Expired or Damaged Batteries
When batteries reach the end of their life or become damaged, dispose of them according to your local regulations. Many communities offer battery recycling programs to ensure batteries don't end up in landfills, where they can leak harmful chemicals.
Check out our Recycling page to learn more about the batteries we accept for recycling.
Batteries Plus Has All Your Household Battery Solutions
Properly storing your household batteries, whether alkaline or lithium, can extend their life, improve their performance, and reduce safety risks. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your batteries are ready to go when you need them while keeping your home safe from potential hazards.
Stop by your local Batteries Plus for all of your power and lighting needs. Need batteries for your junk drawer? We got you. Need a new battery for your car or truck, there's no place better to go than Batteries Plus. What about light bulbs for your entire home? We've got you covered there too. Stop by or give us a call today.