How to Store Batteries

Co-authored by Ricardo Mitchell

Last Updated: October 6, 2024 Approved

Batteries come in many different shapes, sizes, and applications, and it can be very helpful to have several different kinds stored in your home for later use. Proper storage extends the life of the batteries and prevents them from becoming a safety hazard, and allows you to easily find them when you need them.

Part 1

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Storing Batteries

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1
Keep batteries in the original packaging if possible. Storing batteries sealed in their packaging ensures that they remain protected from environmental factors such as humidity. It also ensures that you do not confuse new, fully charged batteries with older ones, and it prevents the terminals from coming into contact with other metals.
- If you don't have the original packaging, keep your batteries in a plastic container.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ricardo Mitchell
  Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie
  
  Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.}
Batteries of different types or from different manufacturers can react with each other, causing leakage or other damage. If you are storing disposable (non-rechargeable) batteries, avoid storing new and used batteries together.^{[2]
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Research source} Separate containers are ideal. If you plan to use one container, place each type of battery in its own plastic bag.

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Many rechargeable batteries will permanently damage themselves if kept in a discharged state. The ideal level of charge depends on the technology:
Lead Acid
Store at full charge to avoid sulfation, which lowers capacity.

Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
For best results, store at 30–50% maximum charge.^{[3]
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If you will be unable to recharge within a few months, store at full charge instead.^{[4]
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Nickel-based (NiMH, NiZn, NiCd)
Can be stored at any state of charge.^{[6]
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Store your batteries at room temperature or below. In most cases, any cool room away from direct sun is fine—just avoid storing your batteries in high temperatures.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Ricardo Mitchell
Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie

Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.} Even at relatively warm temperatures of 77ºF (25ºC), a typical battery only loses a few percent of its charge capacity each year. Storing batteries in the refrigerator (or anywhere between 34–60ºF / 1–15ºC) causes minor improvements in this area, but is not necessary unless you have no good alternative or maximum performance is vital. For most consumers, the refrigerator is not worth the risk of water damage and the inconvenience of waiting for batteries to warm up before use.
- Do not put a battery in a freezer unless the manufacturer recommends it.
  Traditional nickel-based batteries lose their charge quickly even at low temperatures. They recharge faster at cool temperatures, but not below 50ºF (10°C) for consumer-grade chargers.
  More recent LSD (Low Self-Discharge) NiMH batteries are designed to maintain their charge at room temperature.
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Control humidity. Keep your batteries in a vapor-proof container if they are in a high-humidity environment or if there is risk of condensation (including in the fridge). Alkaline batteries can be safely stored in moderately humid conditions (35 to 65% relative humidity).^{[8]
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Research source} Most other batteries prefer drier environments.^{[9]
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- In addition, don't store your batteries down on the ground.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ricardo Mitchell
  Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie
  
  Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.}
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Prevent electrical conduction. Your batteries may start conducting electricity if they come into contact with metal. This will drain your batteries quickly, and create heat. Take steps to prevent this problem and reduce fire risk:^{[11]
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- Do not store batteries in a metal container. Use a sealed plastic container or a specialized battery storage box.
- Do not store coins or other metal objects in the same container.
- Align batteries so the positive terminals cannot contact the negative terminals of other batteries. Cover the terminals with masking tape or plastic caps if you cannot guarantee this.

Part 2

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Maintaining Rechargeable Batteries

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Storing a lead-acid battery at a very low charge state can cause permanent crystal formation (sulfation) that reduces capacity.^{[12]
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Research source} Lithium-ion batteries at low charge can develop copper structures that short the battery, making it dangerous to use.^{[13]
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Research source} The exact recharge instructions depend on the battery design. Follow these guidelines if you do not have access to manufacturer instructions:
Lead Acid
Recharge to full whenever voltage drops below 2.07 volts / cell (12.42V for a 12V battery).
Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
Recharge to 30–50% capacity whenever voltage drops below 2.5 V/cell. Do not recharge if voltage drops to 1.5V/cell.^{[14]
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One charge every few months is typical.
If your rechargeable batteries drop to low charge levels for more than a few days, they will likely require special treatment before you can use them again:
Lead Acid
The battery will usually recharge, but with permanently reduced capacity. If a small lead acid battery fails to recharge, apply a very low amount of current at a high voltage (~5V) for two hours.
Anti-sulfation devices are not recommended without an experienced operator.

Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
The battery may enter "sleep mode" and fail to recharge. Use a charger with a "boost" feature, taking care to apply the voltage with the correct polarity.
Never boost a battery that falls below 1.5V/cell for a week or more, as it is permanently damaged and dangerous to use.

Nickel-based (NiMH, NiZn, NiCd)
No major issues. Some types may require charging and fully discharging a couple times to return to full capacity.^{[15]
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For large scale use, consider a battery analyzer that can "recondition" the battery.^{[16]
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Is there a wrong way to store batteries?

Ricardo Mitchell
Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie
Ricardo Mitchell is the CEO of CN Coterie, a fully licensed and insured Lead EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Certified construction company located in Manhattan, New York. CN Coterie specializes in full home renovation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, furniture restoration, OATH/ECB (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board) violations removal, and DOB (Department of Buildings) violations removal. Ricardo has over 10 years of electrical and construction experience and his partners have over 30 years of relevant experience.

Ricardo Mitchell

Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie

Expert Answer

Don't put batteries on the ground or keep them in an area with high temperatures. Also, keep the batteries in plastic containers and away from humidity.

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Tips

Remove batteries from infrequently used electronics between uses. When batteries are left in electronic devices, they discharge much faster than if left in storage by themselves.

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Warnings

Storing wet (flooded) lead-acid batteries long-term is not recommended. These batteries require regular maintenance to top up water levels and prevent corrosion.

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