Good To Know Household Battery Storage Tips

Good To Know Household Battery Storage Tips ~ Tips for safely and inexpensively storing new household batteries so they are working properly when needed.

The household batteries we use today have been around since the late 1950’s. They have evolved and improved significantly since that time. Household batteries have definitely added a lot of convenience both inside and outside the home. I did a walkthrough the house and identified the number of devices that get their power from basic alkaline cylinder shaped batteries. I found an example in almost every room. They are used in all kinds of devices that add convenience, safety, home décor, information, entertainment and even help with hygiene. I use household batteries in such things as a label maker, meat thermometer, flashlights, computer mouse, remotes, electric toothbrush, electric shaver, wall clocks, indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity monitor, smoke alarms to name a few. Does your list look like this too?

Why Store Household Batteries?

With so many devices in the home that need battery power to operate it is good to have some new batteries in storage for when the old batteries run out. It always seems to happen that batteries run out at the most inconvenient times. It isn’t fun trying to turn on a flashlight during a power outage that no longer works. My favourite frustration is when the computer mouse stops working because it needs new batteries just as I am finishing up a blog post.

Why Have A System For Storing Household Batteries?

The main reasons for having a system for storing household batteries are for the convenience, extending battery life and for keeping safety in mind. It is a timesaver to have a designated storage place so they are accessible whenever they need to be replaced. It is not a lot of fun rummaging through drawers and cupboards looking for two double AA batteries to get your computer mouse going again. Also storing batteries using some basic good to know tips and precautions will make them last longer so they are not accidentally activated and their power is drained before you get a chance to use them.

Although the cylinder type of battery is generally pretty safe to work with, it is good to know how to store them and handle them correctly. It is also important to teach children they are not a toy as well as some basic battery tips and information.

Here are some…

Good To Know Household Battery Storage Tips

~ Take stock of what devices use batteries, what type of batteries and how many each one uses in your home. You will be surprised!

~ Take advantage of sales or buy in bulk to save money. I like to buy mine at Costco but have also seen them sold less expensively in other locations.

~ Store batteries at room temperature in a dry location. Storing them in extreme temperatures or in high humidity settings will reduce their shelf life. Some people store batteries in the fridge or freezer. This is not necessary. The cold temperatures change the molecular structure in the batteries. I personally like to just store food in a fridge and freezer for several reasons. I do not want to waste storage space on a non-food item when they can conveniently be stored elsewhere. When my daughters were younger I did not want to send mixed messages that batteries were like food and could be stored the same way.

~ Store batteries with the poles facing the same direction so the positive and negative terminals do not touch. This avoids having them accidentally activate and drain their power.

~ It is not OK to carry or store batteries loose in a drawer, pocket, purse or backpack.

~ It is best to store batteries in their original packaging. But that is not practical if you buy them in bulk. So I created a storage system that is very convenient, inexpensive and keeps the batteries free from dust. I use a craft supply storage case that has compartments and a lid that snap closes. I love that it is transparent so I can easily see how many batteries are in the storage case. I also love that it is the perfect size to slide into a drawer and is easily accessible when needed. If there are young children in the home it can be stored in a difficult to reach location.

I also use this type of storage case to store my accessory jewelry as I describe in How To Store Accessory Jewelry. This particular bin is available at Michaels in the bead section. The storage case I use for storing the household batteries was particularly inexpensive because I bought it at a thrift store for $1.00!

It is really easy to organize the cylinder batteries by their type. It is also easy to store them so they are all facing the same direction. I also like that this storage case is made of plastic and not metal or wood.

~ It is the 9-volt battery that requires the most attention and a little more caution. It needs to be stored with the terminals covered with the original plastic safety caps or masking tape.

~ When replacing batteries in a device replace all of the batteries at the same time and do not mix brands of batteries in the same device.

~ As soon as you remove the used batteries store them separately from the new batteries to avoid confusion. I’ll be sharing an easy DIY used battery storage recycle bin that you can make in the near future.

~ Another storage idea is to store the same type of batteries all facing the same direction secured with an elastic. I prefer hair elastics to rubber elastics because they are stronger and last longer.

~ According to Energizer the battery experts that as long as batteries are stored correctly they will last in storage the following times:

cylinder-shaped alkaline batteries can last for 5 to 10 years
cylinder-shaped carbon zinc batteries will last 3 to 5 years
cylinder-shaped lithium batteries will last for 10 to 15 years

~ So when I buy batteries in bulk I will not buy new batteries until there are very few of each kind left. If I keep adding new batteries to an already stocked collection it gets confusing keeping track of which ones are older and need to be used up first.

~ Some batteries are better purchased when needed and not kept in storage. For example, I only buy the more expensive button shaped cell batteries when the old one no longer works. They tend to be pricier and each one is very specific for each device. I recently had to replace a button cell battery in the weight scale. It will now last for several years and I will go buy a new one when the weight scale no longer works. It doesn’t make sense to have one in storage for several years.

I also used to buy hearing aid batteries in bulk for my 90-year-old father and he has asked me to stop. He prefers to buy new batteries from the hearing aid specialist just before he runs out to make sure that he is always using fresh batteries and his hearing aid is always working properly.

~ If you are interested in reading and learning more about batteries I highly recommend going straight to the experts. These companies have very good websites loaded with very good information about these items that we use so frequently but tend to take for granted.

Energizer

Duracell

Eveready

Final Comments: Batteries have improved significantly since first invented and now can be stored quite easily when applying these good to know household battery storage tips. They help to make sure your batteries are accessible, organized, stored safely and are not damaged. Batteries are an investment so you will want to set up a storage system that takes care of that investment.

Your Turn: How many devices in your home use batteries? How do you like to store batteries? Do you have any good to know household battery storage tips that work for you?

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