If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know much about the shelf life of batteries. You might also not know that putting batteries in the fridge can help extend their lifespan. If this sounds a little strange to you, you’re not alone. Putting batteries in the fridge can seem a little weird, especially since most people don’t keep them in any special storage locations. But this practice is actually quite common among those who spend time around batteries on a regular basis. Battery technicians, for example, often put their batteries in the refrigerator at home because they know it will extend their lifespan and keep them working longer and more efficiently. If you’re interested in learning more about why people put batteries in the fridge and should you be doing it too? Keep reading to find out.
Why Do People Put Batteries In The Fridge?
1. To Extend the Lifespan of Batteries
When most people buy a new set of batteries, they typically only keep them in the original packaging until they are ready to use them. They then put them in their battery case and use them right away. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it keeps batteries from losing their charge over time and also keeps them from becoming damaged or corroded by other chemicals in the air. However, this is not good for the life of your batteries — especially if you keep your batteries in their original packaging. If they stay in that state for too long, they will eventually lose their ability to store electricity safely and will begin to leak toxic chemicals into your devices or into the air around you.
2. To Keep Batteries from Corroding
Batteries are made up of many different chemicals that must be kept separate from each other in order for them to work properly and safely. When you put a battery out on its own after it has been used, it begins to corrode very quickly due to all of these different elements coming into contact with each other and interacting with one another. This can lead to more problems than just corrosion as some of these elements can actually cause damage inside the battery when they come into contact with each other. By putting your batteries in a cool location like your refrigerator, you are helping prevent this process from occurring by keeping specific elements separate from one another until you need to use them again.
3. To Prevent Corrosion from Occurring in the First Place
Batteries also become corroded if they are exposed to harmful elements in the air or inside of your device. If you use your batteries in your device and then immediately put them away again, they may end up being damaged by the elements that are inside of your device. The only way to actually prevent corrosion is to keep your batteries away from the air and out of contact with any harmful elements — which is why it’s so important to keep your batteries out of sight and out of mind until you need them!
4. To Prevent Battery Fires
When a battery becomes corroded or begins leaking sulfuric acid, it can cause a fire or even explode if left unattended for too long. This is why you should never store a battery where it can come into contact with other metal objects that could cause a spark, such as nail clippers, coins, or metal wires — especially when there is still energy stored within the battery. By putting batteries away in cool locations like refrigerators, you are reducing the amount of time they are exposed to these dangerous elements and increasing their overall lifespan.
5. To Keep Batteries from Getting Damaged During Shipping
There’s nothing wrong with buying new batteries for all of your devices every once in awhile; however, there’s no reason to do so right before an important event or when you need them most! By keeping your batteries in cool, dry locations until you need them, you’ll be able to prevent your batteries from being damaged during shipping. Not only will this help you avoid those nasty leaks and explosions, but it will also increase the lifespan of your batteries by reducing the amount of time they spend in contact with other harmful elements.
6. To Get the Most Out of Your Battery Life
Just like everything else in life, batteries have a limited lifespan and when they’re done, they’re done! By putting them away in cool locations where they can be stored and forgotten about until you need them again, your batteries will last much longer — which means that you’ll save money on replacing them! If you use your phone daily or charge it every night to make sure that it has enough battery to make it through the day without running out at a crucial point in time, then putting those batteries away properly is an absolute must!
7. To Keep Batteries Safe & Secure
Batteries aren’t very expensive but they still aren’t cheap — especially if you buy new ones every now and then (and who doesn’t?). Because of this, it’s important to keep them safe so that they don’t get damaged or stolen before you’re able to use them again — which is why storing your old and unused batteries somewhere safe is crucial for their overall safety! Storing these types of items out of sight can also help secure their safety from curious children and nosy pet dogs.
8. To Avoid Leaking Batteries
When you’re storing batteries, especially if they’re new, you may notice that they seem to be leaking — but this isn’t because the batteries are damaged or defective in any way! Instead, it’s simply a sign that your battery is no longer being stored properly. By leaving these types of batteries exposed to the elements, they can develop leaks and corrode over time — which is why it’s important to keep them away from moisture and heat so that they don’t do damage to themselves or anyone else!
9. To Keep Batteries From Getting Damaged During Transporting
Batteries come in all shapes, sizes, and capacities — some are small enough to fit into your pocket while others are so large that they can barely fit in a regular-sized mailbox! Because of this, it’s important that you always make sure that you store them safely so that they don’t get damaged during transportation! If you’re going on a long trip (or even just taking a short one), then using a battery case or wrapping your batteries in bubble wrap can help ensure their safety during transportation.
10. To Keep Batteries From Damaging Other Items
If you’re storing batteries in a drawer or other piece of furniture, then they may end up getting damaged by other items that are stored there — which is why it’s important to keep them away from sharp objects and other items that could damage them. If you put your batteries in a drawer, then be sure to keep it locked so that no one can accidentally slip and spill the contents!
How To Properly Put Batteries In The Fridge?
1. The Right Way to Store Batteries in the Fridge
There are many different ways in which you can store batteries in your fridge — but the most important thing is that you always keep them away from moisture and heat. By keeping batteries in an area where they won’t be exposed to these elements, then they’ll be able to last much longer!
2. To Store Batteries Safely on a Plate or Tray
If you don’t want to actually put your batteries in a container and instead prefer to just stack them on a plate or tray, then you can use this method as well — as long as it’s made of something that won’t get damaged by moisture or heat!
3. To Store Batteries in a Plastic Container
If you prefer to store your batteries in a plastic container, then you should always make sure that the container is made of something that won’t get damaged by heat or moisture! You can use these types of containers for storing batteries on your countertop as well — but you’ll want to make sure that the container isn’t too large so it doesn’t take up too much room.
4. To Store Batteries in a Vacuum Sealer Bag
If you’re going to put your batteries in containers, then be sure to put them in vacuum sealer bags so they don’t get damaged! This is especially important if you’re using the fridge to store them as it’s always best to keep them away from moisture and heat.
Summary
Batteries are an essential part of our everyday lives. They’re used in everything from remote controls to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to our garage door openers and even car keys. But how long do they really last? That’s where the fridge comes into play. The reason why people put batteries in the fridge is that it slows down the chemical reactions within the batteries and extends their lifespan. Keeping single-use batteries (such as AA and AAA) in the fridge will extend their lifespan by about 2 years. Rechargeable batteries, like NiMH and NiCad, will last about 5 years longer when kept in a cool, dry place. The best battery brands for the fridge are the ones that are single-use.
