From flashlights and smoke alarms to children’s toys, handheld batteries are essential to the functionality of everyday life. However, stopping to charge or replace them can interrupt your day-to-day routine. To help prolong the life span of your batteries and continue using the products you love, take advantage of these three simple tips.

How to Make Batteries Last Longer

1. Remove Them When You Don’t Need Them

From those light-up Christmas wreaths in the attic to that emergency radio in the basement, you likely have plenty of seldom-used items that run on handheld batteries. While it might not be efficient to remove batteries every time you’re done using a product, it’s worth removing them from items you won’t use for months at a time. This will help them retain their charge longer; for example, when you need to use that radio, you won’t have to fumble around for new ones. 

2. Store Them in the Refrigerator

Once you remove the batteries, it’s crucial to store them properly. It's helpful to place them in the back of your refrigerator until you need them. Cooler temperatures help handheld batteries last longer, especially NiMH batteries—they can hold nine-tenths of their charge when stored in this kitchen appliance. Even alkaline batteries will last five percent longer if kept in the fridge. Once you’re ready to use them, let them sit at room temperature for an hour or so before inserting them into a product.

3. Be Strategic About Charging

When it comes to rechargeable batteries, their overall life span is largely dependent on how you charge them. Today, the most common models are made with lithium-ion. They will deteriorate faster when charged to the max every time. Instead, if used seldomly, they should only be charged around 20% before use. Batteries that you use and charge frequently should be kept about 45-55% charged as often as possible to increase their longevity.

If you’re ready to stock up on some new handheld batteries for your essential tools and toys, turn to Victory Battery. Since 1957, this Covington, KY, store has supplied local residents with high-quality batteries of all shapes and sizes—from large automotive models to tiny watch batteries. Besides providing and installing batteries, they offer sage advice on how to take the best possible care of these portable energy sources. To learn more about this family-owned and -operated shop, visit them online, or call (859) 581-0343 to request a free estimate.