For decades, an old wives’ tale has said that refrigerating batteries could extend their lifespan. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t, but the logic was that it was a harmless last-ditch effort, especially when batteries were already on their last legs. Some people even found it worked so often that they began storing spare batteries in the refrigerator from the outset.

But is this seemingly harmless storage method actually a good idea? Battery experts say that today’s alkaline, lithium, and rechargeable batteries are engineered to maintain long shelf life under normal room temperatures. Understanding how modern batteries work (and how temperature affects them) can help you get the most value from each battery. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Store Batteries Conveniently and Dispose of Them Correctly

Cameron McDonald is VP and Head of Merchandising, Planning & Inventory at Batteries Plus.

Does Refrigerating Batteries Make Them Last Longer?

The short answer is no. While the notion may have had some merit with older battery designs, refrigeration is largely unnecessary for today’s common household batteries: AA, AAA, C, D, 9V. “Refrigerating household batteries generally does not extend their lifespan in any meaningful way, especially with today’s modern battery designs,” says Cameron McDonald, VP at Batteries Plus.

He says the myth stems from earlier generations of batteries that lost power more quickly when stored at room temperature. Cooler environments could slow that discharge process, hence why refrigeration seemed helpful.

“Today, alkaline batteries, such as those commonly found in a TV remote, already have very low self-discharge rates and can last many years at normal room temperature,” McDonald says. “So refrigeration provides little benefit and may cause condensation when they warm up.” That condensation risk is one of the reasons why experts discourage refrigerator storage today.

Do Some Battery Types Respond Better to Cold Than Others?

Although refrigeration isn’t generally recommended, different battery chemistries do respond slightly differently to temperature changes. For example, alkaline batteries used in household electronics like remotes, flashlights, and toys already have long shelf lives under normal indoor conditions.

“Primary lithium batteries, such as lithium AA or AAA cells and coin cell batteries, have extremely long shelf lives, often 10 to 20 years, and also gain little from refrigeration,” McDonald explains.

Many households now rely on nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries or lithium-ion batteries for everything from gaming controllers to power tools. “For rechargeable batteries, modern NiMH cells are best stored at a cool room temperature,” McDonald says. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in smartphones and laptops, age more slowly when kept in cooler environments, but there’s no need to put them in the fridge or freezer.

Why? The answer is simple: moisture. Sharp temperature changes can cause condensation or swelling, neither of which is safe. Instead, McDonald says to store and charge batteries in cool, indoor spaces.

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Why Storage Temperature Matters

“Temperature strongly influences battery performance and lifespan because the chemical reactions inside a battery are sensitive to heat and cold,” says McDonald. “Higher temperatures speed up these reactions, which can lead to faster chemical breakdown inside the battery, causing it to lose capacity and shortening its usable life. Excessive heat can also increase the chance of leakage in alkaline batteries and permanent damage in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Lower temperatures, especially those below freezing, slow the reactions down, which reduces the battery’s ability to deliver power and can make devices shut off sooner.”

He says the effect is usually temporary, and the battery will return to its normal performance when the extreme temperatures are regulated. “Because both heat and extreme cold can create problems, batteries generally last longest when they are stored and used in cool, dry environments close to normal room temperature,” McDonald says.

How Should People Store Batteries Properly?

McDonald says that batteries should be kept in a cool, dry location at typical room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. “Storing them in their original packaging or a battery case helps protect the terminals and prevents contact with other batteries or metal objects that could cause a short circuit,” he says.

Avoid three key things: extreme temperatures, mixing new and used batteries, and keeping batteries loose with metal objects like coins or keys. “Do not leave rechargeable batteries for an extended period of time on the charger, and only use chargers compatible with the manufacturer guidelines for the battery,” he adds.

When batteries are no longer usable or show signs of leakage, corrosion, or swelling, stop using them. Instead, find a place where they can be safely recycled—not simply thrown in the trash.