How to Store Batteries: 8 Steps (with Pictures)

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Restore discharged batteries. 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]
For large scale use, consider a battery analyzer that can "recondition" the battery.[16]

No major issues. Some types may require charging and fully discharging a couple times to return to full capacity.For large scale use, consider a battery analyzer that can "recondition" the battery.

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: