● Learn some really cool hacks you can do with batteries
Let Niko show you around.
1. Don’t try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries – it will cause a leak or rupture and that’s no use!
2. Remove batteries from devices before storage – they will eventually leak and damage the device if left for months at a time.
3. Rub the battery contacts to clean off gunk – it improves conductivity if you desperately need one last click of the remote, for instance, but won’t make your device last hours longer.
4. Use a battery as a phone stylus in the winter – if you’re wearing gloves you can use the negative side to touch your phone screen.
5. Recycle batteries – it’s better for the earth and you can usually find recycle facilities. Too far? Send your request to info@vonikobatteries.com
6. You can mix brands if you need to – manufacturers say you shouldn’t, but that’s because they want you to buy only their brand. Your device doesn’t care which brand of batteries it has inside.
7. Don’t overcharge your batteries – this can shorten the capacity or cycle life of batteries, so whip them out when they’re done.
8. Don’t charge batteries of different charge level in the same charger – more charge flows into the low level batteries which can cause them to become dangerously hot and rupture.
9. Dispose of batteries properly – don’t crush/crumble them or dispose of them in a fire because it can cause a rupture or leak.
10. Don’t carry batteries in your pocket with other metal items – this includes keys, coins etc because it can short-circuit the battery and cause a leak or high heat.
11. Keep batteries away from children – this is an important reminder as, especially small and lithium coin batteries can get stuck in a child’s oesophagus.
12. Keep batteries in their original packaging when travelling – it’s less likely they will short-circuit.
13. Cover loose batteries when travelling – use insulated tape, plastic bags or separate packaging so the batteries won’t come into contact with each other or any metal objects.
14. When flying, pack batteries in your carry-on – it’s easier for flight attendants to access if a problem occurs.
15. Charge batteries directly before use – when not on the charger, batteries lose a few percent of their charge per day.
16. Store batteries in a cool, dry, non-corrosive place – this will stop the batteries’ chemical reactivity and make them last longer.
17. Never freeze or refrigerate batteries – you might have heard this tip but don’t do it! It can actually damage the batteries.
18. Use devices with child-resistant locks – or which require a screwdriver to open the back in order to prevent kids from popping out the batteries.
19. Turn off devices when not using them to make batteries last longer – it seems like common sense, but we always forget.
20. Store used batteries in a well-ventilated, non-metal container – before you take them to be recycled.
21. Don’t store used batteries together in large groups – they might not all be completely dead and so could short-circuit.
22. You should also recycle battery packaging – don’t forget to recycle all you can.
23. Clean an alkaline battery leak with vinegar or lemon juice – the liquids will work together to neutralise the discharge.
24. Let cold batteries warm to room temperature before using them – for example if a device has been left in a car in winter, the batteries might need to warm up before they work properly.
25. Never mix battery types – in other words don’t mix alkaline, NiMH and Nicad because the longer lasting batteries will force current through the low performance types when they run out and that can cause corrosion.
26. Don’t mix old and new batteries in devices or chargers – this could lead to a leak or rupture.
27. Take extra care storing and using 9V batteries – the positive and negative contacts are close together so make sure they don’t short-circuit.
28. Buy batteries in bulk – this could save you time and money.
29. Test each battery when your device runs out – not all batteries discharge equally, so not all of the batteries are necessarily dead.
We hope you found all of these battery hacks useful. Thanks for dropping by.
