Last Updated on February 21, 2026 by D. Ruddy
Getting your cordless lawn mower ready for winter might seem tricky at first. Many people wonder how to store a cordless lawn mower battery for winter so it stays in good shape. You want it to work well next spring, right?
Don’t worry! We’ll show you the easy steps to follow. Let’s get your mower battery ready for its long nap.
Key Takeaways
- You’ll learn the best temperature and place to store your battery.
- We’ll explain how to charge the battery before storing it.
- You’ll find out why keeping the battery clean is important.
- We’ll cover what to do if you have multiple batteries.
- You’ll know how to check on your battery during storage.
Why Storing Your Battery Matters
Taking care of your cordless lawn mower battery when the mowing season ends is super important. If you just leave it anywhere, it might not work as well when spring rolls around. Batteries don’t like extreme cold or heat.
Storing it right helps it last longer and saves you from buying a new one sooner. It’s like giving your battery a nice, cozy rest.
The Ideal Storage Spot
Finding the right place for your battery is the first big step in learning how to store a cordless lawn mower battery for winter. Batteries work best when they are kept in a cool, dry place. Think of a place that doesn’t get too hot or too cold.
A basement or a garage is often a good choice, as long as it stays at a steady temperature. Avoid places where the temperature can swing wildly, like a shed that gets super hot in the sun or freezes in the winter.
- Temperature is Key
Batteries have a sweet spot for temperature. For most lithium-ion batteries, which are common in cordless mowers, this is between 40°F and 70°F (4°C and 21°C). Storing them much colder or hotter can hurt their ability to hold a charge and shorten their lifespan.
Extreme cold can slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, and extreme heat can cause damage. Keeping it in this range makes sure the battery stays healthy.
- Dryness Helps
Moisture is not a battery’s friend. When batteries get wet, it can lead to rust or corrosion. This can damage the battery’s connections and make it unable to get power.
So, when you pick a storage spot, make sure it’s somewhere dry. If your garage or basement sometimes gets damp, you might want to put the battery in a sealed plastic bag or a dry storage container. This adds an extra layer of protection against humidity.
Charging Before Storing
Before you tuck your battery away for the winter, it’s a good idea to give it a charge. Not a full charge, but about half to 75 percent is usually recommended. Leaving a battery completely drained for a long time can be bad for it.
It can cause the battery to lose its ability to recharge. On the flip side, storing it fully charged for months isn’t ideal either. That’s why a partial charge is the sweet spot for long-term storage.
- The Right Charge Level
Most manufacturers suggest a charge level between 40% and 60% for long-term battery storage. This is often called the “storage charge.” You can usually tell when your battery is around this level by looking at the indicator lights on the battery itself, if it has them. If you’re unsure, it’s better to charge it for a shorter time than to overcharge it.
Check your mower’s manual for specific recommendations for your model.
- Why Partial Charge Works Best
When a lithium-ion battery is at a partial charge, the chemicals inside are more stable. This means they are less likely to degrade over time. A fully charged battery has higher energy density, which can lead to more stress on the internal components when stored for extended periods.
Conversely, a completely depleted battery can enter a state of deep discharge. This makes it very difficult, or sometimes impossible, to revive. The partial charge strikes a balance, keeping the battery ready without putting too much strain on it.
Preparing Your Battery for Storage
Before you put the battery in its winter home, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. This includes cleaning it up and making sure it’s free from any debris. A clean battery is a happy battery, and it helps prevent any issues down the line.
It’s a simple step, but it makes a difference in how well your battery will perform when you need it again.
Cleaning the Battery
One of the most overlooked steps in how to store a cordless lawn mower battery for winter is cleaning. Dirt, grass clippings, and dust can build up on the battery terminals and the casing. This gunk can sometimes interfere with charging or even cause corrosion.
Gently wiping down the battery with a dry or slightly damp cloth is usually all that’s needed. Make sure to avoid getting water into any of the battery’s ports or openings.
- Using the Right Tools
For cleaning, a soft, dry cloth is your best bet. If there’s some stubborn dirt, you can use a cloth that’s just slightly damp with water. Some people recommend using a mild soap solution, but always make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward.
For the battery terminals, which are the metal parts that connect to the mower, you can use a pencil eraser or a soft brush to gently clean them. This ensures a good connection when you take it out of storage.
- What to Avoid
Never use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners on your battery. These can damage the plastic casing and the internal components. Also, avoid submerging the battery in water or any other liquid.
This can cause serious damage and make it unsafe to use. Always unplug the battery from the mower before cleaning it.
Inspecting for Damage
While you’re cleaning, it’s also a good time to give your battery a quick once-over. Look for any cracks in the casing, loose connections, or signs of swelling. If you notice any damage, it might be best to consult your mower’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
A damaged battery can be a safety hazard and may need to be replaced, not stored.
Example Scenario: Inspecting Your Battery
- Pick up your battery.
- Turn it over and check the bottom and sides for any cracks or dents.
- Look at the metal terminals where it connects to the mower. Make sure they are clean and not bent.
- If you see anything unusual, like bulging plastic or a loose part, stop and investigate further.
Storing Multiple Batteries
If you have more than one battery for your cordless lawn mower, you’ll want to store them all properly. The same rules apply to each battery. It’s a good idea to keep them together in a single storage location.
This makes it easier to remember where they are and to check on them periodically. Each battery should be cleaned and charged to the recommended level before storage.
Keeping Them Organized
When you have multiple batteries, it’s easy to lose track of them. You can use a storage bin or a toolbox to keep them all together. Some people even label their batteries with the date they were put into storage, which can be helpful for tracking their age.
This helps ensure you use the oldest batteries first when the new season starts.
- Individual Protection
Even though you’re storing them together, it’s wise to give each battery a little extra protection. You can place each battery in its own plastic bag before putting them in a larger bin. This guards against scratches and helps keep moisture away from individual battery packs.
It also prevents the terminals of one battery from accidentally touching metal objects.
- Documentation is Helpful
Consider keeping a small logbook or note on your phone. Record when you put each battery into storage. This can help you rotate your batteries, ensuring you’re using them evenly over time.
It’s also useful if you ever need to contact customer support about a battery issue. Knowing its storage history can be valuable information.
Checking In During Winter
It’s a good practice to check on your stored batteries every few months. Batteries can slowly lose their charge even when not in use. You don’t need to do much, just a quick visual check to make sure everything looks okay.
If your battery has an indicator light, you can see if it still shows a good charge. If it looks low, you might need to give it a little top-up charge, following the same partial charge guidelines.
Battery Health Check Example
- Go to your battery storage area.
- Take out one battery at a time.
- Look for any signs of damage or leakage.
- If the battery has indicator lights, press the button to check the charge level.
- If a battery looks significantly drained, consider giving it a short charge.
Understanding Battery Technology
To truly grasp how to store a cordless lawn mower battery for winter, it helps to know a bit about the technology inside. Most modern cordless mowers use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are great because they are lighter and hold more power than older types.
However, they do have specific needs when it comes to storage and care to keep them working their best for years to come.
Lithium-Ion Battery Basics
Lithium-ion batteries work through a process involving lithium ions moving between two electrodes. During discharge, lithium ions move from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode) through an electrolyte. This movement creates an electric current.
When charging, the ions move back to the anode. This cycle can be repeated many times. However, the materials inside can degrade over time, especially if not stored properly.
- Anode and Cathode Explained
The anode is typically made of graphite, and the cathode is often a lithium metal oxide. These materials are designed to hold and release lithium ions. The electrolyte is a liquid or gel that allows the ions to pass through.
When the battery is stored for long periods, slow chemical reactions can still occur. These reactions can gradually break down the materials in the anode and cathode, reducing the battery’s capacity.
- Self-Discharge Rate
All batteries experience a phenomenon called self-discharge. This means they lose charge over time, even when they aren’t connected to anything. For lithium-ion batteries, this rate is generally quite low, typically around 1-3% per month.
However, this can be influenced by temperature. Higher temperatures can increase the self-discharge rate, which is another reason why cool storage is important.
Factors Affecting Battery Life
Several factors can impact how long your cordless lawn mower battery lasts, beyond just how you store it. These include how often you use it, how deeply you discharge it each time, and the environmental conditions it operates in. Understanding these can help you maximize the battery’s lifespan.
- Depth of Discharge (DoD)
The depth of discharge refers to how much of the battery’s capacity is used before it is recharged. Frequently running your battery all the way down to empty (high DoD) puts more stress on it than shallower discharges. It’s better for the battery’s long-term health to recharge it when it’s at about 20-30% capacity, rather than waiting until it’s completely dead.
- Charge Cycles
Every time you charge and discharge a battery, it counts as one charge cycle. Batteries are rated for a certain number of charge cycles before their capacity significantly decreases. By using proper storage and avoiding excessive deep discharges, you can help preserve the battery and get more charge cycles out of it.
Cold Weather Impact
While we store batteries in cool places, extreme cold can still be a problem. When a lithium-ion battery gets too cold, the flow of lithium ions slows down. This makes the battery seem weaker and less powerful.
It can even prevent the battery from being charged until it warms up. This is why a dry, cool place is better than a freezing one.
Cold Storage Risks
- A battery stored in sub-zero temperatures can experience permanent damage to its internal components.
- Attempting to charge a frozen battery can be dangerous and may lead to internal short circuits or even fire.
- Even if not damaged, a battery that has been exposed to extreme cold will likely show reduced performance and capacity once it warms up.
What NOT to Do When Storing Your Battery
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Some common mistakes can seriously harm your battery, making it useless. Staying away from these pitfalls ensures your battery is ready to go when you need it for spring yard work.
It’s about making sure it’s not damaged while it’s resting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People often make the mistake of leaving their batteries in extreme temperatures. This includes leaving them in a hot car or a freezing garage for the entire winter. Another mistake is leaving them completely discharged or fully charged for months on end.
These actions can significantly shorten the battery’s life. Also, never try to open up a battery pack, as they contain chemicals that can be harmful.
- Leaving it in the Mower
Don’t leave the battery connected to the lawn mower all winter. The mower itself might have small components that slowly draw power, which can drain the battery. It’s best to disconnect the battery and store it separately.
This ensures that nothing accidentally drains its charge while it’s supposed to be resting.
- Ignoring Indicator Lights
If your battery has charge indicator lights, pay attention to them. If you see a significantly low charge when you check on it, it might need a small boost. Ignoring these signals can lead to the battery becoming too deeply discharged, which is hard to recover from.
Environmental Dangers
Protecting your battery from the elements is crucial. Exposure to rain, snow, or excessive humidity can cause corrosion and damage. Even storing it near chemicals or flammable materials can be risky.
Always choose a safe, dedicated space for your battery’s winter rest.
Example of Bad Storage
- A person leaves their mower battery in an uninsulated shed that gets down to 10°F (-12°C) all winter.
- They also forget to charge it, leaving it at a very low battery level.
- When spring arrives, the battery won’t hold a charge and the mower won’t start.
- This is a classic example of how extreme cold and low charge can ruin a battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How often should I check on my battery during winter?
Answer: It’s a good idea to check on your battery every two to three months. This allows you to ensure it’s still in good condition and hasn’t lost too much charge.
Question: Can I use any charger to top up my battery?
Answer: You should always use the charger that came with your lawn mower or one specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery.
Question: Is it okay to store the battery on a concrete floor?
Answer: While older battery types could be damaged by concrete floors (the “battery-eating monster” myth), modern lithium-ion batteries are not affected by this. The main concern is temperature and moisture.
Question: What should I do if my battery seems damaged?
Answer: If you notice any cracks, swelling, or leaks, do not use or try to charge the battery. Contact the manufacturer or a professional for advice, as damaged batteries can be a safety risk.
Question: Will storing my battery in a plastic bag make it less likely to freeze?
Answer: A plastic bag can offer some protection against moisture and minor temperature fluctuations, but it won’t prevent a battery from freezing if the ambient temperature is well below zero. The primary goal is a consistently cool, not freezing, storage environment.
Summary
Following these steps ensures your cordless lawn mower battery stays healthy through the winter. Store it in a cool, dry place at a partial charge. Keep it clean and away from extreme temperatures.
Taking these simple measures helps your battery last longer and be ready for action next spring.
