Can you store a lawn mower battery in the house?

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Quick Answer

It is generally not recommended to store lawn mower batteries inside the house. Lawn mower batteries can leak dangerous acids and gases that can be hazardous to health if exposed over time in an enclosed space. However, it is okay to briefly store a lawn mower battery inside, such as overnight, as long as precautions are taken to prevent leaks and proper ventilation is provided. The best practice is to store lawn mower batteries in a detached garage or shed.

Safety Concerns of Storing Lawn Mower Batteries Indoors

There are a few potential safety hazards to be aware of when considering storing a lawn mower battery inside the house:

Leakage of battery acid

Lawn mower batteries contain sulfuric acid which can leak out if the battery casing is damaged or corroded. Battery acid is extremely hazardous and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Leaked battery acid can also damage household surfaces like floors and countertops.

Release of explosive hydrogen gas

As batteries charge and discharge, they produce hydrogen gas. In an enclosed space, hydrogen gas can accumulate and pose an explosion risk if exposed to a spark or flame.

Emission of toxic fumes

Lawn mower batteries give off toxic fumes containing sulfur dioxide that can be harmful to breathe indoors. Prolonged inhalation of these fumes can cause respiratory irritation.

Electrical shock hazard

There is a risk of electrical shock if you accidentally touch the battery terminals while moving or handling the battery indoors. Lawn mower batteries contain sulfuric acid and can deliver a dangerous electrical shock if the terminals are touched.

Danger to children and pets

Lawn mower batteries pose safety risks to children and pets if stored improperly inside the house. Children may accidentally ingest toxic substances, get burned by acid, or receive an electrical shock. Pets that chew on batteries risk mouth and internal organ damage.

Precautions for Storing a Lawn Mower Battery Indoors

If you need to briefly keep a lawn mower battery inside, here are some important safety precautions to take:

Store in a well-ventilated area

Make sure there is plenty of air circulation to avoid buildup of explosive hydrogen gas and toxic fumes. Do not store the battery in an enclosed closet. The basement or garage tends to be more ventilated than other rooms. Open a window or use a fan to improve airflow around the battery.

Place on an acid-resistant surface

Put the battery on concrete flooring, a plastic tray or cardboard to protect from potential acid leaks. Avoid putting the battery directly on wood or carpeted floors. The battery should be elevated off the ground.

Check for damage before bringing inside

Inspect the battery for cracks, dents or corrosion before storing indoors, even temporarily. Damaged batteries are more likely to leak hazardous substances.

Wear protective gear when handling

Put on rubber gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from accidental exposure to battery acid. Avoid touching the metal battery terminals to prevent electrical shocks.

Keep out of reach from children and pets

Make sure the battery is placed in an area that is not accessible to children or pets to prevent accidental ingestion or injury. Close doors to rooms where you store the battery.

Disable power connections

Disconnect the lawn mower battery from any chargers or cables to reduce Electrical risks while stored. Do not leave battery chargers plugged in.

Regularly check the battery

Inspect the battery at least daily for signs of leakage, overheating or bulging while stored inside. Immediately take corrective action at the first sign of any hazard.

Limit indoor storage time

Only keep the lawn mower battery indoors for short periods necessary, such as overnight. The longer the battery is kept inside, the higher the risks.

Ideal Storage Conditions for Lawn Mower Batteries

While indoor storage is not recommended long-term, you can keep your lawn mower battery in optimum health by maintaining ideal storage conditions:

Cool and dry location

Store the battery in a area with temperatures between 500-900F. Avoid temperature extremes which can damage the battery. The location should be dry to deter corrosion.

Off the ground

Keep the battery elevated off concrete floors for better ventilation and drainage in case of leaks. Place on wooden planks or a shelf.

Charging schedule

Recharge the battery periodically, about once every 4-6 weeks, to prevent sulfation buildup which reduces battery capacity. However, do not leave batteries continuously plugged into chargers.

Battery maintenance

Keep terminals and casings clean of corrosion and debris. Use a wire brush and baking soda/water solution to clean when necessary.

Full charge before storage

Make sure the battery is fully charged before placing into storage to maximize lifespan. Add distilled water if fluid levels are low.

Storage away from other chemicals/materials

Keep batteries isolated from gasoline, paints, solvents, or other flammable substances that could ignite from sparks.

Long-Term Indoor Lawn Mower Battery Storage

Storing a lawn mower battery inside the house for an extended period is dangerous and should be avoided. However, there are a few exceptions where indoor storage may be necessary:

Inclement weather

If you do not have a garage or shed, bringing the battery indoors may be the only choice during extreme weather like heavy storms, snow accumulation, etc. Take safety precautions and return to outdoor storage as soon as the weather clears.

Lack of outdoor facilities

Some homes lack suitable sheds or garages for storing a lawn mower battery. Apartment dwellers may not have outdoor space available. Try to find a safe utility closet, basement room or ventilated indoor area in these situations.

Off-season storage

It may be convenient to keep the lawn mower battery in your basement over the winter if you remove the battery from the mower for seasonal storage. Ensure proper precautions and do not exceed 4-5 months indoor storage.

Battery requires frequent charging

Newer batteries or those at the end of their lifespan may need recharging every 1-2 weeks. Until it can be replaced, you may opt to store the battery indoors for ease of access to charge it. Use extreme caution and monitor the aging battery closely.

Medical necessity

Those with medical conditions like back injuries may not be able to safely move the battery in and out of the house multiple times. This rare case may warrant indoor storage after consulting a doctor.

Tips for Short-Term Indoor Lawn Mower Battery Storage

If you must keep your lawn mower battery inside for a short period, here are some tips to do it safely:

Designate a storage area

Select a spot just for the battery that is out of the way, like a corner of the garage or basement. Never store in living spaces.

Place in a sturdy plastic tub

Putting the battery in a plastic container will help contain any leaks and adds an extra layer of protection.

Check battery charge level

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged before storing to reduce likelihood of sulfation buildup over time.

Put cardboard under the battery

Cardboard helps absorb any potential leaking acid and reduces conductivity if the terminals are accidentally touched.

Limit storage to 2-3 days

Only keep the lawn mower battery indoors for a maximum of a few days at a time. The longer the duration, the higher safety risks become.

Provide proper ventilation

Ensure the storage area has adequate airflow. Place near a window or use a fan to prevent buildup of explosive gases.

Keep pets away

Block access to the battery by closing doors or using pet gates to avoid chewing damage and accidental ingestion.

Tape terminal ends

Cover the positive and negative terminals with electrical or duct tape to prevent accidental sparks or current flow if touched.

Monitor battery weekly

Check the charge level and overall condition of the battery every 7 days. Recharge or return outdoors if showing signs of damage or leakage.

Conclusion

Storing lawn mower batteries inside the house is not recommended due to the potential risks from toxic fumes, acid leaks, explosions and electric shocks. However, with proper precautions, briefly keeping a battery indoors for up to a few days is possible in certain situations when necessary. For long-term storage, the battery will remain healthier and pose fewer hazards if kept in a detached garage, shed or other secure outdoor location instead. Always place the battery up off the ground on an acid-proof surface, maintain ventilation, check the charge status, wear protective gear when handling and keep children/pets away from the storage area. Limit the duration kept indoors and regularly monitor the battery for signs of damage, leakage or overheating. Be mindful of the dangers and exercise extreme caution when temporarily storing a lawn mower battery inside.

Storage Location	Safety Level	Battery Health	Overall Recommendation
Inside House	High risk	Degrades faster	Avoid unless necessary for short-term
Garage	Moderate risk	Degrades moderately	Acceptable short-term storage with precautions
Outdoor Shed	Low risk	Best preservation	Recommended long-term storage