How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Lithium Polymer Batteries

Hailed by scientists, engineers and electronics manufacturers as a more advanced, longer lasting "breakthrough battery", lithium polymer batteries don't come cheap! But with a little bit of care, you can make the most out of your battery and maximize its lifespan.
Like all batteries, lithium polymer batteries slowly wear out from the day they were manufactured. How long they'll last depends on the temperature at which you store the batteries and how you charge and discharge them.
Here's a quick guide to helping you care for your lithium polymer batteries and keep them in peak condition.
Store your batteries in a cool, dry place
While lithium polymer batteries are highly resistant to changes in temperature, you should never leave them in a place where the temperature may exceed 60 degree celsius. Ideally, the batteries should be stored inside a liposack and kept in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature of between 4 to 20 degree celcius. 
Store your batteries with a 50% charge
As a standard rule of thumb, lithium polymer batteries should not be stored in a fully charged state for an extended period of time as that dramatically reduces their lifespan. Bearing in mind that the batteries slowly degrade over time, you should also never store them when they're nearly flat because they will fall into a deep discharge stage and this damages the battery cells. 
Use the right charger that has been approved for lithium batteries  
Not all chargers are suitable for lithium-based batteries. Mobile phone chargers for example, operate at different voltages that may slowly wear out  lithium polymer batteries. For safety reasons, you should always charge your batteries in a well-ventilated area that is clear of any flammable items or liquids. Check your batteries for punctures or physical signs of ballooning
If there are splits or tears on your battery's foil covering or if it looks swollen, it's a clear indicator that it's physically damaged and should be discarded. Before discarding the battery, first soak it in a bucket of saltwater for at least 2 weeks as this allows the battery to slowly discharge itself. At the end of 2 weeks, wrap the discharged battery in some newspaper and throw it away along with your normal trash.