Care and Storage of Magnets

Magnets can lose their magnetic properties when they are not handled properly. Exposure to heat, sudden impacts like drops or knocks, or being broken into pieces can all damage a magnet.

• Never expose magnets to heat (like fire or hot surfaces). Heat can demagnetise a magnet, which means it will lose its magnetic strength.
• Avoid dropping, hitting, or throwing magnets. Rough handling can alter the alignment of the magnetic particles inside the magnet, weakening its magnetic force.
• When storing magnets, it's helpful to place a piece of soft iron with them. This soft iron piece is known as a magnet keeper.
• The keeper helps to maintain the strength of the magnet by completing a magnetic circuit, which reduces the chance of the magnet getting demagnetised. 
• It’s also important to keep magnets away from electronic devices because their magnetic fields can interfere with or damage electronic components.

Guarding a magnet