A simple and effective procedure is provided to prevent a direct methanol fuel cell from deterioration during overnight idle period. The procedure includes purging cathode and/or anode using a gas before the cell is shut down. The procedure can also be performed before the cell is restarted if purging was not carried out before the cell was shut down. Purging either anode or cathode is effective, but it is most effective to have both sides purged. (C) 2002 The Electrochemical Society.