You might see the top of your fridge as an easy spot to stash extra items, especially when kitchen space is tight. It can be tempting to use that area as bonus storage without thinking about the effects it might have on your belongings or your fridge’s performance.
Certain items shouldn’t be stored on top of your fridge because heat, dust, and safety concerns can cause problems you might not expect. Knowing what to avoid can help you keep your kitchen safer and your food fresher.
Perishable foods like bread or dairy
You should avoid storing bread or dairy products on top of the fridge. This area is often warm and can cause these foods to spoil faster than when kept in cooler places.
Bread left out too long can become stale or grow mold. Dairy items like milk, cheese, or yogurt need consistent cold temperatures to stay fresh and safe.
Instead, keep bread in a cool, dry place or a sealed bag, and store dairy products inside the fridge where the temperature is stable. This helps maintain their quality and keeps your food safe to eat.
Glass jars and fragile dishes
Storing glass jars or fragile dishes on top of your fridge is risky. The surface can be warm and uneven, increasing the chance of items tipping over or breaking.
Vibrations from the fridge’s motor can also cause delicate items to shift or fall. It’s better to keep these items in a safer, more stable spot.
If you do use glass jars for storage, make sure they are tightly sealed and placed on a flat, secure surface away from heat. This helps keep your food and dishes safe.
Cleaning supplies and chemicals
You should avoid storing cleaning supplies and chemicals on top of your fridge. Heat from the appliance can affect their stability, causing spills or reactions.
Keeping these items in a cool, dry place is safer. You also reduce the risk of accidental exposure to children or pets when they’re out of reach.
Label and organize your cleaning products properly. This helps you find what you need quickly and keeps your space safe and tidy.
Heavy appliances like microwaves
You might think placing a microwave on top of your fridge saves space, but it can actually cause problems. Microwaves are heavy, and that weight can strain your fridge over time.
Plus, microwaves and other appliances can block airflow around the fridge. This makes your fridge work harder to stay cool, using more energy.
Finally, stacking heavy items increases the risk of them falling. It’s safer and better for your appliances to find a sturdier, dedicated spot for your microwave.
Decorative candles or incense
You might think decorative candles or incense are fine on top of the fridge, but that’s not the best spot. The heat from the fridge can cause candles to soften or lose their shape.
Incense can also be affected by heat and humidity, which makes them lose their scent faster. Storing them somewhere cool and dry will help keep their fragrance fresh longer.
Plus, the top of the fridge can get dusty, which might settle on your candles or incense, affecting their quality. Keeping these items away from heat and dust protects both their look and scent.
Plastic food containers with leftovers
Storing plastic containers with leftovers on top of the fridge isn’t ideal. The surface can get warm from the fridge’s heat cycle, and warmth speeds up food spoilage.
Plus, heat can cause chemicals like BPA to leach from plastic into your food. This is especially true if your leftovers are still warm when you store them.
It’s better to keep these containers inside the fridge where the temperature is consistent, helping your food stay fresh longer and keeping any plastic risks low.
