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It’s easy to see the top of the fridge as extra storage space, but there are several reasons why certain items should never go there. In fact, it’s actually one of the worst places for certain things to be stored.
For starters, the heat generated by your fridge to keep its contents cool rises, making the top of the fridge quite warm—a poor environment for many household items. It’s also a magnet for dust and grime, which can make anything that is stored there harder to keep clean. On top of that, anything stored above the fridge can eventually block airflow making your fridge’s compressor work harder. This can ultimately lead to higher energy bills and other issues that may impact the appliance’s lifespan.
To help you avoid these issues, here are 12 things you should definitely keep off the top of your fridge.
Pantry Items
Avoid storing pantry staples, such as cereal boxes, canned goods, or dry goods, on top of the fridge. The heat generated by the fridge’s cooling system rises and can create a warmer environment on top, which isn’t ideal for these items. Excessive heat can cause dry goods like cereal to lose their freshness and canned goods to degrade over time, potentially affecting their taste and quality. Instead, store pantry items in a cool, dry place, like a cabinet or dedicated pantry, to maintain their shelf life and ensure they stay fresh and safe to consume.
Dried Herbs
Storing spices like oregano, basil and parsley on top of the fridge can impact their quality over time. Excess heat released from the fridge can break down the essential oils in spices, causing them to lose their vibrant taste and smell much faster.
Perishable Food Items
While it may seem convenient to store food on top of the fridge for quick access, it’s not the best spot. The heat from the fridge’s cooling system rises, making the area above it warmer than you might expect. This extra warmth can cause perishable items like bread, fruit, or other fresh foods to spoil more quickly than if they were stored in a cooler, more suitable location.
Batteries
Batteries are sensitive to temperature fluctuations., which can cause them to leak or lose their charge. Storing your batteries on top of the fridge exposes them to conditions that can shorten their lifespan. Please keep them in a cool, dry place to ensure they remain functional and safe.
Heavy Cookware
Storing large or heavy items like pots and pans on top of the fridge might seem like a good way to save space, but it can actually be quite dangerous. The fridge is often subject to vibrations from its compressor and accidental bumps during everyday use. These movements can cause heavy items to shift, increasing the risk of them falling and causing injury.
Books
Storing books, such as your favorite cookbooks, on top of the fridge is also not a good idea. The heat released by the appliance can warm the area, potentially causing damage like warping or fading to the bookbinding and pages.
Small Appliances
Heavy electronics and appliances like the microwaves should not sit on top of the fridge. The vibrations and heat from the fridge can damage them over time.
Liquids
Storing bottles of liquid, such as wine or oil, on top of the fridge is not ideal due to temperature concerns. The top of the fridge tends to be warmer than other areas in your kitchen because of the heat released by the appliance. This elevated temperature can affect the quality of these liquids over time.
For instance, wine should be stored at a consistent, cool temperature to preserve its flavor, and oils, especially delicate ones like olive oil, can spoil more quickly in warm conditions. To keep these items fresh and maintain their quality, store them in a cool, stable environment like a pantry or wine rack.
Open Food Containers
Open food containers or snacks can attract pests, such as ants or rodents, especially in warmer areas like the top of the fridge.
Anything Fragile
Fragile decor like vases, picture frames, or ceramics are at risk of falling due to vibrations from the fridge’s motor or accidental bumps.
Cleaning Supplies
Storing cleaning products on top of the fridge might seem like a smart idea, especially if you’re trying to keep them out of reach of children. However, if a bottle leaks or spills, it could damage the fridge or contaminate your food, turning a simple mishap into a major cleanup headache.
Medication
It’s not a good idea to store medication on top of the fridge because of temperature and environmental concerns. Since most medications need to be kept at a consistent, cool room temperature to maintain their effectiveness, exposure to this excess heat can cause them to break down or lose their potency.
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