A Cautionary List of 10 Items to Avoid on Fridge Tops/
Many of us keep things on top of the refrigerator as it’s a large space that’s both easy to see and convenient to access. This is why you often see boxes, books, tiny storage containers, and many other random items piled on top of the fridge.
However, using this area for storage
carries some risks. When items are placed on top of the refrigerator,
they may block the ventilation, which causes the fridge to work harder
to keep its contents cool. Try to reduce or eliminate clutter above the
fridge, especially if you're storing any of the items on this list.
1. Medications
Medications come in a variety of forms,
including tablets, liquids, and inhalers. To preserve their
effectiveness, all medications must be stored according to the labeled
directions. If medicines are placed on top of the refrigerator, they may
be exposed to retained heat, which may affect their efficacy, led to
chemical changes in the active substances, or even cause them to
decompose. Keep medicines in a cupboard away from heat sources for
optimal storage.
2. Bread
Bread and baked goods, such as rolls and
bagels grow stale on their own. Even a freshly baked baguette may only
survive for a day or two, whereas store-bought white bread may last up
to a week. As a general rule, ventilation is very important for baked
goods, and restricting airflow when storing a loaf of bread is not
beneficial for either the bread or the refrigerator. The warm airflow
speeds up the drying of foods, thereby hastening their staleness. These
conditions offer the ideal habitat for mold growth in plastic-bagged
bread. So the bottom line is that placing bread on top of your
refrigerator dramatically reduces its shelf life.
3. Books
The top of the fridge is no place for
cookbooks, vintage magazines, stacks of recipe cards, or any paper
products. Storing an abundance of paper products, particularly heavier
ones like books, obstructs the airflow required for the fridge to
operate efficiently. This diminished airflow forces the fridge to use
more energy to maintain food coldness, ultimately spiking your
electricity expenses. Also, lightweight paper sheets can easily slide
off the fridge and become misplaced behind it.
4. Houseplants
Plants should not be stored on top of a
refrigerator, say experts, due to the risk of heat damage. This spot for
kitchen plants is especially risky since a fallen potted plant might
cause a sloppy mess. Additionally, you must be vigilant to prevent any
plant debris from entering the refrigerator and contaminating your
stored food.
5. Kids’ Treats
While it might seem convenient to stash
cookies and snacks above the fridge to keep them away from curious kids,
you should also remember that children can be remarkably resourceful.
They may resort to risky maneuvers, such as using a step stool on top of
a precarious box, to reach those tempting treats. Choose an alternative
hiding spot to keep your kitchen a safer place for your children.
6. Potatoes, Onions, and Other Produce
Proper storage has a big impact on the
shelf life of your produce. Potatoes, which require a cool, dark
environment, are not suitable for the space above the refrigerator.
Onions and garlic, on the other hand, thrive in well-ventilated
environments, such as an open basket on the countertop. Safeguard your
produce from premature spoilage and enhance its longevity by adhering to
appropriate storage guidelines.
7. Flammable Items
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Avoid storing flammable materials, such as
paper towels or napkins, on top of your refrigerator, where they could
come into contact with the heat created by the appliance's engine.
Consider installing a special shelf in a safe part of your house to
properly store potentially combustible products.
8. Wine or Liquor
Storing wine and liquor atop the
refrigerator is discouraged due to temperature fluctuations. Choose a
specialized wine rack or a cool, dark cabinet to preserve beverage
quality. Given the sensitivity of wine to temperature and the
possibility of taste-altering vibrations, it's best to avoid storing it
on the top of the refrigerator.
9. Things That Can Melt
Be mindful of items prone to spoilage or
melting. For example, storing chocolates on top of your fridge during
the summer months can leave you with a sticky, gooey mess all over. The
heat emanating from the refrigerator's compressor and motor poses a risk
to candles, potentially causing damage. Furthermore, plastic items like
food storage containers could wrap or melt as a result of this.
10. Electrical Appliances
Radios and small electrical appliances shouldn't be stored on top of the
refrigerator since the heat radiated by the coils may affect their
performance and lifespan. The top of your refrigerator could also pose a
fire hazard, so storing flammable items on top should be avoided. You
also don't want to risk any electrical equipment falling, so don't place
them on top of your refrigerator.
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