13 Things You Should Never Store On Top Of Your Fridge
It feels like most Southern kitchens are filled to the brim with cupboards packed with 12 kinds of pickles, too many hot sauces, and enough flour to make all the cakes for a church bake sale. So if you’re running out of space in the kitchen and looking for a place to stash that extra stuff, you’re not alone. And if you’re eyeing the top of the refrigerator as a possible place to stash stuff, we’ve all been there, too.
When it comes to maximizing kitchen space, it might seem like a good idea to use the top of your fridge for extra storage. However, placing items there can lead to a range of problems, from safety hazards to damage to your appliances to ruining what you’re trying to store.
Fridge-top storage can lead to everything from potential refrigerator meltdowns to forgotten food-turned-science experiments. We spoke to organizing and cleaning experts about why using the top of the fridge isn’t the best idea for items like cleaning supplies, food, or even decorative items. Here’s are a list of items that should never be stored on the top of your fridge.
Wine Or Other Alcoholic Beverages
“Many people keep wine or spirits atop their fridge, but the fluctuating temperatures and heat can affect the quality of the alcohol, altering its flavor and ruining its preservation,” says Bryan Griffin, founder at Patriot Maids Cleaning Services.
Cooking Oils
“Cooking oils are kitchen staple items that shouldn’t be stored on top of a fridge because they are sensitive to heat and light, especially if they’re in clear bottles. Similarly, the heat coming from the appliance can affect the quality and flavor of any spices stored on top of it,” says Fantastic Service‘s house cleaning expert and supervisor Petya Holevich.
Items That Block Vents Or Airflow
“Those vents on your fridge? They’re kind of a big deal. Blocking them can lead to temperature fluctuations, which might mess with food preservation,” says Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organizing expert. “So, keeping the top of your fridge clear is a must. When your kitchen is organized, with every item in its proper place, your fridge can do its job properly—preserving food at its best and reducing spoilage.”
Cereal
“The warm temperatures accelerate the stalling process, causing most of my cereals to go soft rather than crispy,” notes Forrest Webber, the owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning in Huntsville, Alabama.
Household Cleaners
“While keeping cleaners out of children’s reach is important, the top of the fridge isn’t ideal. Cleaning products should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from heat to avoid potential hazards,” says Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager at Two Maids.
Perishable Foods
“While it may seem like a convenient place to put your groceries, it can actually pose a few risks to your food safety. The temperature on top of the fridge can fluctuate quite a bit more than inside it, says James King, the Operations Manager at DeluxeMaid. “This is because heat rises, and the cooling unit is usually located at the bottom or back of the fridge. These fluctuations can create an environment where bacteria thrive, potentially leading to spoilage or foodborne illnesses.”
Heavy Items
“The fridge is meant to hold food and drinks, not act as a shelf. If you put something heavy on top, it could put too much pressure on the fridge and cause it to collapse,” says King. “The top of the fridge is usually made of metal or plastic that can get scratched or dented easily. Not only that, but it’s also dangerous if you don’t secure the items properly. They could fall and hurt someone nearby.”
Small Appliances
“Placing microwaves or toasters is a major No since the heat vents from the refrigerator can limit their lifetime,” says Webber.
Plastic Containers
“While plastic containers are generally durable, they can become brittle over time if they’re exposed to heat and temperature fluctuations. Because of that, storing them on top of the fridge can accelerate this process, leading to cracks or warping,” says Holevich.
Flammable Items
“It’s very important to avoid storing flammable items, such as candles, lighters, or matches, on top of your fridge because the heat generated by the appliance can pose a fire hazard when it’s combined with flammable materials. The list of flammable items that shouldn’t be kept on top of the fridge also includes paper towels and napkins,” says Holevich.
Medications
“Many over-the-counter or prescription medications require a stable temperature, and excess heat can compromise their effectiveness. Store them in a cool, dry place as recommended on the packaging,” suggests Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager at Two Maids.
Bread
“Bread can become stale more quickly due to temperature fluctuations. Fluctuating temperatures can make bread go stale faster. And that’s not all. They can also make condensation form inside the bread packaging, leading to more staleness and even mold. So, to keep your bread fresh for longer, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources,” says King.
Potato Chips And Crisps
“They are famous for their crispy texture. But, if you keep them warm, they can get soft and lose their crunchiness. So, if you keep them on top of the fridge, they might not be as good as you expect. The oil in the chips can also go bad if exposed to heat, which can affect their taste and smell. Besides, the seasoning and oil used to flavor the chips can degrade quickly in high temperatures, making them less flavorful or change their taste,” says King.
