The refrigerator door may seem the most convenient place to store various food items, but it’s often not the best choice. The door is the warmest part of the fridge due to frequent opening and closing, which can lead to spoilage and food safety issues.
Avoid storing these 15 items in the refrigerator door to ensure your food stays fresh and safe.
Milk
Milk is best stored in the main body of the refrigerator rather than the door. The door experiences temperature fluctuations due to its constant opening, which can cause milk to spoil more quickly. Storing milk in the coldest part of the fridge helps preserve its freshness and flavor, ensuring you can enjoy it for as long as possible. It’s important to keep milk sealed tightly to prevent any odors from other foods affecting its taste.
Poultry
Raw poultry should never be stored in the refrigerator door because of its sensitivity to temperature changes. The fluctuating temperatures in the door can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, putting your health at risk. To keep poultry safe, always store it in a sealed container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, where temperatures remain more consistent.
Cheese
While it might seem convenient to keep cheese in the refrigerator door, it’s not ideal for maintaining flavor and texture. The warmer temperatures can lead to the cheese drying out or developing an off taste. Instead, store cheese in the main compartment, wrapped properly to limit exposure to air. This will help keep it fresh longer and retain its creamy consistency, allowing you to enjoy its full flavor.
Eggs
Many assume that storing eggs in the refrigerator door is acceptable because that’s where they’re often placed in stores. However, the fluctuating temperatures in the door can compromise the quality of the eggs over time. It’s best to keep eggs in their original carton on a middle shelf in the fridge.
Meat
Similar to poultry, raw meat should not be stored in the refrigerator door due to the risk of temperature changes. Storing meat in the door can increase the chances of bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Instead, keep meat in a sealed container on the bottom shelf, where it’s colder and less likely to be affected by temperature swings. This practice ensures that your meat stays fresh and safe for longer periods.
Produce
Although storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator door might be tempting, most produce benefits from cooler, more stable temperatures. The fluctuating temperatures can cause fruits and vegetables to ripen too quickly or spoil prematurely. Instead, keep produce in the refrigerator’s main part or designated crisper drawers, where humidity and temperature can be better controlled.
Leftovers
Leftovers are best kept in the refrigerator’s main compartment, not the door. Storing them in the door can lead to inconsistent temperatures, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage. Instead, place leftovers in airtight containers on a middle or lower shelf where the temperature is more stable. This extends the life of your leftovers and keeps them safe to eat.
Soft Drinks
While it may seem convenient to keep soft drinks in the refrigerator door, the temperature fluctuations can affect their carbonation and taste. Storing them in the door can lead to losing fizz and flavor over time. For the best experience, keep soft drinks in the fridge’s main compartment, where they can remain at a consistent, cold temperature.
Nut Butters
Nut butters often don’t require refrigeration, but if you store them in the fridge, there are better places than the door. The warm temperatures can cause them to become more solid and difficult to spread. Instead, place your nut butter on a stable shelf in the pantry or a less frequently opened part of the fridge. They will stay creamy and flavorful, making it easier to enjoy them in your favorite dishes.
Glass Bottles or Jars
Storing glass bottles or jars in the refrigerator door can lead to potential breakage due to constant opening and closing. Shifting temperatures can affect the quality of the contents. Instead, keep glass items on a shelf inside the fridge where they can be more secure and kept at a stable temperature. This protects the integrity of the containers and helps maintain the quality of their contents.
Deli Meat
Deli meat, like other meats, should not be stored in the refrigerator door due to temperature fluctuations. Keeping it in the door can promote bacterial growth, leading to spoilage and potential foodborne illnesses. Store deli meat on a middle or lower shelf in a tightly sealed container to keep it fresh and safe. This practice not only ensures the quality of the meat but also extends its shelf life.
Processed Cheese
Like regular cheese, processed cheese should be stored in the main part of the refrigerator rather than the door. The varying temperatures can lead to separation and loss of texture in processed cheese products. Instead, keep them in their original packaging or a sealed container in a cooler area.
Opened Condiments
Once opened, condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise should be stored in the main compartment rather than the door. Although the door is for condiments, the fluctuating temperatures can cause them to spoil quickly. Keeping them in the main body of the refrigerator helps maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring that they stay fresh and safe to use.
Salad Dressings
Like condiments, salad dressings are best stored in the main refrigerator compartment after opening. The constant temperature changes in the door can affect the emulsion and flavor of the dressing, leading to separation or spoilage. You can maintain their taste and quality for longer by keeping them on a stable shelf.
Honey
While honey can be stored in the refrigerator, it’s generally unnecessary and not recommended, especially in the door. The cool temperatures can cause honey to crystallize, making it difficult to use. Instead, keep honey in a pantry or kitchen shelf at room temperature to maintain its smooth consistency.
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