Putting boxes of cereal, snacks, or bread up high might seem convenient, but the heat rising from the refrigerator is terrible for your food quality and safety.
- Spoilage: The constant, mild warmth from the appliance can cause dry food items to spoil much faster than they would in a cool cupboard. For example, “Bread becomes moldy more quickly,” and cereal boxes can lose their freshness, causing the contents to go stale or “lose their crunch.”
- Contamination: Food stored on top of the fridge is also directly exposed to kitchen grease, dust, and humidity—none of which are good for your meals.
Better option: Store all pantry staples in a cool, dry cupboard. For best results and to prevent pests, transfer these items into airtight containers.