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
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.
Related: Do You Store Your Eggs in the Door of Your Fridge? Don't!
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.
