The refrigerator door might seem like a convenient place to store your go-to items, but it is actually the warmest part of the fridge. Every time the door opens, that area is exposed to rising temperatures, making it a risky spot for foods that need to stay consistently cold. If you want to keep your groceries fresh and avoid waste, here are some items you should never store in the fridge door.
Milk and Dairy Products
Milk, cream, and other dairy items are very sensitive to temperature changes. The frequent warming and cooling that happens in the fridge door can cause them to spoil faster. Store them on the middle shelf where the temperature is more stable.
Eggs
Even though some refrigerators include egg holders in the door, that is not the best place for them. Eggs stay fresh longer when stored at a steady cold temperature, so keep them on an inside shelf near the back.
Raw Meat and Fish
Never store raw meat or fish in the door. These items need to stay as cold as possible to remain safe. The best place for them is the bottom shelf inside the fridge where temperatures are cold and consistent.
Leftovers and Cooked Foods
Cooked foods and leftovers should be kept away from the door. The temperature swings in that area can lead to faster bacterial growth, making your food unsafe to eat.
Prescription Medications
If your medications need refrigeration, place them deep inside the fridge rather than in the door. Many medications lose effectiveness when exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
Stick to using the fridge door for less sensitive items like condiments, juice, or water. Keeping things in the right place can help your food last longer and stay safer.
