Get Quartz in your inbox

Free daily briefing on global business news.

4 things you shouldn't store on top of your fridge

The top of your fridge may seem like convenient storage, but heat, falling objects, and safety concerns make it a risky spot for some everyday items

The top of the fridge can look like a storage solution hiding in plain sight. It is high, flat and often just empty enough to make you wonder why you are wasting all that space.

But there is a reason that space stays empty in many well-organized kitchens. A refrigerator is constantly working to keep food cold, and the heat it produces needs somewhere to go. Turning the top of the appliance into a storage shelf can interfere with that process while creating a few other problems around the kitchen.

The issue is not just what you put up there. How heavy it is, how easily it can fall and whether it can handle heat all matter too. Even something that seems harmless can become a problem if it shifts every time the refrigerator door opens or if it blocks ventilation.

There is also the food-storage question. The top of a fridge can be warmer than the rest of the kitchen, which is not exactly ideal for everything from pantry staples to fresh produce. Some foods can lose freshness faster, while others simply do not belong near that extra heat.

And then there are the things that are heavy, breakable or tempting enough to make climbing seem worthwhile to a curious child. Suddenly, that convenient little shelf does not seem so convenient.

Reader’s Digest rounded up what should stay off the top of your refrigerator and why. The advice comes down to a few simple principles: protect the appliance, avoid unnecessary hazards and store food where it will actually stay fresh.

If your fridge has become the place where everything without a home eventually lands, it may be time to clear it off.

1. Bread and baked goods can go stale faster up there

The Design Lady / Unsplash

Bread may seem harmless enough to store on top of the refrigerator. It is lightweight, easy to grab and does not require refrigeration. But that warm spot can work against........

© Quartz