14 Things You Should Never Store on Top of Your Fridge

It might seem like a space-saving solution, but storing things on top of the refrigerator can cause some headaches—literally—later on.

Unless you have an especially expansive kitchen, you probably wish you had more space for storage and food prep. Of course, there are many creative small-space storage solutions that make the most of every possible nook and cranny in your kitchen, but one spot to reconsider using for storage is the top of your refrigerator.

We know what you're thinking—the top of your fridge is an empty, flat space offering storage that might not exist elsewhere in your kitchen. But, think twice before storing things like bread or vases up there. We spoke with experts who not only explained why it's a bad idea to store anything on top of your fridge but also called out the most common items that shouldn't be stowed there anytime soon.

Related: 12 Kitchen Organizing Mistakes Experts Say to Avoid

Why You Shouldn't Store Items on Top of Your Fridge

There are a couple of reasons you should refrain from storing items on top of your fridge. "Overall, keeping the top of the fridge clear helps maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment while also ensuring the proper functioning and longevity of the appliance," says Michael Gottron, owner of Germicidal Maids.

Falling Items

The main thing that can happen if you store items on your fridge is that those items can fall when you open and close the doors or even bump into the fridge slightly. "Placing heavy or breakable items, such as glassware or ceramics, on top of the fridge can pose a serious risk of falling and causing injury or damage," says Gottron.

Damaged Food

It's not uncommon to toss different types of food on top of your fridge if you're short on pantry or counter space but resist the urge. "The heat generated by the refrigerator's motor can affect the quality and safety of certain items," says Mattie Sheppard, the strategic interior design and cleaning advisor at Real Estate Bees.

Hygiene Issues

Dust, grease, and oils naturally collect on most surfaces, your fridge included. But how often are you cleaning the top of your fridge? Probably not often enough to store food up there. "The top of the fridge is often a neglected area in terms of cleaning, leading to dust accumulation and potential hygiene issues," says Sheppard.

Refrigerator Function

Your refrigerator is a working machine that needs ventilation to properly function. Storing items on top of it means potentially blocking that ventilation and causing inefficiencies within your fridge. "Most refrigerators (and since each one is different, please check your user manual online) need half to one inch of ventilation space on the top, sides, and back of the refrigerator for optimal function and safety," says Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living.Simplified.

Ahead, learn which commonly placed top-of-fridge items should be relocated to another part of your kitchen.

Related: How to Organize Your Kitchen Pantry, According to Experts

Plants

Adding greenery to your spaces is a wonderful thing—plants bring the outside in and add some much-needed life into a space. But put them somewhere where they can thrive, which isn't the top of the fridge. "Plants may like the heat for a brief period, but trying to water them regularly won't be easy," says Saltman. "And the heat will dry the soil out more frequently, so it really is inconvenient. Chances are, the plants won't get enough sunlight on top of the fridge either."

Bread

Keeping your bread and other baked goods on top of the fridge might seem convenient, but the heat emitted from the fridge may aid in your bread going bad. "The warmth generated by the refrigerator's motor can accelerate the staling process of bread, making it go stale faster," says Sheppard. "Additionally, the risk of attracting pests like ants and rodents due to the exposed nature of the items is a significant concern."

Related: How to Store Baked Goods So They Stay Fresh Longer

Wine

Wine should generally be stored in a cool, dark place to retain its flavor and qualities. "Wine is supposed to be kept at certain temperatures, and the top of the refrigerator will certainly exceed these recommendations," Saltman says.

Electronics

For much of the same reason that you don't want to store small appliances on top of the fridge, you likely don't want to store electronics like a radio up there. "Electronic appliances and devices, such as toasters, microwaves, or radios, shouldn't be kept on top of the fridge because the vibrations from the fridge's compressor can damage their delicate components over time," says Petya Holevich, Fantastic Services' domestic cleaning expert and supervisor.

Medicine

Medicine should never be stored on top of the fridge for the very simple reason that your medication can become compromised. "Ideally, medicines should be stored in a place that’s dry and cool, which isn’t the environment that the top of a fridge provides," says Holevich. "That’s why they shouldn’t be stored there because this can compromise their quality and, consequently, your health when you use them."

Small Kitchen Appliances

It's tempting to pop your toaster, blender, or other small appliance up there to free up some coveted counter space, but it's the wrong move—it can lead to damaged appliances in the long run. "The heat generated by the fridge's compressor and lack of ventilation can lead to the appliances overheating," says Sheppard. "This not only poses a fire hazard but also compromises the efficiency and lifespan of the appliances."

Cooking Oils

Cooking oils are highly susceptible to light and heat and, thus, should not be stored on top of the fridge where the heat will likely damage them. "If you want to keep your oils tasty and healthy, keep them away from heat and light," says Will Cotter, CEO of FreshSpace. "When oils go bad, they start smelling and tasting funky, and they lose their nutritional value."

Related: How to Store Olive Oil for Maximum Shelf Life

Pet Food

What's worse than spilled pet food all over the kitchen floor? Spilled pet food from high above, plus a possible pest control problem that's near the rest of your household's food. "If the packaging isn’t sealed tight or the container is wobbly, the food can spill all over the floor or even on the fridge," Cotter says. "It’s going to attract all sorts of pests with its strong smell. Ants, cockroaches, and rodents are gonna love it up there, and soon enough, you might have a pest control problem on your hands."

Fruit

Some fruits release a gas called ethylene, which helps them ripen. Besides not storing certain fruits and vegetables together because it can cause overripening, you'll want to steer clear of popping that fruit basket on top of the fridge for much the same reason. "If you keep a fruit basket on top of your fridge, it can trap that gas and make the fruit ripen faster," Cotter says. "This can cause some of the fruit to go bad before you can eat it, which is a waste of food." Plus, some of those pieces of fruit would be better served being stored inside the refrigerator instead.

Vases and Fragile Glass Items

Two things can happen with vases on top of the fridge—they can fall and either hit you or hit the floor and shatter, neither of which is a great outcome. "Placing decorative items, especially those made of glass or fragile materials, on top of the fridge is a risky choice," Sheppard says. "Vibrations from the refrigerator's operation or even minor accidental bumps can result in these items falling and breaking, creating a safety hazard and potentially damaging the appliance."

Cleaning Products

"We are taught to keep household chemicals out of reach from young children, but placing them on top of the refrigerator is not the right place," Saltman says. "Not only might the heat cause the release of volatile chemicals into the air, but imagine if one of the containers leaks, getting into the inside of the refrigerator? Everything inside would need to be disposed of."

Related: The Best Place to Store Cleaning Supplies in Your Home

Plastic Food Storage Containers

Heat and plastic do not go hand-in-hand. "Over time the heat can break down the chemicals in the plastic, which can then leach into your food," Saltman says.

Related: How to Organize Your Food Storage Containers the Right Way

Flammable Items

The top of your fridge might seem like a good spot to store cookbooks and recipe cards, but those items are made from paper ... and you would be leaving them on top of a heat source. You'll also want to avoid things like lighters and candles, too. "It's very important to avoid storing flammable items, such as candles, lighters, or matches, on top of your fridge because the heat generated by the appliance can pose a fire hazard when it’s combined with flammable materials," Holevich says. "The list of flammable items that shouldn’t be kept on top of the fridge also includes paper towels and napkins."

Candy

Trying to hide candy from prying little eyes? The fridge is not the place for it. "If you keep candy on top of the fridge, it might melt or become sticky, especially if it has chocolate, caramel, gummy candies, or nougat," says Cotter. "Trust me, melted candy can be a messy situation."

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.