7 Items to Never Store in Your Refrigerator, Especially Over the Holidays — And Where You Should Place Them Instead

Refrigerators can easily become one of the most cluttered areas of the home. The excuse is often "out of sight, out of mind," but even though you can hide away the mess, it’s good for the overall functionality of your kitchen for the fridge to stay in tip-top shape.

"The holidays are all about connecting over great food, festive drinks, and lively conversation with friends and family. If you want to make sure your holiday spread tastes its best, proper food storage and knowing how to organize a refrigerator is key. Some foods are happiest outside the refrigerator, where their flavor and texture stay party-ready," says Ayten Nadeau, founder of i-TEN Designs.

Here are seven common items to keep out of the refrigerator and why, along with their ideal storage spots for a stress-free season.

1. Tomatoes

There are a few things people who have the most organized fridges never do and that includes placing fruits and vegetables that don't belong there.

You may think storing tomatoes in the refrigerator will increase their shelf life. However, this is, in fact, incorrect. "Avoid putting tomatoes in the fridge because the cold air stops tomatoes from ripening, making them dull and mealy. Instead, let them bask on the countertop, out of direct sunlight, to keep that burst of flavor intact," explains Ayten.

Other fruit and vegetable types, such as leafy greens, should be kept in the fridge to reduce the risk of pathogen growth.

2. Garlic

If you're looking to make your home smell good, you might want to avoid putting garlic into the regenerator as this would do the exact opposite.

"Garlic should never go in the fridge. It should be stored in a cool, dry place as the fridge creates moisture, which makes it sprout," says Ben Soreff from H2H Organizing.

A pantry or a large cupboard is ideal and the perfect temperature for storing garlic is between 60-65°F. Using more sustainable pantry storage solutions such as a mesh bag or a wire basket is much better for your garlic (and the environment) than a plastic bag.

3. Potatoes

Putting potatoes in the fridge will use up vital storage space. Not only this but you shouldn’t store potatoes in the fridge because the cold temperature causes the starches to turn into sugar, making them taste sweeter once they are cooked. Conversely, other root vegetables such as carrots should be kept in the fridge to lessen their oxygen absorption.

"Lots of places make attractive storage containers for potatoes that can sit on the counter without compromising on the look of your kitchen," says Ben. See some of our favorites below.

4. Onions

Similar to garlic and potatoes, onions prefer to be stored in a cool dry place in proper kitchen storage. "Onions go soft and moldy in the fridge’s humidity, and their strong aroma can spread to other foods. You should store them in a well-ventilated area, such as a pantry, in a wire basket or mesh bag. Keep onions separate from potatoes to avoid mutual spoilage," says Ayten.

Use the bottom drawer of your fridge for vegetables that do need to be stored in cooler temperatures such as cucumber, celery and broccoli.

5. Bread

"Storing bread in the refrigerator is an absolute refrigerator crime! The fridge dries bread out, robbing it off its soft, fluffy texture. Where to store it instead? The kitchen worktop or in a breadbox for short-term use. For longer storage, freeze slices in a resealable bag to preserve freshness, says Ayten.

If you have a pre-made sandwich that contains fresh fillings then yes, you need to keep this in the refrigerator but ideally no longer than 12 hours.

6. Honey

The last thing you want is for your honey to crystalize and go hard, which makes it impossible to pour. "Honey is naturally shelf-stable, so keep it in your pantry or any dry, room-temperature spot. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to avoid moisture that can alter its texture," explains Ayten. Consider trying out one of the below items to store your honey in.

Other spreads such as jam (especially if they're homemade) should be kept in the refrigerator to avoid them from spoiling.

7. Oil

Avoid storing oil in your refrigerator as many of them solidify in the cold and end up turning cloudy and chunky. Ayten insists that they should be "kept away in a cool, dark cupboard, away from the stove, since heat and light can cause oils to spoil and go rancid."

Shara Kay from SK Organizing insists that even though oil doesn’t belong in the fridge, "condiments like catsup or maple syrup are supposed to be refrigerated after opening, and we often find them in clients' pantries."