5 things you should never store in your fridge door

There are plenty of fridge dilemmas. Because should those eggs go in the fridge or not? Is it smart to put tortillas in the crisper drawer? And what should you do with cans of fish? It matters not only what you put in the fridge, but also where you put it.

Where you place things in the fridge has everything to do with temperature differences. The temperature on the shelves and in the crisper drawer is generally always the same. But the fridge door is a different story. Because you open and close the fridge regularly, the temperature there can fluctuate quite a bit. So it’s important to put only things in the door that can handle some warm air.

Milk

It’s better not to put milk in the door. The warm air gives bacteria in milk a better chance to grow. That’s why it’s best to store a carton of milk at the back of your fridge, where it’s coldest.

Eggs

Although some fridges have special egg compartments in the door, this isn’t actually an ideal spot. Eggs are also best stored somewhere with a steady temperature. And if you put them in the fridge, keep them in their cardboard carton to protect them from unpleasant smells and moisture.

Meat and fish

No, don’t do it. Simply because the packaging often contains juices from the meat and fish, and if they start to leak, your entire door—including the products—will be covered in the bloody juices from your braising steak. Not exactly appetizing, and definitely not hygienic.

Vegetables and fruit

You guessed it: these belong in the crisper drawer and nowhere else. The crisper drawer is the least humid part of the fridge, which helps vegetables stay fresh for longer.

Cheese

A block of Parmesan in the fridge door? Don’t do that either. We know you want quick access to that months-aged Italian cheese, but it won’t do the cheese any good. Put it in the drawer with the vegetables, wrapped in some paper towel and foil. That way, it will last much longer and the cheese won’t go moldy.

Also read:

• Eddie’s food frustrations: that layer of water at the bottom of the fridge
• Can you put hot food in the fridge or freezer?
• Tried and tested: tips to combat fridge odors