Sure, the fridge is a great place to store the fruits of your supermarket labor. But did you also realize that your icebox is the perfect storage unit for some nonfood items? Here’s what to keep in and what to take out.
Batteries: Out. Storing them in chilly conditions actually shortens their life.
Perfume: In. Keeping it in a cool, dark place helps its original scent last longer. (Storing it elsewhere won’t make it go bad; it just won’t smell as crisp.) This works for men’s cologne, too. Plus, it’ll be more refreshing when you spritz it on.
Candles: Out. Although chilled candles burn slower than room-temp candles, since the flame quickly warms the wax there’s little-to-no practical advantage. For long-time storage of something like holiday votives, go for a cool, dark, dry place such as a basement.
Medication: Depends. Chilling may destroy potency. Unless the label says otherwise, store it in a cool, dry drawer or closet (not a medicine cabinet in a steamy bathroom).
Nail polish: In. Storing bottles in your medicine cabinet, especially if you take long steamy showers, can cause clumps to form in the polish due to the extreme temperature changes. For a smooth coat every time, keep polish cool.
Baking soda: Out. Mom always kept a box buried in the back of the fridge, but did it really help control odors? Yes, but we’ve found something even better: activated charcoal. It traps nasty smells more effectively than the old white powder. You’ll find it at stores that sell aquarium supplies.
Film: Out. Even though chilling prolongs its life (and freezing preserves it even longer), it’s time for you to get into the modern age and buy yourself a digital camera. What else do you have in there, typewriter ribbon?
Sleep mask: In. For an instant pick-me-up, keep one of these in the coldest section of your fridge and slip it over your tired eyes when you’re stressed. It’s an especially soothing way to start a nap. You can also refrigerate some damp, folded hand towels (for no longer than a day). They’re great on the back of your neck after working outdoors or as a headache soother.
Bait: In. If you or someone in your family likes to fish, then by all means keep your night crawlers in Styrofoam containers, ideally well distanced from the leftover lo mein.
Comments from Members
wish you had added a bit more....very short.
i USED TO MAKE CANDLES AND I ALWAYS KEPT MY CANDLES, SCENT BUTTONS ETC. IN MY FREEZER. NEVER IN MY FRIG.I LEARNED THIS FROM PEOPLE THAT TAIGHT ME. THEY WENT TO CONVENTIONS AND LEARNED ALL OF THIS6-2-09 4:53P.DIANA
yeah I wanted more information lol but very interesting .... I'm reconsidering what I refrig and what I don't
I had always heard to keep batteries in the 'fridge. I guess I can have my fruit drawer back!
For a while I did keep my 35mm film in the fridge- the egg rack, taking up 2 egg holes with 2 rolls each. But then the first summer came and I worried about condensation?? Now I just keep film in a drawer with my batteries.
I agree with Rodney...the list was much too short. anything else you have to add.
Thanks for the useful info. More please????
Really need a longer list please. How about hair color?Foundation?
I too used to keep my my batteries in the fridge. Also does any-one no if keeping coffee in the fridge is a good idea.
T.Y. 4 ALL OF THESE MOST WELCOMED IDEAS!
VERY INTERESTING 
Did you know that if you store nylons in the freezer they have less of a chance of developing a run??? Mary Beth
Well...ya can only write what ya know...I'm glad about the candles as a out. I need the space in my fridge. Lisa in WV
Well...you can tell what ya know....I'm glad about the candles out...I need the space in my fridge. CANDLES OUT!!!
Coffee can be kept in the freezer to prolong the freshness and life. I know many chefs and cooks who do this and I have as well.
MORE PLEASE....VERY INTERESTING
With Summer here, I would like to share one. Use Listerine around patio to keep mosquitos away. Yes, use on yourself too but it will cover a fairly large area around where it is sprayed. Another plus is that it will last about 4 hr. and "Cheaper than Bug Spray", at approx. $1.86 a bottle.
My sister-in-law used to put her pantyhose in the freezer,she swore it made them last longer,less runs.
My sister-in-law used to put her pantyhose in the freezer.She said they lasted longer,less runs.
Film cameras actually take better pictures than digital, and I do believe that I'm in "the modern age"!
Film cameras take better pictures than digital, and I do believe that I'm in "the modern age"!
I don't know if you should or not but we keep aloe after sun spray in the fridge.
Did you know that if you keep your peroxide in the fridge, it keeps longer and also, doesnt sting like the children say it does when you use it on a scrap? Try it..That's where mine is, on the door...Just make sure if you have little one's that it's labeled with a Mr. Yuk Sticker! :)
Also, with the candles, If you put them in the Freezer after use because you want to keep the container they were in because you want to reuse it because you loved it, The older wax will slip right out for you for cleaning!!
Can loose tea and tea bags be kept in the fridge or freezer?
