I’ll admit, I’m not the most organized person. My small apartment often looks cluttered, especially with long workdays leaving me exhausted. The top of my fridge has become a makeshift shelf—such a wide, tempting spot to pile stuff. But is it safe to store things on an appliance that generates heat and vibration?

Curious, I researched and found several items that should never sit atop a fridge. Bread and baked goods go stale faster due to warmth. Wine’s aging process gets disrupted by heat and vibration. Cooking oils spoil quicker in fluctuating temperatures. Medications lose effectiveness when heated. Fresh produce in a fruit bowl? It spoils faster. Coffee, herbs, and spices lose flavor and potency in warm, moist conditions. Pet food fats turn rancid, candles melt, and electronics or batteries risk leaks and corrosion. Plastic containers may release chemicals when warmed, and heavy items like pots or books can strain the compressor, shortening the fridge’s lifespan.

My quest for extra storage was a wake-up call. Stacking stuff on the fridge can spoil food, create safety hazards, or damage the appliance. I’m now relocating items and aiming for a more organized setup—fingers crossed!