9 Non-Food Items You Should Always Keep in The Fridge

When we think of our refrigerators, we often only consider food and beverages. However, many non-food items benefit from being stored in cooler temperatures. Here’s a list of surprising things you should keep in your fridge to maintain their potency, extend shelf life, or preserve their effectiveness.

1. Organic and Homemade Cosmetics

Refrigeration can help preserve the potency of organic and homemade cosmetics.¹ The cold temperature slows the degradation process of natural ingredients, ensuring the products last longer. It’s particularly beneficial for skincare serums like retinoids and vitamin C serums, which are sensitive to heat and light. Keeping these items cool inhibits bacterial growth, making your beauty regimen safer and more effective.

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2. Unused Seeds

If you have leftover seeds from gardening, store them in your refrigerator to preserve their viability for the next planting season. Place them in an airtight container with uncooked rice at the bottom to absorb excess moisture. This method ensures your seeds remain fresh and ready for planting .

3. Unused Batteries

Batteries such as NiMH, NiCad, and Zinc-carbon perform better when stored in cold temperatures. Keeping them in an airtight container in your refrigerator reduces their self-discharge rate, extending their shelf life. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before use .

4. Nail Polish

Storing nail polish in the refrigerator prevents it from separating and thickening.² The cold temperature maintains the polish’s consistency and color, ensuring a smooth application. Keep the bottles upright and tightly closed, and allow the polish to rest for about 30 minutes before use .

5. Flowers

Fresh-cut flowers can last longer when stored in the refrigerator. The cool environment slows the aging process and limits light and heat exposure, which causes flowers to wilt. Most florists use this method to preserve flowers overnight. Store your bouquet in a vase with water, and you can enjoy fresh flowers for up to 14 days .

6. Baking Powder and Baking Soda

These baking essentials can be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Keeping them in the fridge slows down the loss of their potency. This is especially useful if you don’t use them regularly .

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7. Certain Medications

Some medications need to be kept in cold temperatures to maintain their effectiveness. Examples include eye drops, insulin, hormone injections, and certain antibiotic liquids. Store these on the middle shelves of your fridge away from other items to prevent contamination and ensure even cooling .

8. Aloe Vera Gel

Store-bought aloe vera gel has a long shelf life, but keeping it in the refrigerator makes it extra soothing for burns and sunburns. Fresh aloe from a plant can go bad quickly, so store it in an airtight container in the fridge to extend its usability .

9. Tooth Whitening Gels

Tooth whitening gels are another non-food item that benefits from refrigeration. Keeping them cool preserves their effectiveness, ensuring they work as intended when you need them. Many manufacturers recommend this practice, especially in warm climates .

Conclusion

These non-food items can benefit greatly from being stored in your refrigerator, enhancing their longevity and effectiveness. Make sure you have enough space and proper containers to avoid contamination with food items.

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