The refrigerator keeps our foods fresh and safe to eat, but are you underutilizing this kitchen appliance?
In addition to food items, there are likely other things around your house that can benefit from refrigeration.
Following are some items that you should stick in the fridge today. Just make sure to avoid them when you are half-asleep and searching for that midnight snack.
Fresh cut flowers
The concept here is pretty simple: Just as the fridge preserves fruits and vegetables, it does the same for fresh cut flowers, says floral service Teleflora. So if you aren’t taking a bouquet to the recipient immediately, put it in the fridge in the interim.
Teeth whitening kits
To help teeth-whitening kits maintain their effectiveness, Crest recommends not storing them in direct sunlight or any other area that might become very warm. Depending on your climate, this can include the fridge, the manufacturer of Whitestrips says:
“For some, under the bathroom cabinet or in a linen closet is appropriate. Others who live in extremely warm climates may want to store tooth whitening kits in the refrigerator.”
Avoid the freezer, though.
Aloe gel
When you get a nasty sunburn, aloe gel can provide cooling relief. To keep things extra cool, store the gel in the fridge.
Eye cream
As with aloe gel, the benefit of keeping eye cream in the fridge is largely sensory. When your eyes are a bit puffy, cool eye cream can feel great.
Certain medications
The fridge is a bit too damp for storing many types of medications. But others can benefit from refrigeration, such as insulin.
As for other drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the fridge makes sense.
Film
Like vinyl records, Polaroid photos are making a nostalgic comeback. Polaroid recommends storing its film packs in the refrigerator to help keep the film chemistry stable, which means “your photos achieve and retain the best color, contrast and detail for as long as possible.”
Allow film to return to room temperature before using it, however. Polaroid recommends waiting at least one hour.
As with teeth whiteners, avoid the freezer. It can damage film chemistry.