15 Non-Food Items Experts Say You Should Always Keep In The Fridge
When you think of your refrigerator, you probably picture it filled with food and drinks. But did you know that some non-food items also benefit from being stored in the fridge?
Keeping certain items cold can extend their shelf life, preserve their quality, or even improve their effectiveness. From beauty products to batteries, here are 15 non-food items that experts say you should always keep in the fridge.
Skincare Products
Many skincare products, like creams, serums, and face masks, can benefit from being stored in the fridge. The cool temperature helps to extend the shelf life of these products and can make them more soothing when applied to the skin.
Cold skincare products can reduce puffiness, tighten pores, and help calm irritation. Keeping your skincare items in the fridge can also enhance their effectiveness by keeping active ingredients stable. If you want your beauty routine to feel like a spa experience, try storing your favorite products in the refrigerator.
Nail Polish
Nail polish can easily become thick and goopy if it’s exposed to heat or light. Storing your nail polish in the fridge helps to maintain its consistency, ensuring smooth application every time. The cold temperature slows down the chemical breakdown of the polish, preventing it from becoming too thick to use.
This trick works especially well for nail polishes that you don’t use often, as it can keep them fresh for longer. Just remember to give the bottle a good shake before using it to ensure the polish is well-mixed.
Batteries
Did you know that storing batteries in the fridge can help them last longer? While this tip is more relevant for older types of batteries, like alkaline ones, it can still be useful. The cold temperature slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing the rate at which it loses power.
This can be especially helpful if you have batteries that you don’t use often or if you live in a warm climate. Just make sure to keep them in a plastic bag to protect them from moisture, and allow them to warm up to room temperature before using.
Lipstick
Lipstick can melt or become soft if stored in a warm environment, making it difficult to apply evenly. Storing your lipstick in the fridge keeps it firm and helps it last longer. The cool temperature can also help prevent the oils in the lipstick from separating, ensuring that it stays smooth and creamy.
If you have a favorite shade that you don’t want to risk melting, try keeping it in the fridge, especially during the summer months. Just remember to let it warm up slightly before applying for the best results.
Film (Photography)
For those who still enjoy shooting with film, proper storage is key to preserving the quality of your photos. Film can degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat or humidity, leading to faded or distorted images. Storing film in the fridge slows down this process, helping to maintain the film’s quality until you’re ready to use it.
Keep the film in its original packaging or in an airtight container to protect it from moisture. Before using the film, allow it to come to room temperature to prevent condensation from forming on it.
Eye Cream
Eye cream is another skincare product that benefits from being stored in the fridge. The cool temperature enhances the cream’s ability to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes.
When applied cold, eye cream can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, making it even more effective at combating dark circles and under-eye bags. Storing your eye cream in the fridge also extends its shelf life, ensuring that it stays fresh and potent. This simple step can make a big difference in your daily skincare routine.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but it can lose its effectiveness if exposed to heat. Storing sunscreen in the fridge keeps it cool and helps maintain its protective properties.
Cold sunscreen can also feel refreshing when applied to the skin, especially on a hot day. If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of applying warm, sticky sunscreen, keeping it in the fridge can be a game-changer. Just be sure to check the expiration date, as even refrigerated sunscreen has a limited shelf life.
Perfume
Perfume can lose its scent or become discolored if exposed to heat and light. Storing your perfume in the fridge helps preserve its fragrance and keeps it smelling fresh for longer. The cool temperature slows down the evaporation of the alcohol in the perfume, which helps to maintain the integrity of the scent.
This is especially important for perfumes with delicate floral or citrus notes that can degrade more quickly. Keeping your perfume in the fridge is an easy way to ensure that your favorite fragrance stays true to its original scent.
Eyeliner and Lip Liners
If you’ve ever struggled with sharpening your eyeliner or lip liner, storing them in the fridge might be the solution. The cool temperature firms up the product, making it easier to achieve a precise point when sharpening.
This is particularly useful for soft, creamy liners that can easily break or crumble. Cold eyeliner and lip liners also glide on more smoothly, allowing for more controlled application. Just pop them in the fridge for a few minutes before sharpening or using, and you’ll notice the difference.
Prolonged-Use Eye Drops
Storing eye drops in the fridge can provide additional relief if you use them for allergies, dryness, or other conditions. Cold eye drops feel more soothing when applied and can help reduce redness and irritation more effectively.
Keeping eye drops in the fridge also helps preserve their potency, especially if they’re intended for prolonged use. Just be sure to check the label, as some eye drops are sensitive to cold and should not be refrigerated. If the packaging allows, storing them in the fridge can make them even more effective.
Seed Packets
Proper seed storage is essential for gardeners to ensure good germination rates. Storing seed packets in the fridge helps keep them viable for longer periods. The cool, dry environment of the fridge prevents seeds from drying out or becoming moldy, which can happen if they’re left in a warm or humid place.
If you’re saving seeds for the next planting season, keeping them in the fridge can help ensure that they sprout successfully when you’re ready to plant. Just keep them in a sealed container to protect them from moisture.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a natural remedy for soothing sunburns, cuts, and other skin irritations. Storing aloe vera gel in the fridge enhances its cooling, soothing effects, making it even more effective at calming irritated skin.
The cold gel can also help reduce swelling and redness, providing quick relief from minor skin issues. If you use aloe vera gel regularly, keeping it in the fridge ensures it’s always cool and ready to relieve it. This simple storage tip can greatly affect how well the gel works.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements, especially those in liquid or gel form, can benefit from being stored in the fridge. The cold temperature helps preserve the potency of the active ingredients, ensuring that you get the full benefits of the supplement. Refrigeration can also prevent the growth of bacteria or mold, which can occur in warm, humid environments.
If you take herbal supplements regularly, check the label to see if refrigeration is recommended. Storing them in the fridge can help extend their shelf life and maintain their effectiveness.
Face Masks (Sheet Masks)
Sheet masks are a popular skincare treatment, and storing them in the fridge can enhance their benefits. Cold sheet masks are more refreshing and can help reduce puffiness and tighten pores. The cool temperature also helps soothe irritated or sensitive skin, making the treatment even more effective.
If you enjoy using sheet masks as part of your skincare routine, try keeping them in the fridge for an extra boost of cool, calming relief. This simple trick can turn your skincare session into a relaxing, spa-like experience.
Cooking Oils (Certain Types)
Certain cooking oils, like flaxseed oil or walnut oil, can be stored in the fridge. These oils are more prone to going rancid if left at room temperature, especially in warm climates. Storing them in the fridge helps preserve their flavor and nutritional value.
Just be aware that some oils may thicken or become cloudy when refrigerated, but they’ll return to their normal consistency when brought back to room temperature. If you want to keep your cooking oils fresh for longer, consider storing them in the fridge.
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