Even the Best Fridge Can Become a "Time Bo.mb" If You Store These 5 Items – #2 Is a Common Mistake

Never Put These 5 Items in Your Fridge

The refrigerator is a silent hero in every household, working around the clock, 365 days a year, to keep food fresh and extend its shelf life. However, its convenience often leads people to treat it as a universal storage box—tossing in everything from meat and vegetables to items that should never go inside.

In reality, storing certain items in the fridge can lead to malfunction, damage, or even pose explosion risks. Here are five things you should never store in the refrigerator, no matter how much space is left.

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1. Dry Ice: A Ticking Time Bomb in the Freezer

Dry ice is often included with frozen goods or ice cream deliveries to maintain low temperatures. It’s the solid form of CO₂ and has an extremely low temperature of -78.5°C, which is much colder than a standard freezer.

If dry ice is placed directly into a freezer, it begins to sublimate (turn from solid to gas) in the confined space. This causes carbon dioxide gas to build up. If the bag or drawer is too airtight, the pressure can rise to the point of forcing open the compartment or even causing the bag to burst.

Advice: Let dry ice evaporate in a well-ventilated area. Never place it inside the fridge or freezer.

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2. Kimchi and Pickled Vegetables in Sealed Bags: Risk of Explosion

Fans of kimchi or pickled vegetables like mustard greens may have noticed bulging containers in the fridge. This is due to the gases produced during fermentation, even at low temperatures. When sealed tightly in a small space, the gas pressure builds up, causing the packaging to swell—and in some cases, burst.

Both store-bought and homemade kimchi can continue to ferment in the fridge, albeit slower than at room temperature. Without occasional gas release, the pressure can result in a messy surprise when the fridge is opened.

Advice: Store fermented foods in containers with loosely fitted lids or release gas every few days by slightly opening the lid.

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3. Passion Fruit Juice Concentrate: Cooling May Backfire

Many people prepare passion fruit juice concentrate to drink gradually. However, improper storage in the fridge can lead to fermentation.

If stored in a tightly sealed bottle or jar, the buildup of fermentation gas increases pressure inside. When opened, the juice may spurt out, or worse, the container might explode—especially if it's made of glass.

Advice: Do not seal the bottle tightly. Use a plastic container with a loosely screwed lid and consume within a few days.

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4. Carbonated Soft Drinks: Never Freeze Them

In hot weather, some people try to chill soft drinks quickly by placing them in the freezer. However, this can be dangerous.

Carbonated drinks contain large amounts of dissolved CO₂. When frozen, the liquid expands, and the trapped gas adds pressure. If the pressure exceeds the container's limit, it can explode.

Advice: To cool soft drinks quickly and safely, submerge the can in ice water or wrap it in a damp towel and place it in the fridge. These methods are faster and safer.

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5. Beer: Keep It Out of the Freezer

Beer behaves similarly to carbonated drinks. When frozen, it expands and may explode—especially if stored in glass bottles, which can shatter under pressure.

Frozen beer not only alters the taste but also poses a safety hazard. The glass can break and scatter when the pressure becomes too great.

Advice: To chill beer fast and safely, wrap the bottle in a wet towel and place it in the fridge, or submerge it in an ice bath. These methods cool the beer quickly without the risk.

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Conclusion

Not everything belongs in the fridge or freezer, no matter how convenient it may seem. Understanding what can go wrong helps prevent damage to your appliance and keeps your kitchen safe. Always check whether an item is suitable for cold storage before placing it in your refrigerator.