Your refrigerator is a mess: common mistakes in the main kitchen appliance.

The refrigerator is the centerpiece of every kitchen, and as such, it requires special care and attention.

Experts from the British magazine Which? have identified the ideal spot for every item in your fridge. Moreover, they’ve settled the debate on where ketchup belongs in the kitchen.

How to Organize Your Refrigerator?

First and foremost, the authors of these recommendations caution that improper use of the refrigerator can lead to food spoiling faster than you’d like.

No matter how old your appliance is, “the temperature will vary across different shelves.” It’s important to remember that the higher the shelf, the warmer it will be.

Therefore, the top shelf should be reserved for cured meats, sausages, leftovers, cream cakes, and any other items that don’t need cooking before consumption.

The middle shelf is designated for dairy products, cheeses, eggs, butter, and yogurt.

While many of us store milk in the fridge door, scientists also recommend keeping it on the middle shelf.

The bottom shelf is meant for storing raw meat and seafood before cooking.

“Raw meat, poultry, and seafood should be kept in airtight containers to prevent contact with other foods,” the Daily Mail quoted the experts.

Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables should be kept separately in designated drawers.

Finally, the door shelves—the warmest part of the fridge—should be used for condiments. This includes mayonnaise, pesto, tartar sauce, and salad dressings. It’s worth noting that “the presence of natural preservatives, such as vinegar, in many condiments means they don’t need to be stored in much cooler parts of the fridge.”

What Not to Store in the Refrigerator?

There are several items that many people keep in the fridge, despite them being better suited for the kitchen cabinet. These include bread, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Other items that can safely be stored in the pantry include soy sauce, mustard, pickles, and chili sauce.

Ultimately, the experts found a proper place for ketchup, which many home cooks mistakenly store in the fridge. It, too, should find a comfortable spot in the cabinet. It’s not just because ketchup contains vinegar; tomatoes have a natural acidity that helps the product stay fresh for as long as possible.

What Temperature Should Your Refrigerator Be?

According to Which? experts, the optimal temperature for a refrigerator is between 32°F and 41°F (0°C to 5°C).

Researchers assert that “at temperatures above 46°F (8°C), most harmful bacteria multiply rapidly in your food.”