These Storage Mistakes Could Make Your Cheese Spoil Faster

Cheese may seem simple to store, but a few common mistakes can cause it to dry out, absorb unwanted odors, or spoil long before it should.

Proper storage keeps its texture, flavor, and freshness intact. It only takes a few simple adjustments to help your cheese last longer and taste better.

Wrapping cheese in plastic long-term

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LightFieldStudios/Envato

Plastic wrap traps moisture tightly against the cheese, causing it to sweat and soften in ways that encourage quicker spoilage. It can also transfer a plastic flavor over time.

Cheese needs to breathe slightly, especially semi-firm and hard varieties. To maintain the right balance, wrap it first in parchment or wax paper, then loosely in plastic or a container.

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Storing cheese in the coldest part of the fridge

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The back of the refrigerator may seem like the safest place for cheese, but it'ss often too cold. Extremely low temperatures can dry out the cheese or make it brittle.

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Cheese stores best in a slightly warmer zone, such as a deli drawer or near the front. This keeps moisture levels stable and preserves the cheese's natural texture.

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Leaving cheese exposed to air

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Uncovered cheese loses moisture quickly and becomes cracked or hard around the edges. Air exposure also allows strong fridge smells to seep in, affecting the flavor.

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Keeping cheese wrapped and stored properly protects it from drying and from absorbing unwanted scents.

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Store with care

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Cheese lasts longest when stored with care. Avoiding plastic wrap, extreme cold, and air exposure helps preserve its quality and taste.

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A little attention makes a big difference in how long your cheese stays fresh. With these simple adjustments, you can protect your favorite cheeses and reduce waste at the same time.