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We’ve all experienced it: you buy a fresh loaf of bread, and just a few days later, you notice the first signs of mold. It’s frustrating, especially when the loaf still feels soft and otherwise perfectly good. Once mold appears, the entire loaf usually has to be thrown away.

While some people store bread in the refrigerator to slow mold growth, that can actually dry it out and ruin the texture. Fortunately, there are a few simple storage tricks that can help keep bread fresh longer without sacrificing flavor or softness. Here are a few easy ways to keep bread from getting moldy too quickly.

Store Bread in a Brown Paper Bag

A brown paper bag is one of the simplest ways to store bread properly. Many bakeries use paper bags because they allow just enough airflow to prevent excess moisture from building up, which is what encourages mold.

This method works especially well for crusty artisan or rustic loaves. Just keep the bag folded closed and store it away from direct sunlight to help the bread stay fresh for a couple of days.

Keep Bread in a Cabinet or Drawer

Storing bread in a kitchen cabinet or drawer can help extend its freshness. A dark, dry space protects the loaf from humidity and temperature changes that often cause mold to form more quickly.

Place the loaf in a paper bag or loosely wrapped plastic bag so there’s still some air circulation. Avoid storing bread in cabinets above the refrigerator, since heat and moisture from the appliance can encourage mold growth.

Use a Bread Box

Bread boxes are designed specifically to keep bread fresh longer. They create the right balance of airflow and humidity, preventing mold while also keeping the bread from drying out too quickly.

Simply place the loaf directly inside the bread box without sealing it in plastic or paper. Larger bread boxes tend to work better because they allow more air circulation, which helps maintain the ideal environment for storing bread.

Slice Bread From the Middle

Another clever trick for keeping bread fresh is to slice it from the middle rather than the end. After cutting a slice, push the two halves of the loaf back together so the exposed interior is protected by the crust.

This method helps reduce the amount of bread exposed to air. The crust acts as a natural barrier that slows moisture loss and helps prevent mold from forming.

Freeze Half the Loaf

If you don’t go through bread very quickly, freezing part of the loaf can help prevent waste. Slice the loaf in half and freeze one portion while you use the other.

Bread freezes surprisingly well and can be thawed later without much loss in quality. This method allows you to enjoy fresh bread longer without worrying about it molding before you have a chance to finish it.