Potatoes should be kept away from any high-ethylene foods, including apples, avocados, apricots, pears, bananas, peppers, and tomatoes. [2] X Research source

Keep potatoes away from stoves or appliances that drastically change in temperature, as well as sinks and excessively humid or damp rooms and basements. Keep whole, uncooked potatoes away from the fridge. Refrigeration converts the starch in potatoes to sugars that alter the potatoes’ flavor. It might also form acrylamide, a chemical which has been flagged as a cancer risk. Store cut, raw potatoes in water. They’ll last in the fridge for about 24 hours. Refrigerated cooked potatoes last about 3 or 4 days.

If you have to keep your potatoes in an open space, put a loose covering over their container to block light that can cause sprouting.

Make sure any sprouts are completely removed before cooking since they can be toxic. If you’re not sure a sprouted potato is safe to eat, just toss it. Red potatoes don’t last as long as yellow or white potatoes, and thick-skinned potatoes like russets last longer than thin-skinned ones. [6] X Research source Check on your potatoes every few weeks and remove ones that have gone bad. If needed, move them to a cooler, dryer, darker space.

Keep whole, unpeeled onions out of the fridge. The lack of air circulation and cold temperature will cause the onions to accumulate moisture and mildew. Place onions away from bright windows, stoves, or other areas that experience big changes in temperature.

Onions are especially good at absorbing moisture. Keep your onion container away from sinks, humid basements, or any other source of excess moisture.

Check your onions every few weeks and remove ones with signs of spoilage. If needed, move them to a drier, cooler space. [11] X Research source In severe cases of rot, the entire onion will feel soft or squishy (probably from being around too much moisture).

To cure potatoes, brush off any dirt (don’t use water) and let them sit for 10 days in a dark, well-ventilated place with moderate temperature and high humidity. [12] X Research source To cure onions, leave them in the sun for a week. If you anticipate bad weather, place them in a covered location with good air circulation for 10 to 14 days.