How Long Can Potatoes Stay on the Counter? What to Know Before You Toss Them

My grandma always stored potatoes on the counter instead of putting them in the refrigerator.

And honestly, for years I never thought twice about it.

Potatoes were simply there—a bag tucked into a cool corner of the kitchen, ready whenever someone wanted to make mashed potatoes, fries, roasted potatoes, or a big Sunday dinner.

But if you've gotten used to refrigerating produce, you might look at those potatoes sitting on the counter and wonder:

How long are they actually safe to eat?

If they've been there for a week, should you throw them away?

Not necessarily.

Whole, raw potatoes are different from cooked potatoes or other perishable foods. They don't automatically become unsafe simply because they've spent several days at room temperature. In fact, potatoes are commonly stored outside the refrigerator.

The bigger questions are where they're stored, how warm and bright the area is, and what the potatoes look and feel like.

So before you toss that bag your grandma would have happily cooked, let's take a closer look.

How Long Can Raw Potatoes Stay Out?

There isn't a universal rule saying that whole raw potatoes become unsafe after exactly seven days on the counter.

Instead, storage conditions make a big difference.

For best storage, potatoes should be kept in a dark, cool, well-ventilated place. University of Minnesota Extension notes that potatoes are traditionally stored under cool, dark conditions and can have a much longer storage life when conditions are appropriate.

So if your potatoes have been sitting in a relatively cool, dry, dark pantry or kitchen area for a week and they're still firm and normal-looking, one week by itself isn't a reason to throw them away.

That's an important distinction.

But Your Kitchen Counter May Not Be Ideal

There's a difference between:

A cool, dark storage spot

and

A sunny countertop next to the stove.

Potatoes don't particularly enjoy heat or light.

Light exposure can cause potatoes to develop green skin, while prolonged storage can encourage sprouting.

So Grandma's method may have worked beautifully if her potatoes were stored in a cool pantry, cupboard, basement, or another suitable spot.

A warm countertop in direct sunlight is another story.

What Is the Best Way to Store Potatoes?

If you want your potatoes to last as long as possible, think about creating the kind of environment potatoes naturally prefer.

Keep Them Cool

A cooler storage location generally helps extend their quality.

You don't necessarily need to put whole potatoes in the refrigerator, especially if you're using them relatively soon.

For long-term storage, University of Minnesota Extension gives a storage range of about 32–40°F (0–4°C) under dark, humid conditions, while noting that potatoes intended for frying are generally stored warmer to avoid cold-induced sweetening.

For everyday home storage, the practical takeaway is simple:

Choose the coolest suitable place you have that stays dark and dry.

Keep Them Away From Light

This one is important.

Potatoes exposed to light can develop green skin. Extension guidance recommends removing green portions before cooking and avoiding potatoes with extensive greening.

That means a pretty basket of potatoes sitting in a sunny kitchen window might look charming...

…but it isn't doing the potatoes any favors.

Give Them Some Airflow

Avoid sealing potatoes in an airtight plastic bag.

Good ventilation helps reduce moisture buildup, which can contribute to deterioration.

A breathable bag, paper sack, cardboard box with airflow, or ventilated storage container can be more appropriate than a tightly sealed plastic container.