Yes, you can put hot milk in a refrigerator, but there are some precautions you should take to do so safely.
When you put hot milk in a refrigerator, it's important to follow these steps:
Allow the milk to cool down: Before placing the hot milk in the refrigerator, let it cool down to room temperature. Putting extremely hot milk in the fridge can raise the temperature inside and may partially thaw other items or promote bacterial growth in the fridge.
Use shallow containers: Pour the cooled milk into shallow, wide-mouthed containers rather than deep ones. This allows the milk to cool more quickly and evenly.
Don't overcrowd the fridge: Avoid putting a large amount of hot milk in the refrigerator all at once, as it can affect the fridge's internal temperature. If you have a significant quantity of milk to cool, consider dividing it into smaller portions and refrigerating them separately.
Be mindful of other perishables: Ensure that the hot milk containers are placed away from other perishable foods in the refrigerator. This prevents any risk of cross-contamination and helps maintain food safety.
Cover the containers: Always cover the containers with lids or plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent the absorption of odors and maintain hygiene.
Remember that refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria, but it doesn't completely halt it. So, it's best to consume the refrigerated milk within a few days to ensure it remains safe to drink.
If you're unsure about the safety of the milk or have any doubts, it's better to discard it and prepare a fresh batch when needed.