Bread goes stale because the starch within it dries out when exposed to air. This drying process causes the soft, fluffy crumb to become hard. To prevent this, bread should be stored at room temperature. The best method is to keep it in the paper bag it came in from the bakery. This greaseproof paper bag helps to retain moisture without trapping too much air. Plastic bags are not recommended as they can trap too much moisture and lead to a soggy crust or mold. Beeswax wraps are an option but are considered expensive. Crucially, bread should never be stored in the refrigerator. Refrigeration significantly accelerates the staling process. Therefore, room temperature storage in its original paper wrapping is the most effective way to keep bread fresh.