How long bread lasts depends on where it comes from. Fresh soft bread from a bakery is good for two to three days past the date on the package, according to the website Eat By Date. Mass-produced soft bread sold in plastic bags at the grocery store is a little more resilient, lasting for five to seven days past the printed date. Homemade bread doesn't contain preservatives and may go stale in two to three days.

Keeping bread in the refrigerator prevents bacterial growth, but it's not ideal. The cool, dry conditions of a fridge dry bread out quickly, making it dry and stale. Breadboxes keep loaves fresh by retaining moisture, while holes in the box allow air to circulate to prevent it from going moldy quickly. However, too many loaves stuffed into a breadbox raises humidity levels too much, allowing mold to flourish.

Freezing ensures months of freshness by preventing starches in bread from degrading. Bread from the bakery, store or your oven will last up to six months when frozen, but securely wrap it in foil or plastic beforehand to prevent it from drying out. For the freshest bread, freeze it as quickly as possible after baking or buying it. Allow homemade bread to cool before placing it in the freezer.

To defrost an entire loaf of bread, let it reach room temperature before putting it in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for five to 10 minutes. Covering bread in foil before placing it in the oven will help it retain moisture. If thawing single slices, let them sit on the counter, or pop them in the toaster if you're in a rush.