Homemade bread doesn't have any preservatives in it like store bought bread, so it will not stay fresh as long. (This is never a problem in our family - it's so delicious, it gets eaten much faster!) Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel if you don't want it to get softer. It will last at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it fresh longer than 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator for 7-9 days.