Bread in Breadmaker.

Just bought a breadmaker (first one) How do you keep a loaf fresh and how long does a loaf last for?Thanks.

Home made bread doesn't keep long at all. 2 days max I'd say and the 2nd day it isn't as good.
You can put it in a plastic bag to keep it soft, but that doesn't mean fresh. Just make a smaller loaf if you don't eat it all in 2 days.

Depends on the type of loaf, basic or *french* (my preference) loaves don't stay fresh for long, I prefer to slice what's left over and freeze it on the same day, then just remove slices as required. Breads that have milk powder in such as foccacia and some of the dough and oven bake off recipes such as farmhouse loaves/ specialty breads keep longer (2 days). I wrap them in double glad wrap and a clean tea towel. A slicing guide is a good purchase to ensure even slices for freezing.

I make buns, freeze then defrost as needed....:-}