Place the pears in a single layer in a shallow container or on a plate, and store them at room temperature. If they are not yet fully ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple. Once they are ripe, you can store them in the fridge to help them last a bit longer. Do not wash them until you are ready to eat them, as moisture can cause them to spoil faster.