When it comes to keeping the kitchen fresh, most of us think of the basics: scrubbing counters, tossing out expired food, or giving the fridge a thorough wipe-down. But there’s a new household trick making the rounds that’s raising eyebrows — people are putting toilet paper inside their refrigerators.

It sounds odd at first, but this simple hack has been praised for solving one of the most stubborn kitchen problems: lingering refrigerator odors. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly, practical, and surprisingly effective. Let’s explore why this trick works and how you can use it in your own home.

Why Refrigerators Smell Even After Cleaning

We’ve all been there — you open the fridge expecting a clean, fresh scent but instead are greeted with something sour, stale, or musty. While spoiled food is often the culprit, the truth is that refrigerators naturally trap odors.

Cold air, condensation, and food particles create a damp environment where bacteria and mold thrive. Even after scrubbing shelves and tossing expired items, odors can sneak back within days. It feels like a never-ending battle. That’s where toilet paper enters the scene as an unexpected hero.

Video: Put a Roll of Toilet Paper in the Fridge and SEE WHAT HAPPENS

The Absorbent Power of Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is designed to do one thing incredibly well: absorb moisture. When placed in the fridge, a fresh roll quietly works in the background, soaking up excess humidity. With less moisture in the air, odors don’t linger as strongly.

Think of it as a low-tech dehumidifier. Instead of plugging in a gadget or buying expensive odor removers, you’re letting the roll do the job it was built for. Within just a few days, most people notice a fresher, cleaner-smelling fridge.

How Reducing Humidity Helps Control Odors

Humidity is one of the biggest reasons refrigerators smell bad. Moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold — the very things that make a fridge smell “off.”

By absorbing extra humidity, the toilet paper roll keeps the air inside the fridge drier and less hospitable to bacteria. The result? Odors are minimized before they even start.

It’s a simple, science-backed fix that turns an ordinary roll of paper into a kitchen problem-solver.

Budget-Friendly and Eco-Friendly

One reason this hack is gaining popularity is its practicality. Unlike chemical-based deodorizers or pricey odor eliminators, this trick uses something you already have at home.

When the roll becomes damp and heavy, replace it with a fresh one. The used roll doesn’t need to go straight into the trash either — you can repurpose it for wiping spills or cleaning. That means less waste and more value from a single product.

For seniors or anyone who values frugality, this hack feels like timeless wisdom — simple, effective, and cost-conscious.

Boosting the Hack With Baking Soda

Want to take it up a notch? Pair the toilet paper roll with another kitchen favorite: baking soda.

Here’s how you can combine the two:

• Place an open box of baking soda next to the roll. Toilet paper absorbs humidity, while baking soda neutralizes odors. Together, they create a powerful duo.
• Make a paste of baking soda and water, then spread a thin layer onto the outside of the roll. As the paper absorbs moisture, it will also carry the odor-fighting power of the baking soda.

This simple combo can make your fridge stay fresh even longer.

Tips for Using the Toilet Paper Trick Effectively

Video: Why are people putting toilet paper in the fridge?

If you want to try this method, a few best practices can help you get the most out of it:

• Always start with a new, dry roll.
• Place it on a middle or top shelf where air circulates well.
• Don’t store it in very damp areas like the produce drawer.
• Replace it every week or two depending on your fridge’s humidity.
• Use it alongside regular cleaning — this is an extra step, not a substitute.

Follow these steps, and you’ll notice a cleaner, fresher refrigerator with less hassle.

Why Older Generations Love This Hack

This trick resonates especially well with older adults. It’s easy, chemical-free, and safe for families with kids or pets. It also reflects the type of practical, frugal wisdom many households used to rely on — simple fixes using everyday items instead of costly products.

It’s no wonder this method feels like advice a grandmother might pass down: effective, affordable, and smart.

A Fresh Take on an Old Problem

Refrigerator odors may seem small, but they can make an entire kitchen feel unwelcoming. Instead of constantly buying sprays and deodorizers, this humble trick offers a refreshingly simple solution.

Placing a roll of toilet paper in your fridge reduces humidity, absorbs odors, and leaves the space feeling fresh. It may look unconventional, but the results speak for themselves.

So the next time you open your fridge and catch a smell you’d rather not, don’t rush to the store. Reach for a roll of toilet paper — the easiest, most surprising fridge-freshening hack you may ever try.