When it comes to keeping the kitchen clean and fresh, most people think about the obvious chores like taking out the trash, wiping down counters, or scrubbing the fridge shelves. But there’s an unusual little hack that many people overlook—placing a roll of toilet paper inside the refrigerator.

At first, it might sound strange, even a little silly, but this simple trick can actually make a huge difference in keeping your fridge fresh and odor-free. It works on a principle so basic and effective that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Let’s break down why this method works, how it helps, and ways you can maximize its effectiveness. Almost everyone has had that moment of opening the refrigerator only to be hit by an unpleasant odor. It doesn’t always mean you left spoiled leftovers inside; often, it’s just a collection of faint smells from different foods building up over time.

Cheese, onions, seafood, and even fruits can all release odors that linger and mix together into a musty, stubborn smell. Cleaning the fridge is important, but even after scrubbing, sometimes that odor seems to creep back. That’s where toilet paper comes in. The secret to this trick lies in the absorbent power of toilet paper. We usually think of it as something that soaks up spills, but that same property makes it incredibly effective for capturing moisture and unwanted smells in an enclosed space.

By putting a fresh roll inside your refrigerator, you’re giving it a job to quietly pull in the excess moisture that bacteria and mold love to thrive on. Since those microorganisms are often the cause of lingering odors, reducing humidity means fewer smells. This trick doesn’t just mask odors; it helps prevent them from forming in the first place. The relationship between humidity and odors in refrigerators is stronger than many realize. High moisture levels create the perfect environment for mold spores and bacteria to multiply. As they grow, they produce musty, sour smells that are tough to get rid of.

When you add a roll of toilet paper, it acts like a sponge, drawing in the extra dampness before it can feed those microorganisms. The result is a fridge that feels fresher, cleaner, and less likely to develop that mystery stink. Another advantage of this hack is that it’s inexpensive and eco-friendly. Instead of buying specialized odor-absorbing products, you’re using something you already have on hand.

A roll of toilet paper costs very little, and once it’s done its job in the fridge, you can still use it normally. That makes this method both practical and environmentally friendly since you aren’t throwing away extra plastic packaging or buying chemical-based deodorizers.

It’s a simple, budget-conscious way to care for your home. If you want to step things up even more, you can supercharge this trick by pairing toilet paper with another household favorite: baking soda. For decades, people have kept an open box of baking soda in the fridge to fight odors. Using both together doubles the odor-absorbing power. Just set a small bowl of baking soda next to the toilet paper roll and let them work as a team. While the toilet paper soaks up humidity, the baking soda neutralizes acidic and alkaline smells, giving you a powerful one-two punch against refrigerator odors. For tougher cases, you can even create a baking soda paste by mixing it with a little water and smearing it directly on the outside of the toilet paper roll.

This boosts the roll’s ability to capture and neutralize stronger odors while still keeping things natural and safe. Another bonus of this method is that it’s flexible. If you have a small fridge, one roll might be enough. If you have a larger family fridge that sees a lot of use, you can place a couple of rolls on different shelves to cover more ground. Just remember to replace the roll every few weeks or when it starts to feel damp, so it continues to work effectively.

In the end, placing a roll of toilet paper in the fridge may sound odd, but it’s surprisingly effective. By using toilet paper’s natural absorbency, you can cut down on moisture, prevent bacteria and mold from spreading, and keep your fridge smelling fresh without spending extra money. Add a little baking soda for extra freshness, and you’ve got a simple, eco-friendly system that anyone can try. The next time you open your refrigerator and catch an unpleasant whiff, remember this clever little trick. With just a roll of toilet paper, you can keep your fridge cleaner, fresher, and far more pleasant every time you grab a snack.