The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in any home. It keeps food fresh, slows bacterial growth, reduces waste, and allows

families to store ingredients safely for days at a time. From raw meat and dairy to leftovers, fruits, vegetables, and sauces, nearly every type of

food passes through its shelves.

But because the refrigerator stores so many different items each with its own scent, moisture level, and storage needs - it can easily

become a place where odors build up.

Over time, smells from onions, garlic, seafood, sauces, and leftovers can linger. When humidity increases inside the fridge, those odors mix

together and may even transfer to other foods. If not managed properly, the refrigerator can develop a persistent unpleasant smell that

affects both taste and overall freshness.

While regular cleaning is essential, there is a surprisingly simple trick many households use to help control refrigerator odors: placing one or

two rolls of toilet paper inside the fridge.

It may sound unusual at first but there is practical science behind it.

Why Refrigerators Develop Odors

To understand why this trick works, it helps to understand the main cause of refrigerator odors.

The primary factor behind unpleasant smells in the fridge is excess moisture.

Humidity builds up inside refrigerators because:

• Food releases natural moisture.

• Warm air enters each time the door is opened.

• Condensation forms on interior surfaces.

When humidity increases, it creates an environment where odor-causing compounds linger longer. Moisture allows airborne particles to

circulate and settle on surfaces, and it can even encourage mild bacterial growth.

The result is not always obvious spoilage — sometimes it is simply a dull, mixed smell that makes the fridge feel less clean.

Controlling humidity is often more effective than masking odors with fragrance.

How Toilet Paper Helps Reduce Refrigerator Odors

Toilet paper is designed to be highly absorbent. Its structure is porous and soft, allowing it to quickly soak up moisture. That same absorbency

can work inside a refrigerator.

When a roll of clean, unused toilet paper is placed in the fridge, it begins absorbing excess humidity from the air. As moisture levels decrease,

odor particles attached to that moisture are also reduced.

In simple terms:

• Less humidity means fewer lingering smells.

• Absorbing moisture addresses the root cause rather than covering it up.

Unlike air fresheners, toilet paper does not add fragrance. Instead, it helps create a drier environment where unpleasant odors are less likely to

develop or persist.

How to Use Toilet Paper in the Refrigerator

This method requires no preparation and no special materials.

Follow these steps:

1. Take one or two rolls of clean, unused toilet paper.

2. Place them directly inside the refrigerator.

3. Position them in different corners or compartments for better coverage.

4. Close the door and leave them overnight.

5. Remove the rolls the next day.

In many cases, the difference is noticeable within hours. The air inside the fridge feels fresher, and lingering odors are significantly reduced.

This method is:

• Chemical-free

• Safe for households with children and pets

• Inexpensive

• Easy to repeat when needed

Why This Method Works So Well

The key is humidity control.

High moisture levels inside the refrigerator:

• Encourage odor formation.

• Allow smells to circulate and mix.

• Make stale air linger longer.

Toilet paper absorbs moisture quickly and continuously. When moisture decreases, odor molecules have less opportunity to accumulate.

Because it works quietly and passively, it becomes an effortless solution for maintaining freshness between deep cleanings.

An Alternative Option: Newspaper

If toilet paper is not available, old newspaper can serve a similar purpose.

Newspaper is also porous and capable of absorbing moisture and odors.

To use newspaper:

1. Lightly spray the paper with water.

2. Crumple it into loose balls.

3. Place them in corners or compartments of the refrigerator.

The dampened paper helps trap odor particles more effectively. Some people also line refrigerator shelves with newspaper and replace it

weekly to maintain freshness.

Other Effective Ways to Remove Refrigerator Odors

In addition to toilet paper and newspaper, several common household items can help keep your fridge clean and fresh.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most well-known odor absorbers. It neutralizes acidic and basic odor molecules.

Place a small open container with a few tablespoons of baking soda inside the fridge. Replace it every one to two months for continued

effectiveness.

2. Bread

Bread is naturally dry and porous. A small piece placed inside the refrigerator can absorb moisture and mild odors over time.

Replace it once it becomes stale or hardened.

3. Citrus Peels

Orange, tangerine, or lemon peels provide mild odor absorption while releasing a light, pleasant scent.

Wash and dry the peels, place them in a small dish, and leave them in the refrigerator for two to three days.

4. Fresh Lemon Slices

Lemon contains natural oils that help neutralize odors. Place several slices in different compartments of the fridge.

They provide both deodorizing properties and a refreshing aroma.

5. Dried Tea Leaves

Dried tea leaves are effective natural odor absorbers.

Place about 50 grams in a small breathable cloth bag and leave it in the refrigerator. Tea leaves can be reused after drying in sunlight.

6. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds are excellent for absorbing strong smells.

Place them in a small container or cloth bag inside the fridge for up to three weeks. Replace as needed.

Reusing the Toilet Paper

One of the advantages of the toilet paper method is that it can be reused.

After removing the roll from the refrigerator:

• Place it in direct sunlight to dry.

• Allow moisture to evaporate.

• Return it to the fridge if still clean.

This makes the method economical and reduces waste.

The Importance of Regular Cleaning

While these odor-control methods are helpful, they should complement — not replace — regular refrigerator cleaning.

For best results:

• Wipe spills immediately.

• Store strong-smelling foods in airtight containers.

• Check expiration dates weekly.

• Clean shelves and drawers regularly with mild soap and warm water.

Odor control works best when paired with proper maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your refrigerator fresh does not require expensive sprays or harsh chemicals. Many effective solutions are already in your home.

Among them, placing a roll of toilet paper in the fridge stands out for its simplicity. By absorbing excess moisture - the primary cause of

lingering smells - it helps create a cleaner, fresher environment for your food.

Sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest ones. A small change in humidity can make a noticeable difference in air quality.

And occasionally, the answer to a household problem is sitting quietly in your bathroom cabinet all along.