Why do smart homemakers keep toilet paper in the refrigerator?
A strange habit, but extremely useful!

Putting a roll of toilet paper in the fridge is a simple trick that helps keep the fridge dry, odor-free, and improves food preservation.

The fridge stores all kinds of foods — vegetables, meat, fish, cooked dishes, and drinks. However, keeping so many different foods in one closed space often leads to two common problems: unpleasant odors and high humidity.

There are many natural ways to deodorize the fridge, such as using coffee grounds, citrus peels, or activated charcoal. However, none of these are as readily available as toilet paper.

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Why putting toilet paper in the fridge works

To understand why you should place a roll of toilet paper in the fridge, look at its structure and properties. Toilet paper is made from wood pulp, with a porous texture and excellent absorbency. These characteristics make it an effective deodorizer and moisture absorber.

The cellulose fibers in toilet paper allow it to absorb and retain large amounts of moisture from the air. In a high-humidity environment like a refrigerator, the roll quickly soaks up excess moisture, keeping the air inside drier. This helps limit bacterial and mold growth, improves food preservation, and prevents vegetables from becoming soggy.

Toilet paper not only absorbs moisture but also traps odor-causing molecules in its porous structure, significantly reducing unpleasant smells.

It’s an extremely inexpensive and easy solution. You can replace the roll regularly to maintain optimal effectiveness.

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How to maximize this fridge trick

• Add essential oils to the roll:
  Put a few drops of natural essential oils (lemon, mint, orange, grapefruit, or lemongrass) onto the core or surface of the roll. This not only freshens the fridge but also adds mild antibacterial benefits. Choose pure essential oils — avoid synthetic ones that may cause odd smells or be unsafe for food.

• Place it in the right spot:
  Keep the roll in an unused corner of the fridge or in the bottom drawer (usually the most humid area). Make sure it doesn’t touch food directly. Avoid placing it near the ventilation fan or in very cramped spaces.

• Replace regularly:
  The roll will eventually become saturated with moisture and odors. Replace it every 1–2 weeks, or sooner if the fridge smells again or the roll becomes damp and soft. After removing it, you can still reuse the dry parts for cleaning around the house.

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Notes when using this trick

Although storing toilet paper in the fridge is helpful, it’s not the only solution. To keep your fridge clean, dry, and odor-free, combine it with basic cleaning and food-storage practices:

• Clean the fridge regularly:
  Wipe and disinfect it at least once a month using warm water mixed with baking soda or white vinegar to remove stains and accumulated odors.

• Store food properly:
  Always cover leftovers, raw meat, and fish in airtight containers or wrap them properly to prevent odor transfer and cross-contamination. Organize food neatly to avoid overcrowding, which can block airflow.

You can also use additional natural deodorizers such as coffee grounds, citrus peels, activated charcoal, or baking soda to enhance odor control.