The refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in every household. It helps preserve food, reduce waste, and keep meals fresh for days or even weeks. However, because a refrigerator stores many different types of food - raw ingredients, cooked dishes, fruits, vegetables, and leftovers - it is also very prone to developing unpleasant odors.

Over time, these odors can linger, mix together, and even be absorbed by other foods, affecting both taste and hygiene. If left unaddressed, a smelly refrigerator can become an ongoing nuisance and may raise concerns about food safety.

In addition to regular cleaning, there is a surprisingly simple and effective household trick that many people swear by: placing one or two rolls of toilet paper inside the fridge.

How Toilet Paper Helps Eliminate Refrigerator Odors

Toilet paper may seem like an unusual solution, but it works for a very practical reason. Toilet paper is designed to be highly absorbent. Its porous structure allows it to soak up moisture efficiently, and moisture is one of the main causes of unpleasant refrigerator smells.

Odors in the fridge often develop when excess humidity allows bacteria and odor-causing compounds to build up. When a roll of toilet paper is placed inside the refrigerator, it absorbs the extra moisture in the air. As the moisture is absorbed, the odor molecules attached to it are also reduced.

How to Use Toilet Paper to Remove Fridge Odors

Using this method is simple and requires no special preparation:

1. Place one or two rolls of clean, unused toilet paper directly into the refrigerator.

2. Position the rolls in different compartments or corners for better coverage.

3. Close the refrigerator door and leave the rolls inside overnight.

4. The next morning, open the fridge and remove the toilet paper.

In most cases, the unpleasant smell will be noticeably reduced or completely gone. The toilet paper will have absorbed both moisture and odor from the air.

This method is safe, inexpensive, and requires no chemicals, making it an excellent option for households with children or pets.

Why This Method Works So Well

The effectiveness of toilet paper comes down to one key factor: humidity control.

• High humidity inside the fridge encourages odor formation.

• Toilet paper absorbs moisture quickly and continuously.

• Reduced moisture leads to fewer lingering smells.

While toilet paper does not add fragrance, it neutralizes odors at the source rather than masking them.

An Alternative: Using Newspaper

If you prefer not to use toilet paper, old newspaper can work in a similar way.

How to use newspaper:

• Lightly spray the newspaper with water.

• Crumple it into small balls.

• Place the balls in the corners of the refrigerator.

The damp newspaper absorbs odors effectively. You can 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 smelling clean and fresh.

1. Bread

Bread is dry and porous, allowing it to absorb moisture and odors naturally. Place a small piece of bread in the fridge, and it can help remove smells for up to one month. Replace it once it becomes hard or stale.

2. Orange or Tangerine Peels

Citrus peels not only absorb odors but also leave behind a light, pleasant scent. Wash and dry the peels, then place them in small bowls in the fridge. After two to three days, they will help neutralize unwanted smells.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most effective odor absorbers available. Place a few tablespoons in an open container or shallow plate and leave it in the refrigerator. Replace the baking soda every one to two months for best results.

4. Fresh Lemons

Slice fresh lemons and place them in different compartments of the fridge. The natural oils in lemons help neutralize odors while adding a clean, refreshing scent.

5. Dried Tea Leaves

Put about 50 grams of dried tea leaves into a small cloth bag and place it in the fridge. Tea naturally absorbs odors and can be reused for about a month. Afterward, dry the leaves in sunlight and use them again.

6. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds are excellent at absorbing strong odors. Place them in a small cup or cloth bag and leave them in the fridge for up to three weeks. Replace with fresh grounds when the smell returns.

Reusing Toilet Paper for Continued Odor Control

Toilet paper used in the fridge does not need to be discarded immediately. You can:

• Take it out

• Dry it under sunlight

• Place it back in the fridge

This makes the method even more economical and environmentally friendly.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your refrigerator odor-free does not require expensive products or harsh chemicals. Simple household items like toilet paper, newspaper, bread, citrus peels, and baking soda can be surprisingly effective.

Among these methods, placing a roll of toilet paper in the fridge stands out because it is quick, safe, affordable, and easy to implement. By reducing moisture - the root cause of most fridge odors - it helps maintain a cleaner, fresher storage environment for your food.

Sometimes, the simplest solutions really are the most effective.