You’ve probably seen the viral tip: “Put a roll of toilet paper in the fridge to eliminate odors.”
Does it work?
A little—but not in the way many posts claim.
Toilet paper is absorbent, so a roll placed in the refrigerator can absorb some moisture and a small amount of odor-causing compounds from the air. However, it’s generally much less effective than finding and removing the source of the smell.
Why refrigerators smell
Common causes include:
- Spoiled food
- Leaking containers
- Forgotten produce
- Spills in drawers or shelves
- Strong-smelling foods such as onions, fish, or certain cheeses
Better ways to freshen a fridge
- Discard expired or spoiled food.
- Clean shelves and drawers regularly.
- Store strong-smelling foods in airtight containers.
- Use an open box of Baking Soda, which is specifically known for helping neutralize odors rather than just absorbing moisture.
What about the toilet paper trick?
If you try it, don’t expect dramatic results. The roll may absorb some humidity and mild odors, but it won’t:
- Kill bacteria
- Prevent food spoilage
- Remove the source of unpleasant smells
In other words, it’s a harmless household hack, but cleaning the fridge and removing spoiled food will usually make a much bigger difference than sacrificing a roll of toilet paper.
