Placing an unwrapped roll of toilet paper in the refrigerator is a popular internet life hack (and a long-time trick used in some professional kitchens) meant to act as a budget-friendly substitute for a box of baking soda.
Here is why people do it and how it actually works:
1. Absorbing Unpleasant Food Odors
Because toilet paper is made of highly porous cellulose fibers, it acts like a sponge. When placed on a fridge shelf, the paper traps volatile organic compounds and airborne odor molecules—such as those from strong cheeses, onions, leftovers, or fish.
2. Controlling Excess Moisture
Refrigerators frequently experience humidity fluctuations, which can lead to condensation or moisture buildup that causes produce to spoil faster and encourages mildew. A dry roll of toilet paper helps soak up some of that ambient moisture, keeping the interior environment slightly drier.
Does It Actually Work?
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Yes, but temporarily: It does work to an extent for mild-to-moderate odors, but it is not a heavy-duty fix. Baking soda chemically neutralizes acids, whereas toilet paper only traps odor molecules physically, meaning it loses effectiveness much faster.
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The Catch: A roll in the fridge usually needs to be swapped out every 3 to 4 weeks because it will eventually saturate with moisture and smells.
Rules for Trying the Hack
If you want to test it out, keep these ground rules in mind:
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Always use a brand-new, clean roll straight out of the packaging (never use a roll that has spent time in an actual bathroom for hygienic reasons).
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Remove the plastic wrapper entirely so the air can circulate through the porous paper.
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Keep it away from liquids or direct splashes.
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Zero waste tip: Once the roll has served its time in the fridge absorbing moisture and air, you can just move it to the bathroom and use it normally (as long as it stayed clean and dry on the inside!).
