Wait, What? Some People Are Putting Toilet Paper in the Fridge—Here's Why

Renee Hanlon
·4 min read
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Thanks to social media, when someone comes up with an idea—good or bad—it spreads like wildfire. Some of these trends may leave you scratching your head. For example, there seems to be a growing consensus that it's a good idea to put toilet paper in the fridge. Although there are a lot of crazy ideas out there, this hack seems to top them all. Or does it? There actually could be a useful reason for doing it. We'll explain why some people are choosing to put their toilet paper in the refrigerator—and the answer may surprise you.

Even though toilet paper became a valuable commodity during the pandemic, that isn't why people are storing toilet paper in their fridge or freezer like they would cold hard cash. So, what gives? Well, the real reason is all about freshness.

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Why Do Some People Put Toilet Paper in the Fridge?

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Believe it or not, some people are putting toilet paper in the fridge to absorb odors.

According to @smartfoxlifehacks, in the second tip in the video, this is a trick that the hotel industry uses to absorb bad odors. 

(And on another note, one TikTok user swears by using toilet paper as ice packs—keeping things cold on the go for about eight hours.)

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Does It Work?

Yes, it does work! A lot of the nasty smells coming from the refrigerator are from excess moisture that causes mold or mildew. Since toilet paper is very absorbent, it does work to absorb the moisture that contributes to smells.

It does not work as well as baking soda, however. Baking soda not only absorbs moisture but also neutralizes acids that cause odors. So, it's no surprise that some people recommend putting baking soda on toilet paper before placing the TP in the fridge.

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That being said, let's break down the cost difference between just using baking soda vs. using toilet paper.

Baking soda costs about .99/box. Even though you can get inexpensive toilet paper for around .84/roll, you do need to replace it about every three weeks. On the other hand, baking soda lasts for around three months. So, there isn't a cost savings for switching to toilet paper.

Although toilet paper is not the most cost-effective option, the hack is definitely useful for temporary emergency situations. After all, it could be a lifesaver when you realize your refrigerator has just developed a smell and you have guests coming over for dinner.

Tips for Keeping Toilet Paper in the Fridge

If you are going to use toilet paper in the fridge, there are some things to keep in mind for it to be effective.

  • Use a fresh roll - toilet paper rolls need to be switched out every three weeks

  • Don't place the roll next to something that will leak - you'll end up with a mushy mess as the toilet paper sops up the leak

  • Hide the roll at the back of the refrigerator - it's not pleasant to look at a roll of toilet paper next to the food you will be eating

  • Throw away the roll when the time is up in the refrigerator - don't try to reuse the roll in the bathroom as it will be smelly

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Other Ways To Deodorize Your Fridge

1. Baking soda

As already mentioned, baking soda does a fantastic job of absorbing and eliminating refrigerator smells.

2. Black cumin seed oil

When food goes bad and leaves a lingering odor in the fridge, this essential oil will deodorize and refresh. Just mix a few drops of the oil with a tablespoon of dish soap and coat a plastic area of the inside of the refrigerator using more or less of the mixture depending on the severity of the smell. Let it set for about two hours and then wash it off.

3. Activated charcoal

Charcoal also absorbs moisture and comes in the form of a powder, filter or fabric.

4. Vanilla extract

Coat a cotton ball with vanilla and place it in the refrigerator to eliminate bad smells and replace them with a pleasant fragrance.

5. Newspaper

For some of the worst smells, simply use newspaper to get rid of them. Empty the refrigerator and then fill the fridge with crumpled newspaper. Sprinkle a little water on the newspaper. Close the door and let sit for a couple of days.

If you're in the budget for a new refrigerator, you might want to consider one with a UV light purifier. That way you don't need to rely on other means to deodorize your fridge, the solution is built right in! The ultraviolet light destroys bacteria and mold and some also sanitize the inside of the fridge.

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