Putting a roll of toilet paper inside the refrigerator may sound bizarre, but some people swear by the unusual household trick. The idea is that the paper can help absorb excess moisture and may reduce some of the musty odors that occasionally develop inside a refrigerator, especially after thorough cleaning fails to eliminate the smell.

Because toilet paper is highly absorbent, it can soak up a small amount of humidity inside the fridge. Excess moisture can contribute to conditions that encourage mold and bacteria, which may produce unpleasant odors. While a roll of toilet paper is certainly not a substitute for proper cleaning, it may offer a simple way to help manage moisture.

Trying the trick is inexpensive and requires little effort. A clean roll can be placed on a shelf or another suitable spot inside the refrigerator and replaced when it becomes noticeably damp or starts to absorb odors. The concept is similar to using paper towels in produce drawers to help control moisture around fruits and vegetables.

For persistent refrigerator odors, baking soda may be a more established option. It can help neutralize unpleasant smells, while toilet paper primarily serves as an absorbent material. However, neither method should replace cleaning the refrigerator and checking for spoiled food, spills, mold, or other potential sources of the odor.

A toilet paper roll beside your food may look strange, but the trick is certainly easy enough to understand and try. Still, if your refrigerator has a strong or persistent smell, investigate the cause rather than simply covering it up. Sometimes an unusual odor can point to spoiled food, mold, or a maintenance issue that needs attention.