Keeping paper towels in fridge: Why this kitchen hack is gaining attention and what it actually does

Keeping a refrigerator organised can be surprisingly difficult. Bottles, jars, sauces and packets often end up crowding the door shelves, while small spills and condensation can leave the area messy.

One simple household trick doing the rounds online involves placing a paper towel roll inside the fridge door. While it is not a magical solution for creating more storage space, using paper towels strategically can make cleaning and organising the refrigerator easier.

Read more: 'Ajit Doval’s undercover agent': Man posing as an IAS officer arrested; police seize Tesla, 31 litres of imported liquor and barasingha horns

Why put a paper towel roll in the fridge door?

The main idea behind this fridge hack is convenience. A paper towel roll kept in an accessible part of the refrigerator can be used to quickly wipe up small spills, condensation or sticky residue without having to search for cleaning supplies.

This can be particularly useful in the fridge door, where bottles and containers are frequently removed and replaced.

However, the roll should be positioned securely so that it does not fall onto food or interfere with the door closing properly.

Can paper towels absorb moisture in the fridge?

Paper towels are designed to absorb liquid, so they can help deal with small amounts of moisture. If condensation collects around bottles or on removable shelves, a paper towel can quickly soak it up.

That said, a paper towel roll will not significantly reduce humidity throughout the refrigerator. Persistent condensation or excess moisture can indicate that the fridge temperature, door seal or airflow needs checking.

So, this hack is better viewed as a cleaning convenience rather than a method of controlling refrigerator humidity.

Does the paper towel hack create more fridge space?

Not really. Putting a paper towel roll inside the door does not increase the refrigerator's actual storage capacity.

Instead, the trick can encourage better organisation because paper towels are readily available for cleaning small spills. Keeping the fridge clean can also make it easier to see which items are taking up unnecessary space.

For additional storage, it is more effective to use appropriately sized containers and make full use of the shelves and door compartments without overcrowding them.

How to use the paper towel roll in a fridge

If you want to try the hack, keep the paper towel roll in a dry, secure location inside the refrigerator door or another suitable area.

Avoid placing it directly next to uncovered food or where it could become wet and fall apart. It should also not block the door shelf, ventilation openings or the refrigerator's closing mechanism.

You can then tear off a sheet whenever you need to wipe a small spill or clean condensation.

Paper towel under food in the fridge

Some people place a paper towel roll underneath food containers, vegetables or other items in the refrigerator to help deal with small amounts of moisture. The paper can absorb minor drips and condensation, helping keep the area underneath the items drier.

The trick can be particularly useful for items that release moisture or for containers that occasionally leak. However, a paper towel should not be used as a substitute for proper food storage. Wet or soiled paper towels should be removed and replaced promptly to maintain good hygiene.

It is also important not to block the refrigerator's air vents with food or paper towels, as proper airflow is needed to maintain an even temperature inside the appliance.

What you should not use paper towels for

Paper towels are useful for quick clean-ups, but they are not a substitute for proper refrigerator cleaning.

For larger spills, remove the affected food and clean the surface thoroughly. The refrigerator should also be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If a paper towel becomes soaked, dirty or starts breaking apart, replace it rather than leaving it inside the refrigerator.

Is the paper towel roll fridge hack worth trying?

The paper towel roll fridge hack is a simple idea, but its benefits are mostly about convenience and quick cleaning rather than increasing storage space or improving the refrigerator's performance.

If your fridge door frequently develops small spills or condensation, keeping paper towels nearby can save time. Just remember that persistent moisture, unusual temperature changes or repeated condensation should be investigated rather than covered up with a paper towel.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The paper towel roll fridge hack is a household storage and cleaning tip and may not be suitable for every refrigerator. Always follow your refrigerator manufacturer's care and storage instructions.