It sounds ridiculous, until you learn why people do it. A roll of toilet paper in the fridge?

A roll of toilet paper belongs in the bathroom—or at least that's what most people would assume. But scroll through TikTok, Facebook, or home-cleaning forums, and you'll find thousands of people placing a fresh roll inside their refrigerator instead. At first glance, it looks like another internet prank. Yet the trend has sparked genuine curiosity because it claims to solve one of the most common kitchen frustrations: lingering refrigerator odors.

Unlike many viral cleaning hacks that promise dramatic results, this one has a simple explanation. Supporters say toilet paper helps absorb excess moisture inside the refrigerator. Since moisture can contribute to stale smells, reducing humidity may make the appliance smell fresher. Cleaning experts say there's some truth to that idea, but they also caution that the hack has clear limitations.

The trend has gained attention because it's inexpensive and easy to try. Almost every household already has toilet paper, so people don't need to buy a special deodorizer or cleaning product. Videos showing a toilet paper roll sitting beside groceries have attracted millions of views, encouraging others to test whether the trick actually works.

Why do people put toilet paper in the refrigerator?

The answer comes down to moisture. Refrigerators naturally collect humidity every day. Fresh fruits and vegetables release moisture, warm food adds condensation as it cools, and opening the refrigerator door allows warm air from the kitchen to enter. When that warm air cools, condensation forms inside the appliance.

Toilet paper is designed to absorb liquid quickly. Supporters of the hack believe that placing a clean, unused roll in the refrigerator allows it to absorb some of that excess moisture over time.

While toilet paper isn't designed specifically for refrigerators, the material is highly absorbent. That's why some people report that their refrigerator smells slightly fresher after leaving a roll inside for several days.

Cleaning specialists interviewed by home and lifestyle publications have noted that reducing humidity can sometimes lessen mild odors because moisture allows smells to linger longer. However, they also emphasize that the toilet paper itself does not neutralize odor-causing compounds.

Does the science actually support the viral claim?

Only partly. Experts generally agree that dry paper products can absorb moisture from the surrounding air. In that sense, the basic idea behind the hack is reasonable.

However, absorbing moisture is not the same as removing odors. If unpleasant smells come from spoiled leftovers, leaking food containers, expired produce, or spills hidden beneath drawers, toilet paper cannot eliminate those sources. The odors will continue until the food is removed and the refrigerator is cleaned.

This is why professional cleaning experts often recommend baking soda for odor control instead. Baking soda helps neutralize certain odor-causing compounds, whereas toilet paper mainly absorbs moisture.

That doesn't necessarily mean the refrigerator hack is useless. In a relatively clean refrigerator with only mild stale odors, lowering humidity may make the interior smell slightly fresher. But expectations should remain realistic. The hack is better viewed as a temporary moisture absorber than a substitute for routine cleaning.

How should you try the toilet paper fridge hack?

If you're curious enough to test the trend, experts recommend keeping the process simple. Use only a brand-new, unused roll of toilet paper. Place it toward the back of the refrigerator where it won't come into contact with food, liquids, or raw ingredients. If the roll becomes damp after sitting in the refrigerator for a while, replace it with a fresh one rather than returning it to the bathroom.

The most important rule is hygiene. Once a roll has been stored inside the refrigerator, it should not be used for personal hygiene later. Treat it as a household item dedicated to the refrigerator.

It's also worth remembering that every refrigerator is different. A newer appliance with good temperature control and proper airflow may not show much difference, while an older refrigerator with more moisture buildup could produce slightly more noticeable results.

Why do refrigerator odors keep coming back?

Many unpleasant refrigerator smells have nothing to do with humidity alone. Food naturally releases odors as it ages, especially dairy products, seafood, cooked leftovers, onions, garlic, and certain vegetables. If containers are not sealed properly, those smells can spread throughout the refrigerator. Small spills hidden beneath shelves or inside produce drawers can also create odors that become stronger over time.

Opening the refrigerator frequently allows warm, humid kitchen air to enter. That moisture mixes with existing food odors, making them seem more noticeable. While an absorbent material like toilet paper may reduce some moisture, it cannot stop food from spoiling or remove bacteria that develop on forgotten spills.

For that reason, cleaning professionals consistently recommend finding the source of the smell instead of relying only on products or viral hacks designed to mask it.

What works better than the viral hack?

Experts generally agree that regular maintenance remains the most effective way to keep a refrigerator smelling fresh.

A few simple habits can prevent odors before they become a problem:

• Check the refrigerator every week and throw away expired food.
• Store leftovers in tightly sealed containers to prevent smells from spreading.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen instead of waiting until cleaning day.
• Wash removable shelves and drawers regularly using warm water and mild dish soap.
• Keep an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator and replace it periodically according to the manufacturer's guidance.

These practices address the actual causes of odors rather than simply reducing moisture inside the appliance.

Is the toilet paper hack worth trying?

The answer depends on your expectations. If you're looking for a free experiment that may absorb a small amount of moisture, placing a clean roll of toilet paper in the refrigerator is unlikely to cause any harm. Some households may notice a slight improvement in mild stale odors, particularly if excess humidity is contributing to the problem.

But if your refrigerator has a strong or persistent smell, the hack is unlikely to deliver dramatic results. Cleaning experts continue to stress that spoiled food, hidden spills, and poor food storage are far more common causes of unpleasant odors than moisture alone.

The viral refrigerator trick is best viewed as a minor household experiment—not a replacement for good cleaning habits. A well-maintained refrigerator, regular food checks, and proper storage remain the most reliable ways to keep your kitchen smelling fresh long after the latest internet trend fades.