People are putting toilet paper in their fridge and once you learn why — you might want to try it too

At the core of TikTok’s foundation are ingenious but strange hacks that always have viewers on their toes. In the latest episode, the internet saw the rise of a new trend– people are now keeping toilet paper rolls in their refrigerators. As awry as that may sound, there is a solid reason behind the hack, and people are swearing by it. TikTok is overflowing with videos of the hack apparently followed by hotels for a specific purpose related to foul odors. A TikTok video shared by @smartfoxlifehacks promoted the crazy hack for kitchen hygiene explaining that toilet paper prevents bad smells from accumulating inside the fridge due to its absorbent nature. 

The creator emphasized that the roll be taken directly from the packaging and placed inside the fridge with all the stored food items. The roll should be then changed every three to four weeks with a new one. “The toiler paper roll absorbs odors. So it no longer stinks in your fridge,” he said. The viral hack was met with a mix of reactions from netizens. A curious person (@savannahslay22) pondered, “I can just imagine someone comes over and opens the fridge, 'Why is there toilet paper in the fridge?'” while another critic (@crocks205) said, “Why don't you just simply clean your fridge???” “So that runs about 3 dollars a tool now I'll stick to 75-cent baking soda,” someone else (@redcinamm7) wrote.

Most of the comments suggested using baking soda as a cheaper and more useful option rather than a toilet paper roll. Not so convincing after all. Similarly, another TikTok creator (@ezwanyibackup) demonstrated the hack by placing a roll into the fridge but with a twist. They added a mixture of baking soda and water to the top surface of the roll, claiming the trick would “neutralize all the smell and moisture that messes up your fridge.”

This will further help the food to stay fresh and tasty for a longer duration than usual, the video claimed. According to a report by House Digest, food items, when stored for longer, release tiny molecules causing a foul smell. Even though the fridge has a lower temperature that likely preserves the food, it does not eliminate humidity. Therefore, the damp environment combined with food components like sugar, protein, and microorganisms gives way to the scent that consumes your fridge. Enter, the magic of toilet paper rolls!

As mentioned above, toilet papers are designed to absorb directly and indirectly, meaning it pulls in the scent particles from the fridge allowing a fresh flow of air. However, it is advised not to use any rolls placed in the bathroom as germs and fecal particles in it may also contaminate the fridge. But the vice versa would cause no harm. To really amp up the absorbing potential, a baking soda paste added to the roll can go a long way as its alkaline nature will tackle the “acidic odors” specifically. The hack can also be applied to closets and basements or areas susceptible to stinks. If the idea of a toilet paper roll sitting beside your favorite dessert bothers you, try investing in a store-bought fridge deodorizer that will just do the trick, at a higher cost though. 

You can follow @smartfoxlifehacks, and @ezwanyibackup on TikTok for more videos.