The refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. And why not, from dairy to cheese and veggies to meat, it keeps it all fresh and improves their shelf lives. But while playing these roles, it is also exposed to a lot of odour and excessive moisture. All of this has exposed people to one unusual household hack, where they put something far less appetising inside it: a roll of toilet paper. supporters of the trick claim that keeping toilet paper in the fridge can help with unpleasant smells and moisture While it may sound bizarre at first. But does it really work, or is it simply another internet trend that sounds more useful than it actually is? Let us find out.
It can but only to a small extent, according to experts. While using this hack it is also important to keep the roll clean and away from raw meat, leaking containers and other potential sources of contamination, according to experts. The science is mostly about absorption and adsorption . First, it is worth knowing that most of the toilet paper is made of cellulose fibers. The fibers have many microscopic holes, which can trap water, so the paper can absorb moisture from its environment. And in the fridge, excess moisture can be caused by uncovered food, condensation and humid air that gets in every time the door is opened.A roll of toilet paper has a lot of paper exposed to the air so some of that moisture can be captured. It is found that if your refrigerator has a mild musty smell, a roll of toilet paper may absorb some moisture that contributes to the problem. However, persistent odours are often caused by spilled food, dirty shelves or bacteria growing in hidden areas and these can only be removed by proper cleaning and sanitization of the fridge. If you leave the roll in the refrigerator for an extended period, it can gradually absorb moisture from the environment. And with time, the paper may become slightly damp or lose its crisp texture. The toilet paper itself does not chemically neutralise most odour-causing molecules; its main potential benefit comes from its absorbent structure. If the roll becomes noticeably damp, it should be replaced and kept away from food or liquids to avoid contamination. Well, if you are up for some experimentation and have some extra tissue rolls at home, you may give it a try. But there are more effective options available. Baking soda, for example, is commonly used to help control refrigerator odours, while activated-carbon products are specifically designed to trap odour-causing molecules. It is a smart alternative, but should not be replaced with regular deep-cleaning and maintenance, as per the user manual.