Social media never fails to introduce us to bizarre yet intriguing life hacks, and this time, TikTok has sparked a discussion around a rather unusual one: keeping toilet paper in the refrigerator.

At first glance, this might sound like a joke or a misunderstanding. After all, toilet paper is something we typically associate with bathrooms, not kitchens. However, as more and more TikTok users are demonstrating, this unexpected trick might actually serve a practical purpose.

How Did This Trend Start?

TikTok has become the go-to platform for innovative, unusual, and sometimes eyebrow-raising hacks. The toilet paper in the fridge hack first surfaced on the app with users claiming that it’s an effective way to absorb excess moisture and eliminate bad odors.

Toilet paper in the fridge is a new TikTok hack (**Getty Stock Photo**)

While this method might seem unconventional, it actually aligns with basic principles of odor absorption—something we’ve seen with other household products like baking soda and activated charcoal.

But does it really work? And more importantly, is it safe? Let’s break it down.

How Does Putting Toilet Paper in the Fridge Work?

To understand the logic behind this unconventional hack, let’s break down what happens inside your fridge:

1. Absorbs Excess Moisture

Refrigerators naturally have some level of humidity, which can cause condensation. If you’ve ever noticed water droplets inside your fridge, this is a sign of excess moisture buildup. When moisture lingers too long, it can lead to mold, mildew, and bacterial growth.

Toilet paper is highly absorbent, meaning it can soak up some of this excess moisture and help maintain a drier environment inside your fridge.

2. Neutralizes Odors

Strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, fish, and spoiled milk can leave unpleasant odors behind. Toilet paper absorbs some of these odor-causing particles, making your fridge smell fresher.

3. Acts as a Low-Cost Alternative to Deodorizers

Many people use baking soda or activated charcoal to eliminate fridge odors. However, these products need to be replaced every few months. Toilet paper is cheaper, and most households already have it on hand.

But Does It Work as Well as Other Methods?

While toilet paper absorbs some moisture and odors, it’s not as powerful as baking soda or charcoal. It’s a temporary fix, but it won’t fully eliminate strong odors or sanitize your fridge.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Toilet Paper in the Fridge

If you’re interested in trying this TikTok hack, follow these steps to do it safely and effectively:

1. Use a Fresh, Unused Toilet Roll

Make sure the toilet paper is brand new. A used roll might contain germs and bacteria, which you definitely don’t want near your food.

2. Choose a Strategic Placement

Place the roll at the back of the fridge to absorb moisture without being in the way.
Avoid placing it near liquids, as it could become soggy.

3. Replace the Roll Regularly

Change the roll every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent bacterial growth.
If the roll becomes damp too quickly, consider using baking soda instead.

Is This Hack Hygienic?

One of the biggest concerns about this trend is hygiene. After all, placing toilet paper near your food doesn’t feel entirely sanitary. While the roll itself is clean when it comes out of the packaging, moisture and bacteria inside your fridge could make it a potential breeding ground for germs over time.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind before trying this method:

DO NOT reuse the toilet paper for its original purpose—once it’s been in the fridge, throw it away. Even though it might still look clean, it could have absorbed airborne bacteria and microscopic food particles from the fridge.
Keep it dry—if the roll becomes damp, it’s no longer effective and could harbor mold or bacteria. This is especially true in older refrigerators that might have excess condensation due to faulty seals or temperature fluctuations.
Use a food-safe storage method—instead of placing the roll directly on a shelf, consider putting it inside a clean, breathable container to reduce direct exposure to bacteria from food items.
Avoid placing it near raw foods—keeping toilet paper near raw meat, seafood, or unwashed vegetables increases the risk of cross-contamination. Even though you’re not eating the toilet paper, bacteria from these foods could spread through the fridge and land on other surfaces.
Change the roll frequently—a roll sitting in your fridge for too long could become a hidden source of bacteria rather than an odor solution. To stay safe, replace it every 3 to 4 weeks, or sooner if you notice any dampness or strange smells.
Fridge cleanliness matters—if your fridge isn’t regularly cleaned, the toilet paper trick won’t be very effective. Make sure to wipe down shelves and bins at least once a month with a food-safe cleaner to prevent bacteria buildup.

There are other ways to absorb fridge odours (**Getty Stock Photo**)

While toilet paper is not inherently unsanitary, it’s still not the best long-term solution for fridge odor control. If you’re concerned about hygiene, you might be better off using baking soda or activated charcoal—both of which are food-safe and scientifically proven to absorb odors more effectively.

Does This Method Have Any Drawbacks?

While many TikTok users swear by this trick, there are a few downsides to consider:

It Takes Up Space
A standard toilet roll isn’t exactly small, and if you have a packed fridge, it might not be the most convenient solution.
It’s Not as Effective as Other Options
While toilet paper can absorb some moisture and odor, other options, like baking soda or activated charcoal, are likely to be more effective in the long run.
Potential for Bacteria Growth
If left too long in a damp fridge, toilet paper could start to break down, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Regular replacement is essential.

Alternative Ways to Keep Your Fridge Fresh

If the idea of keeping toilet paper in your fridge doesn’t sit well with you, there are plenty of other tried-and-true methods for odor control:

Baking Soda
A small open container of baking soda can help neutralize odors. Change it out every 1-2 months for best results. (Learn more about how baking soda works)
Activated Charcoal
Available in both powder and fabric form, activated charcoal is excellent at absorbing odors and moisture. You can find small charcoal bags specifically designed for refrigerators. (Check out this activated charcoal option)
Coffee Grounds
Placing used coffee grounds in an open container inside your fridge can help absorb unwanted smells while adding a subtle coffee scent.
Lemon and Vinegar
A bowl of vinegar or slices of fresh lemon can help combat fridge odors naturally. Just be sure to replace them every few days. (Here’s why vinegar is great for cleaning)

Social Media’s Reaction to This Trend

As with many viral hacks, the response to this trend on social media has been mixed.

Some users claim it has worked wonders, saying their fridge smells noticeably fresher after using toilet paper.
Others are skeptical, questioning the hygiene and effectiveness compared to traditional methods like baking soda.
A few people have simply found the idea funny—suggesting that if nothing else, it’s a conversation starter when guests spot a toilet roll in the fridge.

On Twitter, one user humorously tweeted:
“Just opened my friend’s fridge and saw toilet paper sitting there. Either he’s a genius or I should be concerned.”

Meanwhile, on TikTok, some users have started testing the hack for themselves, with videos racking up millions of views under hashtags like #ToiletPaperHack and #FridgeHack.

Final Verdict: Should You Try It?

So, is this TikTok trend worth trying?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, temporary fix for fridge odors, it might be worth an experiment. Just remember to use a fresh roll, keep it dry, and replace it regularly.

However, if you want a long-term, space-saving solution, alternatives like baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds are likely to be more effective and hygienic.

Would you try putting toilet paper in your fridge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images