At first glance, this might sound like a bad joke or sheer forgetfulness, but it’s actually a rather clever (if unusual) household trick.
Here’s the explanation for why some people store their toilet paper between the cheese and yogurt:
The ultimate odor eliminator
Toilet paper is extremely porous and absorbent. In the fridge, the roll acts like a sponge for excess moisture and—more importantly—unpleasant odors.
Instead of buying expensive special filters, the paper absorbs the fumes from onions, fish, or ripe cheese.
Pro tip: Some people also sprinkle a mixture of water and baking soda on the edges of the roll to enhance the effect.
Humidity regulation
An overly humid environment in the fridge causes vegetables to mold faster and leads to ice buildup on the back wall. The paper fibers absorb excess humidity and keep the microclimate inside drier, which can slightly extend the shelf life of some foods.
Things to keep in mind
Before you raid the guest bathroom, here are a few “rules of the game”:
Only unscented: Never use scented paper or paper with colorful prints. You don’t want the chemicals and fragrances on your food
Change it regularly: As soon as the roll looks damp or gray, it has served its purpose and should be disposed of (don’t use it again!).
Aesthetic factor: It certainly looks a bit odd when guests open the refrigerator. Alternatively, a bowl of coffee grounds or baking soda serves the same purpose without raising any eyebrows.
Conclusion: It’s not a myth, but functional physics. Whether you like the sight of a toilet roll next to the butter, however, is a matter of taste!
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