Many people spend millions of dong each year cleaning and deodorizing their refrigerators, while in fact, just a single roll of paper can solve the problem easily and effectively.

The refrigerator is an essential household appliance, but it often comes with the unpleasant issue of bad odors. Many families spend large sums annually on cleaning or deodorizing services, though the truth is, a simple roll of paper can do wonders.

Why does the refrigerator often smell?

The fridge always contains many types of food: raw meat and fish, vegetables, cooked dishes, and drinks. This mixture easily creates unpleasant odors. When these smells build up over time, they not only affect the flavor of food but also create conditions for bacteria to grow, potentially harming health.

Many households turn to specialized deodorizing products or hire professional cleaning services. However, these solutions are often costly, time-consuming, and not always effective in the long term.

A simple trick with one roll of paper

Instead of spending money on expensive products, simply place a roll of toilet paper inside the refrigerator and you’ll quickly notice the difference. Paper naturally absorbs moisture and odors, effectively “locking in” odor molecules and preventing them from spreading through the air.

After a few days, the fridge odor will almost disappear, leaving the air fresh and pleasant again. One roll of paper can last from several weeks to a few months, depending on how often the fridge is used—saving a significant amount of money compared to buying deodorizing products.

Double benefits of using toilet paper

This little trick is both economical and sustainable. When the roll has absorbed enough moisture and odor, you can dry it under the sun or spray it with disinfectant to reuse. Used paper can also be repurposed for cleaning tables, stairs, the kitchen, or other less important surfaces—an intelligent way to reduce waste.

Beyond deodorizing, paper can also help in other situations. For instance, if the freezer develops a layer of frost, you can spread a thin layer of cooking oil over the surface and then wipe it clean with toilet paper after the ice forms. This method is quick, tidy, and requires little effort.

Other paper-related refrigerator hacks

• Remove dust and static: Dampen some toilet paper, place it in the fridge for a few minutes, then use it to wipe phone screens or keyboards. Its moisture absorption helps remove dust and static effectively.

• Reduce odors when storing food: Place a layer of paper under leftover food in containers to absorb excess moisture and prevent unpleasant smells.

Natural alternatives

If you don’t have paper, you can still use simple, natural ingredients available at home:

• Used coffee grounds: After brewing, put the grounds in a small cloth bag and place it in the fridge. Within hours, odors will noticeably decrease.

• Dry bread: Bread absorbs moisture and smells well. Place a small piece in the fridge for about a month of freshness.

• Vinegar: Leave an open jar of vinegar inside; it will neutralize odors and freshen the air.

• Lemon and salt: Wipe refrigerator surfaces with a mixture of lemon and salt—the natural citrus oil leaves a long-lasting fresh scent.

Tips for keeping your refrigerator clean and durable

Deodorizing is just one step; proper food storage habits are even more important. You should:

• Wrap meat and fish tightly before placing them in the fridge.

• Regularly check for expired or spoiled food and remove it promptly.

• Clean the fridge periodically using a soft cloth and natural solutions like lemon or baking soda.

These small habits not only keep your refrigerator fresh and hygienic but also extend its lifespan and improve energy efficiency.