I know this sounds ridiculous—putting toilet paper in the fridge. But surprisingly, some people use this simple trick to help deal with unpleasant refrigerator odors and excess moisture. The idea became interesting after a fridge continued smelling musty even after it had been completely cleaned. The problem seemed to come from the refrigerator itself rather than spoiled food.

Toilet paper is highly absorbent, so a clean roll can help soak up some of the excess humidity inside the fridge. Too much moisture can contribute to the growth of mold and bacteria, which may create unpleasant smells. The toilet paper won’t magically remove every odor, but reducing moisture may help keep the refrigerator smelling fresher.

The trick is also inexpensive and requires no special deodorizer. Simply place a clean roll somewhere inside the refrigerator and replace it once it becomes damp or starts absorbing odors. It may sound strange, but the basic idea is similar to using paper towels in produce drawers to control moisture and help food stay fresher.

For stronger smells, baking soda can be added to the process. Baking soda is commonly used to absorb refrigerator odors, while toilet paper mainly helps with moisture. Together, they may provide a simple way to tackle both problems without relying on additional chemicals or plastic products.

It certainly isn’t the most attractive thing to see in a refrigerator, and a roll of toilet paper sitting beside your food may look completely out of place. Still, the trick is cheap and easy enough to try. As the original article puts it, “Weird hack, but… kinda genius.” Just remember that a strong or persistent refrigerator odor can also indicate spoiled food, mold, or a maintenance problem, so cleaning the fridge should always come first.