Nashville, Tennessee – Open refrigerators from downtown Nashville condos to suburban homes in Memphis this spring, and you may notice something unusual sitting beside the sweet tea: a roll of toilet paper.
The household trend has quietly gained traction across Tennessee as spring storms and rising humidity levels create more moisture inside refrigerators. Supporters say placing a fresh, unscented roll inside the fridge helps absorb excess condensation and reduce lingering food odors, especially in older homes common in Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
The idea relies on simple material science. Toilet paper is made from cellulose fibers designed to absorb liquid efficiently. Inside a refrigerator, those fibers can draw in condensation caused by frequent door openings and temperature swings — common during Tennessee’s cool mornings and warm, stormy afternoons.
Food safety experts caution that the method offers only temporary benefits. Once the roll becomes damp, it can trap bacteria rather than prevent it. Specialists recommend replacing it regularly and keeping it away from uncovered food. Scented or dyed varieties should not be stored near groceries.
Long-term odor control methods such as baking soda, activated charcoal and routine refrigerator cleaning remain more effective, particularly during humid stretches across Middle and West Tennessee.
For households from the Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, the toilet paper trick may offer a short-term freshness boost this spring, but consistent cleaning and proper food storage remain the most reliable solution.
